Foreign trade and payments.

External performance in the first four months of 2004 was mixed. Exports grew by some 8%, with sales to the EU15 reviving after lacklustre performance in 2003. However, accelerating domestic demand led to faster growth in imports, and a widening of the trade deficit by some €100m (US$120m). With the current account close to balance and net investment outflows recorded, international reserves fell slightly in the first half of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]