Growth expected back in Morocco in 1998, Moroccan Bank

Growth is expected back in Morocco in 1998, as forecasts predict a 6 to 7 percent increase in the Gross Domestic Product in 1997.

Without counting agriculture, the GNP will increase by 3.6 percent due to the positive developments in all sectors where growth is expected to reach between 3 to 6 percent.

Regarding investments, the bank predicts a 7 percent increase of investments in the building sector, a 4 percent increase in the equipment and 5 percent in the public works sectors.

Growth in households consumption will range between 8 and 13 percent, causing therefore a light price increase and an inflation of about 3 percent.

The deficit of external accounts will continue to go down, owing to a decrease in the trade deficit and promising perspectives in the investment area.