Despite global setbacks, Namibia’s and South Africa’s economies weathered the storms of the past year. The senior economist of Standard Bank South Africa, Dr Henry Flint briefed business representatives on Wednesday on economic issues. Large investments in the mining sector like Skorpion Zinc and in the textile industry would translate in primary sector growth. Exports and imports were at almost equal level and surpluses were expected fro 2003, Flint said. He expected bank interest rates to drop by the second half of this year with inflation reaching lower levels.