IMF growth forecast

The IMF in its World Economic Outlook has forecast that economic growth in the Czech Republic will be the 2nd fastest among Central European countries this year - projected at 5.5 percent. Only Slovakia's growth is expected to accelerate faster. The IMF release indicates that GDP growth in "emerging Europe" has been underpinned by factors including generally strong domestic demand and solid export growth. The Czech economy - in particular - has benefited from exports fueled by sizeable investment by foreign companies.