Exports also sustained growth in manufacturing. Government spending has accelerated and will continue to be the main driver for growth next year with mega projects.

We foresee that this year should be a year of investment and high export growth, therefore we need foreign currencies to finance investment and imports of raw material, as well as capital goods.

The upward interest rate trend will continue because the real interest rate is still negative.

If political tension cannot be resolved by June, it could lead to an alarming imbalance in the trade account, the current account and the balance of payments.

Plenty of rain this year has helped crop production, especially rice and corn, after falling sharply last year because of drought.

Consumption continues to rise on higher farm incomes, rising employment and increasing consumer loans. Still, rising material costs slowed construction.