National Report Regional Network - September 2003
| Interview round: |
4-2003 |
| Interview period: |
August - September 2003 |
| Responsible: |
Agderforskning |
Summary
- There have been small, but positive changes in activity levels since the last reporting period. Growth was most substantial in retail trade and the household service sector.
- Manufacturing industry's domestic and export markets have improved slightly. However, demand is still falling for the petroleum industry.
- The building and construction sector reports improvements, especially in the number of new orders.
- Employment continues to fall in all sectors except retail trade, but the fall appears to be levelling off.
- The business sector is somewhat more positive in its investment plans. However, investment is aimed to a large extent at improving efficiency and quality and seldom at increasing capacity.
- Due to workforce reductions and other cost-cutting measures, developments in operating margins are more positive.
