1.7 Barring such shocks, I expect the Singapore economy to continue to do well. Our investment pipeline is strong. Last year, we attracted manufacturing and services investments that will generate over $13 billion of value-added annually for our economy and we expect similar good performance in investment commitments this year. Tourism, which saw a record high of 9.7 million visitors last year, should remain strong and benefit the retail as well as the hotels and food and beverage sectors. The construction sector is set to expand further, with $17 to $19 billion worth of contracts expected to be awarded in 2007. There will be more jobs for Singaporeans at all levels of the workforce, as employment expands in the retail, healthcare and hospitality industries, financial services and across the manufacturing, marine and construction sectors.
1.8 Overall, I expect the Singapore economy to grow by a healthy 4.5% to 6.5% this year.
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