12 | BusinessWorld | August- September 2014
2013. Net international reserves stood at
US$2.2 billion at the end of July, and the
country re-accessed international capital
markets with a US$800 million external
bond issued in early July. A 7.5 percent of
GDPprimary surplus is forecast by the end of
2014.
“For 2014 and beyond, the critical challenge
remains to support economic growth and job
creation while sustaining a strong fiscal
position,” Martijn said.“Key elements of the
authorities' program include actions to
promote growth and employment by
improving competitiveness and the business
climate.
“Legislation supporting flexible work
arrangements and a law to modernize the
insolvency framework have been tabled in
parliament and are expected to be adopted
shortly. Work on the new North-South
highway is moving ahead, following the
opening of the Mount Rosser bypass in
August.”
Also on the agenda as priority items are
