Bauxite production spurs economic growth

Jamaica's gross national product (GNP) expanded by 2.9% in the first half of 2004 supported by the 7% increase in bauxite production, which also favors aluminum production, agency Prensa Latina reported. According to information from the country's planning institute cited by the agency, various economic sectors registered growth, with special emphasis on mining at 8.7%, manufacturing at 6.8%, electricity and water at 3.8% and construction at 2%. The service-related sector grew 2% in the first half of 2004, while production goods grew 4.2%.