A release from the Superintendence of Banks indicates that business sectors stepped up their borrowing in 2005. The Superintendence says that this was one of the reasons for the 9.3% growth reported last year. Borrowing during 2004-2005 was up by 16%, going from RD$172 million to RD$200 million. Last year construction was up by 6%, trade reported a 20% increase, farming 7% and transport 10%, according to the Central Bank. The Superintendence says that the change of government brought about a reversal of the business sector’s reticence to take on loans. The increase in borrowing also coincided with a significant decline in interest rates. Bank loans were up by 17%, and banks lent out RD$161 billion in 2005.