Ukrainian PM orders new economy minister to ensure 3-3.5% GDP growth in 2013

The principal task of the Economic Development and Trade Ministry in 2013 is to guarantee the economic growth at 3-3.5%, which is envisaged in the state budget for next year, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said.

"The task is difficult, particularly amid the recession in Europe, but at the same time this task is practicable," the premier said introducing new minister Ihor Prasolov in Kyiv on Monday.

Prasolov, aged 50, was born in Murmansk, Russia. In 2000-2005, he served as director general of Donetsk-based CJSC System Capital Management, then he was elected MP, and later he lead the subcommittee for securities and stock market of the parliamentary committee for finance, banking, tax and customs policy.

In 2007, Prasolov was elected as a member of the NBU Council. In April 2012 he headed the NBU Council replacing Petro Poroshenko, who had served in this post for three years.

Previously, the Economic Development and Trade Ministry was headed by Poroshenko, who was appointed to this post in March 2012 and resigned in early December due to his election to the parliament.