Key findings:
- Despite the late approval of the 2019 budget, public expenditure in the first half of 2019 was 16 percent higher than in the same period in 2018
- Private investment is also expected to benefit from greater political and economic stability.
- Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 4.1 percent in 2019.
- GDP growth is expected to accelerate to 4.9 percent by 2021, driven by larger public spending and household consumption.
- Medium-term growth prospects are hampered by a weak private sector. Developing productive capabilities will require continued political and macroeconomic stability, strong investments in high-return connective infrastructure and relevant skills, as well as policy and regulatory reforms that improve the business environment.