central bank of belize quarterly economic review march 2003 1 and financial developments 2 activity was vibrant in the first quarter with output all major export products rising comparison 2002 more notable banana rose from a miniscule 0 1mn boxes to farmed shrimp experienced five fold increase other such as sugar citrus garments were also up contributed an overall 48 value domestic shipments over period tourism sector saw 9 stay arrivals tripling cruise ship visitors 135 160 notwithstanding surge inflation rate remained modest at 6 overview fiscal operations government recorded current account surplus 14 3mn deficit 80 2mn that financed mostly sources principally external financing held 6mn foreign disbursements almost entirely offset by amortisation payments contributions
