With the existing demand for Belarusian products the targeted GDP growth should exceed forecasts the government makes. The statement was made by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a government session dedicated to the next year’s draft social and economic development forecast, state budget bill and draft major monetary management guidelines on November 13. The session also tabled results of the country’s social and economic development in January-September 2007. “We are arguing about the next year’s GDP. With the demand for our merchandise that high, the GDP growth should be 20%,” said the head of state. He stressed, the rising foreign trade deficit threatens the development of the Belarusian economy. “If next year the trade deficit continues rising as fast, all our achievements will be threatened,” remarked Alexander Lukashenko. “We have to sell more than we buy, that’s all,” underlined the President. Alexander Lukashenko added, the GDP volume should be doubled by the end of the five-year plan. “We should thank God for such a favourable economic situation on the international market, when there is demand for clothes and footwear, when BelAZ and MTZ products sell well abroad,” said Alexander Lukashenko. The President especially underscored the necessity of the vigorous build-up of the Belarusian civil engineering industry. “Vice Premier Viktor Burya told me the civil engineering industry needs only $60 million per year to yield billions in profits. Why don’t we do it?” concluded the head of state. Alexander Lukashenko also wondered when working groups set up by the government, schedules for ensuring breakeven performance of companies, and personal responsibility of top executives will produce tangible results.