The value of Romanian industrial production grew 7.2% in January-August this year compared to the same period in 2005, despite a 0.7% fall in August compared to the previous month, caused by mass leaves, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute - INS.

The main pillars of growth were dropping inflation rate, the evolution of salaries and the relatively low unemployment rate.

The climate of stability consolidation of main economic indices was more pronounced in the construction works, trade, retail and services sectors.

In August this year, the total payroll was 4,615,300 people, 21,000 less than in July 2006 with most losses reported in the agriculture, textile and equipment industries. But at 446,500 people, the number of the unemployed was 52,500 lower in August this year than in August 2005.