Economic developments in Veneto in the year 2005Update

The expansion of the regional economy that began in the second half of 2005 gained strength in the first nine months of 2006. Growth is more well-balanced now that the domestic components of demand are contributing alongside exports. The rising capacity utilization rate, together with persistently easy lending conditions, sustained investment. The progressive improvement in consumer confidence, buoyed by the positive trend of employment, spurred an upturn in household consumption. The benefits of this extended to the tourist sector, which also enjoyed an increase in foreign tourists’ overnight stays. Lending grew further, sustaining the construction and real-estate sector, business investment and household consumption.