economy by breaking down for the first time the contributions different sectors make in overall gross domestic product (GDP).

The department has sent questionnaires to 1,500 businesses for this year's annual survey of economic activity. GDP is a measure of overall economic performance.

Chief Statistician Janet S. Bradshaw said the new survey was a further step toward getting a better fix on Bermuda's economy. The survey will show estimates of production generated by different industrial groups within the economy.

Businesses have been grouped in 14 main categories including agriculture and fishing, electricity, gas and water, transport and communications, general government services, and business services.

"In the past we have been only able to express GDP in terms of overall expenditure,'' she stated in a press release. "Now we want to analyse GDP by the level of contribution. For instance, what proportion of GDP is represented by the retail sector, the banking and insurance sectors, the business services sector, the construction industry and the tourism industry? GDP, as it is measured now, cannot provide that information.'' Mrs. Bradshaw said the survey would help businesses make decisions and projections based on more relevant data about the economy. She said the department had met with business groups to try and quell fears about how the information was going to be used.

"I can assure them that any information we collect will be held in the strictest confidence,'' she said.

Businesses needing assistance completing the form should contact the economic statistician at 297-7711.

BUSINESS BUC