Signs of a recovery in manufacturing in the region gained strength during the first half of 2007. Exports accelerated, driven by the growth in demand from EU countries. In the construction sector, production was generally stable thanks to the good performance of renovation companies. In tourism, there was a decline in the number of overnight stays. Employment decreased owing to the reduction in the female workforce and the fall in the number of persons employed in the service sector.
The growth in bank lending continued through the first half of the year, albeit more slowly than at the end of 2006. Bank sources of funds also increased, boosted by the rise in repos and bond issues..
