Report: Deputy PM sees Russia’s 2023 GDP unchanged

MOSCOW, Dec 27 (PRIME) -- Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov expects Russia's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 to be “around zero”, the official told Rossiya 24 TV channel in an interview on Tuesday.

“Of course, next year we will not be able to show 3% (GDP growth), most likely it will be lower. I think it will be about zero. The forecast we have now is about minus 1%, a little less,” he said.

The coming year will be much easier for the Russian economy than 2022, as the government does not see any critical problems, he also said.

Inflation in Russia in 2023, most likely, will be below the Economic Development Ministry’s forecast of 5.5%, which will give reasons for the central bank to soften monetary policy further, the official said.

Belousov said that Russia has no need for additional restrictions on capital outflows, as the Western countries have already imposed them. Taking money out of Russia is the riskiest way to invest right now, and businessmen agree, he added.

He also said that there is no sense in in creating a mobilization economy now, as the government has enough resources.

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