KIEV, Feb. 19 – The slowdown in the pace of growth of Ukrainian GDP in January 2008 to 4.9% is mainly linked with the peculiarities of the statistical calculation of the figure and the government's fight with shadow tax schemes, Finance Minister Viktor Pynzenyk told the press on Monday.

"One of the reasons [for GDP slowing] is distortion in the calculation base and the adjustment of net taxes," he said.