IMF sharply improves outlook for Belarus' economy growth

MINSK, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday sharply improved its growth outlook for Belarus' economy in 2018.

In its report World Economic Outlook, the IMF said Belarus' GDP growth rate could reach 4 percent in 2018.

In its April report, the IMF estimated the growth of Belarus' economy at 2.8 percent in 2018.

Analysts also raised the forecast for GDP growth rates in Belarus in 2019 from 2.5 to 3 percent, in 2020 from 2 to 2.5 percent, and in 2021 from 1.95 to 2 percent.

The IMF also lowered expectations for inflation in Belarus in 2018 from 6 to 5.5 percent.

The Belarusian authorities expect at least 3.5 percent GDP growth in 2018.