Israel’s GDP up by an annualized 6.6% in the first half of 2007

GDP is now at an all-time high of NIS 660 billion, and GDP per capita is NIS 92,338, or $21,500
 
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported last week that Israel's gross domestic product rate expanded by 6.6% in the first half of 2007, following a 3.4% rise in the previous half and a 6.0% rise in the first half of 2006.
 
The growth is above the predictions of both the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Israel which estimated a 5% and 5.1% rise respectively.
 
The GDP rise in the first half of 2007 reflects an increase in export of services and goods, investments in fixed assets, and expenditure on private and public consumption.
 
The CBS also noted that the GDP has grown 21% since 2003, an increase of NIS 135 billion. GDP is now at an all-time high of NIS 660 billion, and GDP per capita is NIS 92,338, or $21,500.
 
Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On expressed satisfaction with the results of the first half of 2007 and pointed out that they were the result of the government's economic policies.