Economist Pavel Mertlik predicts low balance of trade deficit

The Czech Republic can expect to record its lowest balance of trade deficit since 1993, according to former Czech finance minister and Raiffeisenbank economist Pavel Mertlik. The positive development is attributed to the fact that Czech exports have increased significantly with EU membership. Mr Mertlik predicts this year's deficit to range from 50 to 60 billion crowns, as opposed to the 70 billion recorded in 2003 and 2002.