The results of the Business Outlook Survey, conducted by the ECCB in each of its member countries during the second half of 2009 revealed moderate signs of optimism for economic improvement in the ECCU in the near future. However, in general, economic conditions for businesses for the period January to June 2009 were worse than expected. Notwithstanding, businesses in the ECCU expect that the general conditions will improve in the future, at a faster rate during the period July to December 2009 when compared to the corresponding period in 2008.
The report also highlights the most challenging problems identified by businesses over the period January to June 2009, such as low sales turnover, low cash flow/debts/receivables, and external competition. In addition, business owners were also concerned about the lack of skilled employees, commercial banks interest rates, the cost of transporting goods and the price of oil on the international market.
It is noteworthy that, although the price of fuel was not one of top concerns during the first half of the year, there is some concern regarding the possibility that fuel prices will increase again in the future.
Click here for a PDF version of the ECCU Business Outlook Survey - July to December 2009 | 
