INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION GROWS BY 4.9% IN APRIL-AUGUST 2002

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The index for industrial production for the period April-August 2002 has registered an overall industrial growth at 4.9% which is higher than 2.4% in April-August 2001. This growth was contributed by the growth of 5.7% in August 2002 which was substantially higher than 3.0% recorded in August 2001.

Sectors which registered substantial growth are mining (6.2%), manufacturing (5.9%) and electricity 3.7% as compared with 0.6%, 3.3% and 2.7% respectively. The mining sector has posted a significant growth rate of 6.2% during August 2002 as compared with 0.6% in August 2001. Capital goods showed a significant improvement from a negative growth (-7.7%) in August 2001 to 10% in August 2002.