March 18, 2005
Commercial sector will grow between 5 and 7%

(El Universal) - "The commercial and service sectors regained the market they lost during 2002 and 2003 and forecast that by the end of 2005 they will grow between 5 and 7%.

Last February, Consecomercio (National Commerce Council) carried out the annual 'Coyuntura' Poll based on 16 different sectors in 8 different regions. As a result, they perceived a lot of motivation from the commercial sectors and great expectations for this year, regarding sales, markets and employment.

Jorge Botti and Noel Álvarez, President and Vice President of Consecomercio, said that during the last quarter of 2004, 70% of the commercial sector had favorable expectations for the next year (...)

Mr. Botti said that according to the poll, 31% expects the number of employees to increase and 58% said their pay roll would remain the same. Nevertheless, he said that, overall, the commercial sector will grow 5 to 7% in 2005. This will have a positive impact on the creation of 150 thousand jobs (...)"