1. GENERAL ECONOMIC SITUATION - 2002
The economic activity trend in 2002 remained positive. Following an increase of 6.5 percent in 2001, the rate of growth in 2002 was 4.5 percent.
These results are due to a 7 percent increase in value added in the primary sector and to an agricultural GNP increase of 4 percent compared to 3.7 percent in 2001
Construction sector activity continued its progress in 2002 as shown by a 5.3 percent increase in concrete sales and an increase of 14.5 percent in loans granted by banks for construction projects.
The tertiary sector, and more particularly tourism, shows a slight decrease of 1.2 percent in 2002 compared to 2001.
The balance of trade for 2002 shows a reduction of 6.8 percent in trade deficit as well as an increase in the import-export ratio from 64 percent in 2001 to 67 percent in 2002. This positive trend is due to a 5.4 percent increase in exports of phosphates and associated products.
The inflation rate is 2.8 percent in 2002 compared to 0.6 in 2001, mostly because of a 4.3 percent increase in the price of food products.
Unemployment in 2002, though decreasing, is at 18.2 percent in urban areas compared to 19.5 percent in 2001 and 4 percent in rural areas compared to 5.4 percent in 2001. This translates into an average of 11.7 percent in 2002 compared to 13 percent in 2001.
Pulp and paper sector evolution
Pulp |
2001 |
2002 |
Production (`000 tonnes) |
89 |
119 |
Sales (`000 tonnes) |
73 |
121 |
Paper |
2001 |
2002 |
Production (`000 tonnes) |
127 |
135 |