CBS: industrial output up in first quarter

In the first quarter output in high-tech sectors was up by an annualized 11%, after rising 14.3% in the preceding quarter
 
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported last week that Industrial output rose by an annualized 9% in the first quarter of 2008, after rising by an annualized 10.7% in the fourth quarter of 2007. The CBS noted however that the number of industrialemployees rose by just 1%, compared with 2% in the preceding quarter.
 
In the first quarter output in high-tech sectors (electronics, computers, pharmaceuticals, avionics, and control and monitoring equipment) was up by an annualized 11%, after rising 14.3% in the preceding quarter.
 
Output in mixed-high technology industries (chemicals, machinery, electrical and transport equipment) rose by an annualized 7% in the first quarter after rising 9% in the preceding quarter.