By Roberto E. Quelne for La Estrella - Panama will lead economic growth in all of Latin America and the Caribbean in 2007 at a rate of 8.5%, according to an economic study of the region conducted. José Luis Machinea, the Executive Secretary of the Latin America Economic Commission (CEPAL), made the announcement yesterday in Chile. According to the CEPAL study, the economy of Latin America and the Caribbean grew 5%, the greatest increase in Gross Domestic Product since the 80's, an increase that was pushed by general world-wide economic growth. After Panama at 8.5% growth are Trinidad and Tobago at 8% and the Dominican Republic and Argentina at 7.5%. In spite of the positive data, Cepal says rates of investment are still low, with required levels for an good and sustainable economic expansion in the mid term.

Editor's Comment: I think this 8.5% ECLAC projection for 2007 is going to end up being a little low once the numbers are in for the year. Panama could easily get to 9.5% growth for 2007, and unemployment is falling as a result. In addition, the new free trade agreement with the United States and others will have a deflationary effect and will help to keep consumer prices low. Most of the inflationary pressures that effect the Panamanian economy are generated externally so the net result is much more money available and low prices. If energy prices drop and interest rates stay favorable, this economic run could sustain for several years. Wanna buy a condo?

Panamá tendrá crecimiento de 8.5%, destaca la CEPAL

Roberto E. Quelne rquelne@estrelladepanama.com

Panamá será el país de mayor crecimiento en Latinoamérica y el Caribe en 2007 con un 8.5%, según el estudio económico de América Latina y el Caribe 2006-2007 divulgado ayer en Chile por José Luis Machinea, secretario ejecutivo de la Comisión Económica para América Latina (CEPAL).

De acuerdo con la evaluación de la CEPAL, Latinoamérica y el Caribe crecerá 5.0%, el mayor crecimiento del Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) desde los años ochenta, impulsado sobre todo por el desempeño de la economía mundial.

Se ubican después de Panamá, Trinidad y Tobago con un 8%; República Dominicana y Argentina con un 7.5%.

A pesar de los datos positivos, CEPAL señala que la tasa de inversión aún es baja, con los niveles requeridos para un crecimiento económico alto y sostenido a medio plazo.
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