The Congo Republic’s economic prospects look good even if Europe’s debt crisis is a threat. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.7% for 2012 and 4.7% for 2013 is predicted – after a 5.3% increase in 2011. The increases are dependent on at least half of the 16 factories being built at the Brazzaville industrial zone coming into full production and on new investment by the state which envisages a real increase of 55% in capital spending in 2012. A slowdown in developed countries will hit growth, however. The crisis in Europe has highlighted the fragility of Congo’s economic situation and the need to promote the private sector.