Chief Minister Allan Bell has announced today the 30th consecutive year of economic growth, with GDP reaching ?4 billion for the first time.

It means the Isle of Man is the biggest economy in the crown dependencies. The egaming and ICT industries have played a major role and, although there have been job losses recently in the banking industry, Mr Bell says employment in the financial and professional services sector has actually increased thanks to a growth in CSPs and insurance.

He said: 'Reaching a fourth decade of unbroken economic growth is a remarkable national achievement for the Isle of Man and confirms the Island's place amongst the most successful small economies in the world.'

The latest national accounts published today show that GDP increased by 3.2 per cent in 2012/13.

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