MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. Greater demand for Russian goods and services indicated by foreign fans during the FIFA World Cup supported Russian exports, the Bank of Russia reported on Monday.
- Russia’s top diplomat Lavrov: 2018 FIFA World Cup ‘sparked upsurge in global diplomacy’
- Foreign tourists expected to shell out $1.6 bln during 2018 FIFA World Cup
- More than 5 million tourists visit FIFA World Cup host cities in Russia
- Half a million foreign tourists expected in Russia for 2018 FIFA World Cup
"Higher demand for domestic goods and exports from foreign fans supported exports. According to estimates, the physical volume of export grew by 5-6% in annual terms in the second quarter of 2018," the regulator says.
The Central Bank reported earlier that the World Cup contributed to annual growth of national GDP by 0.1-0.2 percentage points in the second quarter of this year. The regulator estimates GDP growth in the second quarter as 1.8-2.2%.
Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup from June 14 to July 15, with matches held in eleven Russian cities. According to information of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, the World Cup contributed over 850 bln rubles ($13.5 bln) to GDP.