Our economic performance has been much better than many other countries and we remain well placed to benefit from the shift of economic weight towards the emerging market economies, particularly those in Asia. While I understand that many companies face challenges, we should not lose sight of this bigger picture – a picture I suspect that many other countries wish they shared.
These reforms should be pursued as the benefits for the economy are substantial. The Bank has consistently called for these reforms in its six-monthly monetary policy statements. In concluding, the survey focused on the appropriate theme that is relevant today for the Government as it is already experiencing the effects of low commodity prices on its budgeted revenue for 2009.