Germany's economy grows strongly in Q1 2017May 12, 2017 - 16:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Germany's economy grew strongly in the first three months of this year, driven by investment and consumption, official figures show, according to BBC News. First-quarter GDP growth was 0.6%, faster than the October-to December 2016 figure of 0.4%. Household and state spending were strong, while firms invested money in construction and equipment, said German statistics authority Destatis. Foreign trade also helped, as exports increased faster than imports. Germany has the largest economy in the eurozone and its performance is in marked contrast to that of other big countries, such as Italy and France. However, its relative strength has prompted concern in Brussels. In February, the European Commission said Germany's current account surplus - which measures the balance of goods, services and investments into and out of the country - was too big. It said that cutting that surplus would help the whole of the eurozone. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |