Hausner flirts lower budget deficit amid better GDP growth

Economy Minister Jerzy Hausner said in the Sejm on Tuesday that the government intends to lower next year's budget deficit by zł. 2-3 billion from the planned zł. 45.5 billion which is the maximum deficit level. "Nobody voices doubts that in 2003 we will have 3% economic growth. There are very good chances that in 2004 growth will equal 5%" he said. In his opinion, industrial output this year should grow by 8-9%, while exports are forecast to surge by 16-17% and imports by 12-13%. Hausner further envisaged an improvement in the current account balance. In 2003 the unemployment is unlikely to go down. "In the second half of 2003, investments will gain in speed and hopefully we will not have to face another fourth year of a decrease in investment outlays," said Hausner. He also warned that unless the budget deficit is brought under control the economy faces catastrophe. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B1) A.Z.