"The year-on-year comparison shows a decrease in industrial output and exports, domestic growth was also less intensive, at least judging by retail revenue and activity in construction."
The slow-down in construction was affected by poor weather, while the demand for construction works remained high, the central bank said.
Meanwhile, import figures show a jump in investments, which leads the bank to believe that the investment cycle will continue.
The high demand for labour is being met above all by foreigners. In the first four months of the year, Slovenia issued more than 5,000 work permits to foreigners, which was 78% more than in the same period of last year.
What is more, 82% of the permits were issued on the basis of the employment agreement Slovenia has in place with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Unemployment in Slovenia meanwhile fell to 8.6% in March, the bank added. It also said that growth in salaries remains relatively low, at 2.9%, which is well below the estimated productivity.
Public finance continues to improve as well. Budget revenue increased by 7.5% in the first four months year-on-year, the central bank said, pointing out however that an impetus in the drawing of EU funds seems to be elusive.
