Central Bank: Economic Trends in the Country Improved at the Start of 2013
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Banka Slovenije found that activity increased especially in the export sector at the start of the year, which is the result of a relatively successful refocusing on countries outside the eurozone.
Exports thus remain the main economic engine and are helping increase the current account balance surplus, which in turn is enabling a decrease in foreign debt.
Still, the central bank fears that continuing problems in the international environment and poor domestic demand do not herald a substantial improvement of the economic situation this year.
It pointed to growing unemployment, a deteriorating business sentiment and the highest share of companies so far facing financing limitations.
On the other hand, macroeconomic indicators are suggesting a gradual balancing out of the imbalances that emerged before the crisis, Banka Slovenije believes.
It highlighted a series of measures aimed at fiscal consolidation, the pension and labour market reforms. Also in the pipeline are an overhaul of receivership legislation and provisions on a bad bank.
It however called for a prompt adoption of a credible programme of additional measures for sustainable public finances and for restoring undisturbed access to funding on international markets.