The high figure of the Helsinki Region is primarily due to expansion in the electronics industry. Also in business services production kept on growing rapidly. Statistics Finland, YTV Metropolitan Area Council and Seppo Laakso Industry business outlook expectations weakened still The outlook for industry and construction in the Uusimaa province became weaker in autumn 2000 and expectations for the near future are cautious. Production keeps growing but orders are decreasing and expenses increasing.
Insufficient demand is the most common obstacle to growth.
Yet, the Uusimaa province has slightly brighter prospects for industry and construction than the country as a whole. In December 2000 the total of wages and salaries paid by the enterprises in the Helsinki Region had kept on growing strongly for the last 12 months. Growing production and competition for skilled labour force have brought pressures for raising salaries, overtime work and extra labour force. These factors tend to increase the total sum of wages. Although a slight weakening was seen in the last quarter of 2000, the growth figures in retail and wholesale trade are still high in the Helsinki Region.