The Costa Rican economy is estimated to grow 6.8% in 2006, surpassing last year’s 3.6% growth and the world average of 4.9% yearly growth, the Central Bank announced Friday.

Central Bank president Francisco De Paula Gutiérrez called the country’s economic balance this year “very positive” and said that it shows “strong growth.”

De Paula Gutiérrez also estimated an economic growth of 4.7% in 2007, but said that this figure could change if fiscal reform policy and the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United Status (CAFTA) are approved.

The strongest forces pushing forward the economy this year are exports and direct foreign investment, mostly in the real estate sector.

Exports grew 18% during the first semester of this year compared to the same period last year, and $1 billion is expected in direct foreign investment, De Paula Gutiérrez said.

-ACAN-EFE