Substantial industrial output

Industrial output in Ukraine rose 16.9 percent in the first eight months of 2001 compared to the same period last year, chief government adviser Valery Lytvytsky said Thursday. Lytvytsky said further growth could be expected in the construction and agricultural sectors, according to the Interfax news agency. Ukraine's economy suffered severe decline following independence in 1991, but positive economic indicators have begun to emerge since the appointment of a reformist government in late 1999.