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The economy’s strong growth continues, with real GDP growth an estimated 5.0% in 2018, down slightly from 5.3% in 2017, driven mainly by agriculture (cotton in particular) and services (financial activities and trade). On the demand side, household consumption is the primary driver. The budget deficit was reduced from 2.9% of GDP in 2017 to an estimated 2.5% in 2018. Public debt stood at 35.9% of GDP in 2018, up narrowly from 35.6% in 2017, but external debt declined slightly to 24.1% of GDP.