Economic growth projected at 5.6 per cent in 2014

Dr Ashni Singh* Growth in 2014 is projected to be 5.6 per cent (5 per cent in 2013)

* Real GDP expanded by 5.2 per cent in 2013, with the non-sugar GDP growing rapidly by 6.3 per cent, reflecting the underlying strength of the other sectors of the economy.

* Overall Balance of Payment is estimated at a deficit of US$21.9M in 2014 (Deficit of US$119.5M in 2013)

* Total current revenue, net of GRIF is targeted to increase by 10.3 per cent to $149.6B

* Total expenditure is projected to increase by 25.4 per cent to $215.9B

* Returns of value added and excise taxes are targeted to increase by 6.7 per cent to $65.8B

* Export earnings contracted marginally by 2.8 per cent to US$1.4B

* Net current transfers decreased by 15.7 per cent to US$353.2M, due to lower receipts of worker remittances

* Gross international reserves of the Bank of Guyana totalled US$776.9M in 2013

THE Guyanese economy has experienced eight consecutive years of growth up to 2013, and is projected to expand by a 5.6 per cent in 2014.

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, made the disclosure on Monday in the National Assembly during his 2014 National Budget presentation.