2007 Semi-Annual Economic Report Released

• Significant growth in merchandise imports by 17.8%;
• Increase in credit from commercial banks to the private sector (households and businesses) by 15.3%; and
• Growth in financial services sector (mutual funds registration by 14.4%; companies registration rose by 13.2%; insurance licenses by 2.2%).

• The rate of increase of total visitor arrivals which was recorded at 3.3%, lower than the 6.7% increase in the first quarter;
• Decline in work permits by 4.6%; and
• Declines in the number of building permits by 13.9% and project approvals by 10.3%.