This fact is so obvious that it was understood quite early, and as a consequence the economic policy of the country has traditionally been export-oriented, and very eager to develop economic linkages with international markets, to the extent political realities have allowed.
The latest data also confirm that banks have continued to expand their lending to the euro area economy, while at the same time keeping the overall size of their balance sheets broadly unchanged. It is important that banks continue to expand the provision of credit to the private sector, in an environment of increasing demand.