Switzerland is to enjoy another year of strong economic growth according to a survey released on Wednesday by the banking giant, UBS.

The survey of around 3,600 companies shows that most expect the healthy economic environment to continue in 2001 though growth is not expected to remain at the exceptional rate seen last year.

The most optimistic sectors are information technology and telecommunications, electronics and the food industry. The financial sector also expects a good year.

The machines, metal and chemicals industries anticipate above average growth for the year.

But the construction, lumber and textile industries are expecting a below average performance.

Zurich will remain the country's economic powerhouse, while central areas and the northwest also have good economic prospects.

The French-speaking part of the country will have average growth, while the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino and the eastern part of the country will lag behind.

swissinfo with agencies

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