SANTO DOMINGO.- The financial publication The Economist will host the Business Roundtable in the Dominican Republic: Modernization and integration with the global economy, in the Hotel Hilton Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo, on Thursday February 21, 2008.

The following is the introduction posted on their Web site:

“The government of President Leonel Fernández has presided over a strong economic recovery and restoration of stability since taking office in 2004. The country has achieved one of the highest growth rates in Latin America in 2005-07 as well as price and exchange-rate stability. The investment climate today is attractive, and foreign direct investment is expected to reach a new record of US$1.4bn this year, encouraged by opportunities in tourism, telecommunications and exports to the US market thanks to the Dominican Republic-Central America Free-Trade Agreement.

Despite these impressive advances, the government still faces significant challenges to improve socio-economic conditions, overcome the energy crisis and strengthen institutions at a time when the entry into force of DR-CAFTA has exerted additional pressures. Progress on all these fronts and the continuity of this government’s priorities will be shaped by the outcome of the presidential elections to be held on May 16th 2008.

Some of the key issues to be discussed at the Business Roundtable are:

·  Strengthening the Dominican Republic’s position in the global market

·  Regional and global integration: DR-CAFTA and beyond

·  Upgrading the country’s infrastructure to meet growing demands

·  Developing a modern service-based economy

This high-level, interactive Business Roundtable will offer a unique opportunity for discussion among President Fernández, key cabinet ministers and senior executives from companies interested in consolidating, establishing or expanding their operations in Dominican Republic.”