The Gross Domestic Products hit 7.5 percent in 2010, up from 6.1 the previous year, according to a new report by the National Institute of Statistics (NISR).

The Acting Director of NISR, Diane Karusisi, said the increase was due to increased income generated from the industrial sector and the expansion of the private sector.

"Agriculture grew by five percent in 2010, with a five percent growth in food crops and 14 percent in export crops which recovered from a 15 percent decrease in 2009,” she said.

The report also indicates an 8 percent growth in the industrial sector while the service sector grew by 9 percent.

Karusisi explained that NISR is currently involved in a number of surveys, including; the Demographic Health Survey (DHS), Integrated Household living Conditions Survey (EICV) and the national Census.

She noted that the 2012 population and housing census are in its first phase:  village mapping.

"This will end in July this year where data entry will begin thereafter. In August we will start a pilot Census in 60 selected villages where each district will be represented by two villages” added Karusisi.

18,000 surveyors will carry out the census, estimated to cost $35m

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