Foreign Trade and balance of payment According to Central Department of Statistics and information, total exports of goods and services are expected to grow by (6.7) percent reaching SR (900.8) billion in 2007. Non-oil exports of goods are expected to grow by (24.9) amounting to SR (106.8) billion, representing (12.4) of total goods exported. Total imports of goods and services are expected to grow by (20.5) percent in 2007 amounting to SR (512.1) billion. According to SAMA preliminary data, trade balance is estimated to record a surplus of SR (555.6) billion in 2007, an increase of (1.1) percent. Current account is estimated to record a surplus amounting to SR (344.4) billion in 2007 compared to (371) billion in 2006. 4 - Money and Banking The broad money supply during the first ten months of fiscal year 2007 grew by (13.5) percent compared to (11.8) percent for the same period of pervious year. With regard to banking sector, Bank deposits recorded a growth rate of (15) percent during the first ten months of 2007, total banks claims on public and private sectors increased by (12.7) percent ; also, their capital and reserves increased by (30.9) percent reaching SR (104.7) billion. In addition, the number of licensed insurance companies has increased to (21) company. --More
