The definition of the services industry by the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) covers;
Electricity, gas and water supply
Construction
Wholesale and retail trade
Hotels and restaurants (tourism)
Transport, storage and communication
Financial intermediation
Real estate, renting and business activities
Other services, such as education, health etc.
According to survey from NESDE (2005) showed that currently it represents around 52% GDP and 43 % of labour force. The electricity, gas and water supply grew by 4.8% while the wholesale and retail trade sector slightly slowed down by 3.9%. The hotels and restaurants increased by 11.2%. The transport, storage and communication sector continued to expand to 6.3% and the financial intermediation sector increased by 3.3%. The real estate, renting and business activities sector increased by 5.5% and construction sector grew by 4.3 %. The other services increased by 2.3% compared to 2004.