Daily monitor

According to a statement made by the State Statistics Committee of Ukraine on September 16, 2008, August revenues for fixed line telephone operators’ provision of local calls fell by 2.1% to UAH 308.5 mln.

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has announced Ukraine’s revised current balance figures for 1H08. Therefore, the current balance deficit increased (YoY) to USD 6.8 bln in June 2008 (-7.9% of GDP); 0.1 bln higher than the previously released figure. However, the deficit has been declining for three months in a row: a decrease of USD 1.7 bln in April 2008, USD 814 mln in May, and USD 558 mln in June.

The State Statistics Committee of Ukraine announced that unemployment in August stayed at the 1.8% level; the same as in July 2008 compared to 1.9% in June, 2% in May and 2.2% in April 2008.

The government of Ukraine announced its long-term economic growth forecast for 2009-2012. The government expects the following real GDP growth rates: 2008 – 6.8%, 2009 – 6%, 2010 – 6%, 2011 – 7%, 2012 – 6.8%.

According to the National Energy Company of Ukraine (ECU), the level of coal reserves at thermal power plants belonging to the ECU reached its historical minimum in September 2008.

The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine announced that. in May, Ukraine’s external debt decreased by 0.3% MoM to USD 10.86 bln and its internal debt decreased by 1.34% MoM to UAH 17.23 bln (USD 3.55 bln).

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) announced that Ukraine’s monetary base is expected to rise 25-30% and M1 by 35-40% in 2008.

The merchandise balance deficit in Ukraine for 1M-7M08 is USD 11.1 bln; USD 1.3 bln higher than in January-June and USD 5.9 bln times higher than in the same period in 2007.

On Wednesday, September 17, 2008 The Parliament accepted a law regulating the activity of joint stock companies.

In August, the largest Ukrainian producer of cars, the Zaporozhzhia Automobile Plant (ZAZ), fell short on its car production, as compared to July.