GDP goes up by 6.7 Percent

The real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2003-2004 is estimated to have grown by 6.7 percent as compared to the previous year's 2.2 percent, a meeting of the High Level Consultative Committee (HLCC) was told. Addressing the meeting, President Festus Mogae said about 15.000 formal sector jobs were created in 2001-2003. "This represents a growth rate of 2.7 percent per annum. The 2002-2003 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, which is yet to be published, will provide details on both formal and informal sector employment as well as progress in poverty alleviation," Mogae said. "We should reaffirm that government assistance, whenever provided, is to complement our own industry and individual effort, especially in the early stages of development. In what ever we do, I cannot over emphasise the need for enterprise, innovation, perseverance and quick adaptation for success in today's fast changing world," Mogae also noted. (Mmegi/The Reporter, Gaborone)