Hungary set the target to introduce the euro on Jan. 1, 2010 as the government opted for a safe rather than a rapid introduction, Finance Minister Tibor Draskovics announced.

By 2008, Hungary will meet all the conditions necessary for the changeover of the forint to the euro in 2010, he said.

Hungary’s government debt is targeted to drop to 54.8% of the GDP, the central budget deficit will drop to 2.7% and annual inflation will decrease to 3% in 2008.

Under the economic program approved for period of 2005-2008, Hungary’s per capita GDP is planned to reach 60% of the per capital GDP of the former 15 EU members by the year 2008 in terms of purchasing power.

(BBJ 14.v.04)