In purely economic argument, the opportunity costs of propping the sugar industry will be extremely high. But I share the view that given its social and economic importance, we cannot let this industry slip away. We have built into our forecast a recovery in the sugar production from 2006 onwards based on our faith in the proposed industry restructure.
As so far, we will continue to carefully monitor factors at home and abroad, and their potential impact on inflation, the banking system and further pace of economic growth, and if needed, we will adjust our measures in the interest of our citizens and corporates. 8