Penza, 20 April 2012. PenzaNews. Industrial production index of the Penza region for January and February, 2012, increased by 7.6% in relation to corresponding period of the last year. The release of 86 out of 146 main titles of products manufactured in the region increased or remained unchanged.

“Production of vodka and alcoholic beverage products grew 2.1 times, ethyl alcohol from food raw materials increased by 19.4%. Agriculture production since the beginning of the year totaled 4 billion 721 million 700 thousand rubles that is 12.8% more than in January–March, 2011. All categories farms produced 45.8 thousand tons of meat that is 17.7% more than in the similar period of the last year,” reported in the Ministry of Economics of the region.

Since the beginning of the year 7 billion 951 million 500 thousand roubles of investments are enclosed in the development of economy and the social sphere of the region.

“77.6 thousand sq. meters of housing or 110.6% were commissioned in January – March, 2011. Thus 67.1% of the housing in the Penza region was constructed by individual builders,” noted in the ministry.

Retail trade turnover increased by 5.5%. Public catering turnover increased by 1.4% that is more than in the similar period of the last year.

“By April 1, quantity of officially registered unemployed people is 7.7 thousand, the indicator of official unemployment remained 1.1%,” concluded in the press service.