Weekly Report - 21 November 2013 (WR-13-46)

REGION | Growth. The most recent report by the Central American bank for economic integration (Cabei) on economic prospects for the region is expecting Panama to lead the sub-region, with 7.6% GDP growth forecast for 2013. This is followed by Nicaragua (4.2%); Costa Rica and Guatemala (3.5% apiece); Honduras (2.8%); Belize (2.5%); the Dominican Republic (2%) and El Salvador (1.6%). As regards inflation, the Cabei is expecting Nicaragua to top the region with 7.7% inflation projected for 2013, followed by Honduras (5.4%); Costa Rica (4.7%); Guatemala and the Dominican Republic (4.5% each); Panama (4.2%); El Salvador (1.9%) and Belize (1.3%).