Industrial production soared by 1.4% during Jan-Aug

The gross index of the industrial production increased by 1.4% in the first eight months of 2005, as compared to the same timeframe last year, while the gross index of the processing industry advanced by 2.4% in the same period. According to the data released by the National Institute for Statistics on October 11th, the industrial output grew by 1.5% y/y in August. Labour productivity soared by 3.7% during January-August 2005 vs. the same period in 2004. The total turnover of the industrial companies rose by 3.1% for the first eight months of 2005 vs. 2004, while in August it advanced by 4.7% y/y. The main resources of raw energy amounted 27,6mln tones equivalent of crude oil, out of which 16mln tones represented domestic output.

At the end of August 2005, the number of the unemployed persons reached 499,000, out of which 42.5% women, but fortunately the figure decreased by 53,600 since August 2004. The unemployment rate stood at 5.6% of the overall active population vs. the 6.2% registered in August 2004.

Melania Hancila
Research Analyst Treasury Division

Finansbank (Romania) S.A.
Phone : +40 21 301 73 42
Fax : +40 21 318 09 61