Regional Review
Africa/Middle East
growth in demand expected in the years ahead, is progres
sing well. This modern brewery is designed to the highest
standards and will be capable of producing beerofthe
best quality at the lowest possible cost.
Economic activity in the Democratic Republic of
Congo remained ata lowleveland beer sales were
adversely affected by declining purchasing power.
Although Brasseries, Limonaderies et Malteries Bralima's
sales were down, restructing enabled it to post an
improved financial result.
The economic situation in Rwanda stabilised and,
although there is little sign yet of any improvement in con
sumer purchasing power, the beer market recovered to
some extent from the tax increases in 2000. Brasseries et
Limonaderies du Rwanda 'Bralirwa' reported improved
sales, but its result showed little change. Amstel was laun
ched successfully.
The economic situation in Burundi showed no
improvement and the foreign aid which had been prom
ised still failed to materialise. Consumer purchasing power
was further eroded by new taxes, and this was reflected in
lower sales figures for Brasseries et Limonaderies du
Burundi, but the result was held at the 2000 level, partly
thanks to exports of Amstel to neighbouring countries.
In Congo, Brasserie du Congo benefited from the politi
cal stability and economic recovery which followed the
signature of a peace agreement, reporting a strong in
crease in beer sales and a substantially improved result.
On lie de la Réunion, Brasseries de Bourbon felt the
effects of a protracted labour dispute at the beginning of
the year, and both beer sales and result fell short of the
previous year's level.
The weak economic situation and high inflation in
Ghana were not conducive to a healthy beer market and
Ghana Breweries reported reduced beer sales and a lower
result. The company is implementing a restructuring pro-
HEINEKEN N.V. ANNUAL REPORT 2001
38
