Andina

Peru: Central Bank maintains 2018 growth projection at 4%

17:59 | Lima, Jun. 15.

The forecast of Peru's economic growth in 2018 remains unchanged at 4%, due to better prospects in fishing and agriculture, which would offset a lower dynamism in mining, Central Reserve Bank's (BCR) Governor Julio Velarde reported Friday.

Speaking during the presentation of BCR's June 2018 Inflation Report, Velarde said the fisheries sector is expected to increase 30%, higher than March estimate of 23.5%.

Likewise, the farming sector is estimated to expand 4.8% by the end of the year, compared to the 4% projected last March. 

Both sectors are likely to offset the lower dynamism of mining and hydrocarbon production.

The recent report predicts a 0.1% growth for the mining and hydrocarbon sector, down from the 2% forecast in March.

Second quarter

Also, the bank estimates Peru's GDP will grow 5% during the second quarter of 2018 on the basis of leading indicators, including the energy sector, as well as imports of consumer and capital goods.

"Peruvian economy could grow 5% in the second quarter of this year, given that the economic activity has shown clear signs of greater dynamism," the BCR head stated.

In fact, he forecast Peru's gross domestic product could increase by more than 5% in May.

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Published: 6/15/2018