This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that despite the closure of the sugar industry, economic growth in St. Kitts and Nevis has accelerated. In 2006, the economy is estimated to have recorded its third consecutive year of strong growth, projected at 4½ percent in 2006, with good prospects for 2007. Although the current account deficit remains large, it has been mainly financed by foreign direct investment, and competitiveness appears to be improving. Fiscal imbalances have improved significantly, reflecting both policy adjustments and continued growth.
This 2001 Article IV Consultation highlights that in recent years, economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has diversified from bananas into services, mainly tourism, telephone and Internet-based marketing, and offshore financial services. However, the rate of economic growth declined sharply to 2 percent in 2000. The external current account deficit is estimated to have doubled to about 16½ percent of GDP in 2001 largely owing to a decline in banana export volumes, higher imports, and a slowdown in tourism receipts and remittances.