Looking ahead, growth in Sint Maarten has to be seen against the background of developments in the world economy. In 2014, we expect world economic growth to accelerate supported by increased output growth in the advanced economies. Meanwhile, growth in the emerging economies will slow down. Sint Maarten will benefit particularly from the projected improving economy of the United States.
Therefore, real GDP in Sint Maarten is projected to expand by 1.6% in 2014 driven by increased activities in the tourism and transportation sectors. Meanwhile, inflationary pressures will ease to 2.4% due mainly to a projected further decline in international oil and food prices.