According to the flash estimate of gross domestic product (GDP) produced by the Central Statistical Bureau, GDP in the second quarter of 2021 was 10.3% higher than a year ago. Output in the manufacturing sectors in the second quarter was 6.7% higher than a year earlier, while growth in the service sectors was more rapid – at 11.3 per cent.

Considering the complex epidemiological situation and the restrictions in place, the economy continued to contract at the beginning of this year. However, in the second quarter, thanks to compliance with epidemiological measures and partly due to the base effect, the economy saw rapid growth. This indicates that to a large extent, companies are able to adapt to the new circumstances. A significant contribution to the stabilisation of the economy has been provided by state support - both in the form of furlough and subsidised job benefits, and working capital grants for companies that were unable to carry out economic activities due to restrictions.