Zambia's economic performance improves in first half of 2004

Based on preliminary data publishedin local media Saturday, Zambia's economic performance continued to improve in the first half of 2004.

According to 2004 Mid Year Economic Review released by Ministry of Finance and National Planning here Friday, output in the key sectors of agriculture, mining and tourism increased.

"Copper production increased by 25.9 percent from 158,270 tons in the first half of 2003 to 199,208 tons in the same period of 2004," the review said.

In agriculture, there was a strong expansion in the production of major cash crops of tobacco, cotton and groundnuts.

"Production of tobacco grew by 10 percent to 21,633 tons. Production of other food crops such as millet, sorghum, rice and cassava also increased. As a result, the country recorded a food surplus," the review said.

In tourism, a total of 215,000 visitors are estimated to have visited the country in the first half of 2004, compared to 207,052in the same period in 2003.

According to the review, the increase in tourist arrivals is largely attributed to improved marketing and promotion activities,especially by the private sector as well as improvements in tourism facilities.

Backed by favorable performance, increased activities in construction, wholesale and retail trade, the country's GDP growthtarget of 3.5 percent for the year is likely to be surpassed, the review said.

Source: Xinhua