MOSCOW, July 25 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian government has raised the country's GDP forecast for 2005 from 5.8% to 5.9%, and the forecast for 2006 from 5.6% to 5.8%.
At a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and members of the Russian government, Vice Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov said that the cabinet, together with State Duma deputies and the Federation Council, has clarified certain budget-related forecasts for 2005 and 2006 and the three-year financial plan.
Zhukov said this year's GDP growth rate stands at 5.9%, exceeding the earlier forecast of 5.8%.
"The forecast for next year is now 5.8%, compared to the preliminary forecast of 5.6%," he said. "This allows us to correct our revenue forecast upwards and will enable us to additionally finance major investment and social programs."
