The Dutch economy is set to grow by 2% this year, the highest rise since 2008 and the start of the economic crisis, the central bank said on Monday.

‘In line with the more upbeat outlook, unemployment will fall, government finances will improve and inflation will edge up,’ the bank said in its latest half-yearly statement.

Consumers will enjoy a ‘strong increase in real disposable income’ and consumer spending will also rise 2%, the first significant increase since the credit crisis broke out, the bank says.

Although domestic spending will again contribute to economic growth, exports will remain the main driver. ‘The international environment will improve further, as evidenced by a pick-up in world trade growth and the low level of oil prices. The depreciation of the euro is also contributing to this,’ the bank said.

Last week, the OECD also predicted the Dutch economy will grow by 2% this year.