Unemployment lowest in 4 years

7 March 2007

BRUSSELS – Unemployment in Belgium fell to its lowest point in more than four years in February. Economic growth prompted businesses to hire more personnel.

The unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent in February, compared to 7.8 percent in January, the National Bank of Belgium announced. Unemployment in February was its lowest since September 2002 (7.5 percent).

The Belgian economy most likely grew by 3 percent last year. That is the strongest growth since 2000. The Belgian economy is the sixth largest economy in the 13 euro-zone countries.

Unemployment in the euro-zone fell in January to a record low of 7.4 percent. The unemployment rate in the euro-zone is currently at its lowest point since 1993 when recording began.

Subject: Belgian news