Decline in Investment Expenditures Slows Down

In 1993 investment expenditures in the total economy were 2.6 percent below the level in 1992. The year 1994 is likely to see a rather diverse development, with outlays in manufacturing still on the decrease. High investment outlays abroad over the last few years and productivity advances of Austrian manufacturing firms tend to strengthen Austria's international competitive position. The services sector is expected to increase its capital outlays by 1.7 percent in 1994. WIFO's survey of more than 3,000 firms in manufacturing, construction, and the transportation and utilities sectors tend to support this forecast. While investment expenditures in manufacturing declined over the last two years, expenditures in the transportation and utilities sectors rose in 1993.