PIDE's business barometer gives positive signal for 2006-07.

(From Business Recorder)

Byline: RECORDER REPORT

Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) Vice Chancellor Dr Nadeemul Haq announced introduction of new parameters of assessing economic activity, "Business Barometer of Pakistan" as a new research initiative.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, he also announced the analysis of the economic activities during 2006-07. According to it the overall growth of economy during the first six months remained stable and firms anticipate stability in growth for the rest of the year.

The other positive signals of the analysis are: business is growing and firms are optimistic of their future growth: sales indicate domestic demand is and will remain good and the firms are expecting to increase their capacity in the coming months with more investment.

It says, with most firms, reporting increases in growth, production, sales, orders and capacity utilisation, inventories are building up. However, they are not certain of the demand …