Penza, 8 August 2012. PenzaNews. The economy of the Penza region as a whole grew by 10,5% over the past six months of 2012 compared to the same period of the previous year.

According to the press service of the regional department of industry, transport and energy, this index is the second largest in Privolzhsky (Volga) Federal District, average growth in Russia made 3,1%.

In the Penza region, main economic activity of organizations grew by 23% compared to the period of January–June 2011.

The highest growth in industrial production – 13,6% – was recorded in food and beverage industry.

According to Penza statistics office, volume of output of manufacturing industry increased by 12,7%, in the field of machinery and equipment — by 12,1%, in the organizations involved in the pulp and paper production, publishing and printing industry — by 10,8%.