Industry minister: let's give economy a boost

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is planning to boost economic growth with massive investments. Industry and Trade Minister Miroslav Gregr told reporters on Thursday that the investments, amounting to 265 billion Czech Crowns, which is nearly half of this year's state budget, should help increase the GDP, reduce unemployment, enhance industrial performance and increase the purchasing power of the population. Another aim is to strengthen the Czech economy prior to the Czech Republic's accession to the European Union. The programme includes support for 13 weaker regions in the country, export incentives and infrastructure investment.