As we close 2007, it is with pleasure that I review developments in the economic and financial landscape during this year, and look forward to some of the most important tasks awaiting us in 2008. This year has seen a rebound in economic activity with real GDP growth rate forecast at 5.6 per cent compared to an estimated 5.0 per cent in 2006.
This was mainly driven by the tourism and construction sectors where growth rates are forecast to jump from an estimated 3.5 per cent and 5.2 per cent, respectively, in 2006 to 13.1 per cent and 15.0 per cent this year.