By Ben Ng

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam's economy recorded a positive growth of 0.3 per cent in the second quarter of last year compared to a negative growth of 3.6 per cent in the first —a result of the double-digit growth of the non-oil and gas sector, the Department of Economic Planning and Development reported recently.

GDP in current prices for the second quarter was estimated at B$4.4 billion, compared to the B$3.9 billion just a few months before.

The Department reported a continuing decline of 4.9 per cent in the agriculture, forestry and fishery sector following a 10.1 per cent decline that took place a few months before.

The industrial sector also recorded a negative growth of 8.7 per cent, after an 8.6 per cent decline in the first quarter of 2007, which many believe was due to the decline in mining, manufacturing and construction.

However, electricity and water grew by 4.1 per cent the Department said.

The services sector saw a continuing expansion at 15.3 per cent, compared to the 5.5 per cent growth recorded in 2006. Government services recorded the highest growth at 20.3 per cent, followed by trade with 20 per cent, transport and communications by 14.6 per cent, private services by 12.4 per cent, finance by 10.6 per cent, and real estate by 2.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) grew by 3.2 per cent, compared to the 2.4 per cent growth seen prior to the second quarter.

Government Consumption Expenditure (GCE) also continued to grow by 13.2 per cent after an increase of 2.7 per cent in the first quarter. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin