NBS upgrades GDP growth forecast to 2.3-2.5 pct

BELGRADE - The National Bank of Serbia (NBS) has upgraded its forecast for Serbia's 2016 GDP growth from 1.8 percent to 2.3-2.5 percent, NBS Governor Jorgovanka Tabakovic said on Tuesday.

Considering the current economic trends, the growth is expected to be in the upper projection limit of 2.5 percent, she said.

The growth should be encouraged by investments, further implementation of infrastructure projects, lower operating costs thanks to cheaper loans and lower fuel prices, and a growth of exports, she said.

A recovery of Serbia's economic growth is evident, Tabakovic noted, adding that the consolidated budget deficit amounted to RSD 16 billion in Q1 2016 - almost a quarter less than in the same period last year.

The deficit is at 1.7 percent of GDP, she said at the presentation of the latest inflation report.

In addition, the...