Brosh: military operations in Gaza will not harm growth

Manufacturers Association president Shraga Brosh said last week that: “The recent security incidents in and around Gaza, will not affect industrial strength and growth in 2006”
 
Uncovering special study carried out by the economic department of the Manufacturers Association, Brosh noted that Industrial output was 1.6% higher than in the fourth quarter of 2005, and productivity was up 1%.
 
Israel’s industrial situation improved in January-April. 4,200 new workers were hired, an increase of 1.2% in the workforce. Industrial output was 1.6% than in the fourth quarter of 2005, and productivity was up 1%.
 
This figure includes 1,800 persons hired in high-tech, an increase of 2.2% in the workforce, a two-year peak.
 
Speaking about the security situation Brosh believes that the faster industrial growth indicates that the security incidents will not affect growth. He said, “The economy in general, and industry in particular, are strong enough to avoid being affected. They’ve gone through worse crises in the past, and know how to cope with and overcome them.”