THE Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) says the country grew by an estimated 0.9 per cent for the July to September 2017 quarter, relative to the corresponding period last year.

This out-turn reflects a 0.6 per cent increase over the April to June quarter, and was driven by a 1.1 per cent expansion in the services industry and 0.1 per cent growth in the goods industry, said PIOJ Director General Dr Wayne Henry.

He was speaking yesterday at the agency’s quarterly media briefing at the PIOJ’s head office in New Kingston.

Dr Henry said growth in the services industry was mainly driven by a strong 5.5 per cent out-turn in the hotels and restaurants sector; and electricity and water, which recorded a 2.6 per cent increase.

Other sectors recording notable out-turns were finance and insurance services, up 1.4 per cent; and transport and communication, up one per cent.

Additionally, Dr Henry said the wholesale and retail trade, repair and installation of machinery, and real estate, renting and business services sectors, each recorded increases of 0.5 per cent.

Manufacturing and construction, with out-turns of 1.5 per cent and 1.3 per cent, respectively, were the star performers for the goods and producing industry, as agriculture, forestry and fishing remained flat, while mining and quarrying contracted by 8.6 per cent.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/economy-grew-by-0-9-per-cent-in-third-quarter_117217