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The Hague / AFP
The Dutch economy has grown by 2.1 percent this year the government’s economic think tank said, thereby recovering to pre-financial crisis levels. “With one quarter to go, 2016 has been a special year for economic recovery,†the Hague-based Central Planning Office said in a statement.
“Production per capita is back to 2008 levels following double dips in 2009 and 2012-13,†CPB said, adding that last time Europe’s 6th largest economy showed such growth after sustained crisis period was in 1980s.
Unemployment also fell, from 6.9% to 6.0%, in 2016 with a further dip to 5.3% predicted for next year — but remains well above
the 4.0% unemployment
figure of 2008.
The CPB said improved growth was mainly due to a rise in consumer spending, with a thaw in the housing market having also stimulated spending.
It warned however that many uncertainties possibly affecting economic growth remained for next year, including fears over Britain’s plans to leave the EU and US economic policy under a Trump administration.