Romanian Q1 economy up 8.2%

Romania's GDP amounted to RON 86.745 billion (€23.5 mln) in the first quarter of 2008, 8.2 percent higher year-on-year, exceeding specialist expectations, according to estimates made public by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).

GDP in 2007 was RON 404.7 billion (€121.27 bln), 6 percent higher than the previous year. Analysts estimated an increase of between 6.5-7.8 percent in Q1 2008, due to higher taxes and exports, while construction remains the main development factor. (NewsIn)