With average annual growth of GDP and GDP per capita of 6.3% and 4.5%, respectively, it has been among Latin America’s top economic performers. It weathered the recent financial and economic crisis well and picked up vigorously in 2010. Underpinning this excellent performance are sound macroeconomic policies, structural reforms to improve the functioning of product and labour markets, and the openness of the economy to international trade and foreign investment. These policies have fostered investment, productivity and job creation.