Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Director General, Dr Wayne Henry (left), addresses journalists during Wednesday’s (August 16) quarterly media briefing at the PIOJ’s head office in New Kingston. Also pictured is Economic Development Specialist in the PIOJ’s Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat, Travis Reid.

KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) says the economy grew by an estimated 1.8 per cent for the April to June 2018 quarter, relative to the corresponding period last year.

Director General, Dr Wayne Henry, said the out-turn, the largest since July to September 2016, reflected improved weather conditions which facilitated improved outputs in industries, such as agriculture; the positive impact of the resumption of operations at the JISCO Alpart alumina refinery, which strengthened the pace of growth; and higher levels of construction activities associated with road rehabilitation and commercial and residential developments.

Additionally, he said the out-turn marked the 14th consecutive quarter of positive growth. Henry was speaking at the PIOJ’s quarterly media briefing at the Institute’s head office in New Kingston today.

“Indications are that the pace of economic growth will continue to strengthen during the remainder of 2018 and 2019. The forecast for calendar 2018 is that growth will be in the range of 1.5 and 2.5 per cent, and for fiscal year 2018/19, growth is projected to be within the range of two to three per cent,” Dr. Henry said.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/_Economy_grew_by_1.8_April_to_June_quarter_PIOJ