Itongadol.- Israel\’s growth rates are relatively high and the economy is in good condition compared to developed countries, Dr. Karnit Flug said Tuesday in her first public address since the government approved her appointment as the Bank of Israel\’s new governor.
"Unemployment rates have dropped to a low level after going up during the crisis, but the output per worker is relatively low compared to the developed countries," Flug told the Prime Minister\’s Conference on Partnership and Growth, organized by the Authority for the Economic Development of the Arab, Druze and Circassian Sectors.
At the start of her address she said, "When I decided, several weeks ago, to accept the invitation to participate in this conference, I did not know that it would be my first public lecture since the government\’s decision to recommend that the president appoint me Bank of Israel governor, who also serves as the government\’s economic advisor.
"Nonetheless, I am very happy that this coincidence has led to me speak here today, two days after the government\’s decision, as I believe this conference deals with one of the most important issues on the State of Israel\’s social-economic agenda."
Flug added that "in the labor market our situation is relatively good. Unemployment rates have dropped to a low level after going up during the crisis. This reflects the integration of different sectors. The inflation rate is relatively low, allowing us to cut interest rates and support the growth and employment.