It seeks to be objective, identifying where we need to make improvements as well as existing strengths. It is a report on progress over the past year. It provides a snapshot of the UK's competitiveness. It sets out new policies and initiatives which will assist future competitiveness. The past year has been one of strong growth, with few signs of the inflation which has damaged periods of growth over the past 25 years.
Productivity is up.
Exports are up. Unemployment is down. We have made good progress in the factors that determine competitiveness. We continue to close the gap on our major competitors especially in key measures like manufacturing productivity. As we improve, more companies and more people realise that over time, as a nation, we can match or exceed the performance of the best.