IRISH businesses have the highest expectations in Europe for growth in sales this year and almost a quarter of Irish businesses expect to expand their workforces in 1997, a major European survey has shown.
The survey by Eurochambres, the association of European chambers of commerce, also shows that the increased investment by Irish companies will be among the highest in Europe in the coming year although expectations are slightly down on last year.
Still, Irish entrepreneurs stand out as being most confident that the business climate in 1997 will treat their enterprises kindly. Their advanced position in the business cycle is confirmed by expected robust employment growth - the most optimistic forecast in the EU," the survey states.
According to the survey, last year investment activity was significantly higher than expectations. Half of all firms increased their investment, while only 1 per cent reduced investment - a net balance of 49 per cent. "Investment proposal's remain expansive, with a net balance of 29 per cent of firms planning to increase their investment expenditures,"
Overall, Ireland emerged from the survey with the fourth strongest business confidence, based on the responses to the survey from the various chambers of commerce.
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