Let me add that one of the main lessons we can draw from the past is that in a encouraging period of growth – last year was one and we expect that this year and next year will also be years of encouraging growth – it is very important to pave the way for the best possible future by practising fiscal soundness.
The share of exports and imports of goods and services in GDP increased to 156.5% in 2001 from 117.3% in 1993, while 60% of exports and 50% of imports were related to EU countries in 2001. After including the CEC5, these shares would increase to 89% for exports and 71% for imports.