Government announces economic growth at twelve percent

For the year 2004, the Government is expecting an economic growth estimated at 12 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compared to 3,4 percent of last year, Finance Minister Jose Pedro de Morais has announced. Speaking while tabling the proposal of the State Budget for 2005 in the National Assembly, the Cabinet Minister added that the increase will result from the oil production and the most dynamic taxes in the sectors of agriculture, sylviculture, fishing construction and public works. He also affirmed that the proposed budget was based on the reconstruction and stability process, in the context of little or no foreign financial aid. In its general and specific goals, he said, the document proposed a substantial and quick reconstruction of the physical infra-structures of the country, in order to enable as soon as possible the re-launching of the productive activity and employment. (Angola Press Agency, Luanda)