2006 is coming to an end, ushering in the New Year. The New Year begins with the assurance and satisfaction of following an economically solid 2006. The global GDP growth rate in 2006 has increased from the growth seen in 2005, notching a level just below 4%, at 3.9% However, 2007 seems to begin with a slowing down of the economy. The current forecast by the World Bank is that global GDP growth will slow down to 3.2% in 2007, on the back of higher oil prices that seem to be the major deterrent to global growth.
尽管油价触及所有时间高达7美元7/barrel in 2006, (the highest ever in the history of oil), global growth continued. Interestingly, the average price of oil rose only by 3-4% in the year (US$65/barrel this year compared to US$63/barrel). Interestingly, the World has absorbed the shock of high prices and showed a very healthy economic growth. Economic growth in Asia and other developing regions contributed the most to this healthy growth.
The year 2006 saw sustained, robust demand for petrochemical products as demand.........