Economic developments in Basilicata in the year 2005Update

The first half of 2006 saw signs of recovery of the regional economy. Manufacturing production and construction output grew. The decline in retail sales came to a halt. There was an upturn in the exports of the manufacturing sector; a factor was the strong expansion of the motor vehicle industry, while the negative trend persisted in the furniture industry. Employment increased, especially in services, and the number of job-seekers declined again. Bank lending continued to grow, driven mainly by loans to consumer households.