Gross domestic product (GDP) of Uzbekistan increased by 9.7%.year-on-year in the first half of 2007, a publication of Economy Ministry and State Statistic Committee of Uzbekistan said.

The publication said high economic growth was achieved due to high demand from economic entities, population and foreign partners and readiness of Uzbek economy to satisfy demand.

The report, published in central mass media outlets, said the industrial output grew by 11.6% year-on-year and the volume of utilized investments rose by 40.2% year-on-year. The volume of construction works increased by 20.5% year-on-year and exports of Uzbekistan rose by 39% year-on-year.

Retail trade turnover grew by 16.8% in the first half of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006. The volume of paid services increased by 25.1% year-on-year in the reporting period. Agricultural output grew by 5.5% year-on-year.