The Bulgarian Parliament managed to pass the 2006 Budget Act for six hours only in two extraordinary sessions, as there were almost no discussions. Immediately after the MPs approved the balanced budget, finance minister Plamen Oresharski explained to journalists that budget savings in 2006 have not been yet agreed with the International Monetary Fund, but the government will aim to achieve a surplus of at least 2% of GDP, or BGN 912.3 billion. By the end of October 2005, before the usual payments at the end of the year, budget surplus stood at BGN 1.646 billion, or 3.9% of GDP. The 2006 budget envisages a reduction in social security contributions by 6%, which will leave BGN 600 million within the hands of the business. GDP growth is projected at 5.5%. Investment will increase faster to 26% of GDP. Export growth will stand at some 12%, imports will rise by more than 11%.