Provisional estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) indicate that the economy expanded by 5.7 per cent during the first quarter of 2018 compared to 4.8 per cent in a similar quarter of 2017. The significant acceleration in growth was mainly attributable to improved weather conditions and a boost in business and consumer confidence after the conclusion of general elections in 2017.
From the supply side, growth was mainly driven by a recovery in activities of Agriculture as well as improved output in Wholesale and Retail Trade, Manufacturing, and Real Estate sectors. On the other hand, Financial and Insurance; Transportation and Storage; Construction; Electricity Supply; and Mining and Quarrying recorded marked slowdown in the growth. Growth of activities in the Information and Communication was robust while Accommodation and Restaurants slowed significantly but remained relatively strong.
