21:10, 23 April 2009 | GMT +5
Russia's GDP decreases 9 1/2 percent in 1st quarter - ministry
MOSCOW. April 23. KAZINFORM. Russia's Ministry of Economic Development expects a 9.5 percent decrease in the GDP in the first quarter of 2009; Kazinform refers to Itar-Tass.

In the second quarter, the decrease is expected to be between 8.7 and 10 percent, compared with the same period last year, and the yearly GDP slump is anticipated at 6 percent, Deputy Economic Development Minister Andrei Klepach said on Thursday.
The decrease is mostly caused by the 18-percent plunge in investments, Klepach said.
In January, Russia's GDP fell 10.4 percent, in February, it fell 8.7 percent and in March - 9.5 percent; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass. See www.itar-tass.com for full version.