There are also lead indications that the decline in merchandise exports is bottoming out, with swelling order books in respect of textile and apparel exports which constitute more than three-fourths of total exports. The growing geographical diversification of export markets in favour of Japan and China is offsetting sluggish demand in the traditional export markets of North America and Europe.
Construction activity is buoyant, especially in urban areas, fuelled by remittances and surging real estate prices. Service sector activity has also gained strength, especially in education, health, retailing and catering, and financial services. Agricultural production lost some momentum in 2009–10 after the strong growth of 4.6 percent in the preceding year.