Foreign Trade and balance of payment According to Central Department of Statistics and information, total exports of goods and services are expected to grow by (31.2) percent reaching SR 1, 226 (US $326.9) billions in 2008. Non-oil exports of goods are expected to grow by (10.0) percent amounting to SR 115.0 (US $30.7) billions, representing (10.2) percent of total goods exported. Total imports of goods and services are expected to grow by (12.0) percent in 2008 amounting to SR 610.0 (US $162.7) billions. According to SAMA preliminary data, trade balance is estimated to record a surplus of SR 820.2 (US $218.7) billions in 2008, an increase of (45.8) percent compared to last year. Current account is estimated to record a surplus amounting to SR 564.8 (US $150.6) billions in 2008 compared to SR 354.3 (US $ 94.5) billions in 2007, an increase of 59.4 percent. 4- Money and Banking The broad money supply during the first ten months of fiscal year 2008 grew by (14.0) percent. Bank deposits recorded a growth rate of (14.1) percent during the first ten months of 2008 and total banks claims on public and private sectors increased by (30.0) percent. Banks' capitals and reserves increased by (15.4) percent reaching SR 157.0 (US $41.9) billions. --More
