SANTO DOMINGO. - The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) predicts the Dominican economy will decline 1% in 2009, as the external conditions continue deteriorating and the growing impact from the U.S. economic recession and the global financial crisis.

Stephen Keppel, Economist Intelligence Unit Assistant publisher, said a 2.5% contraction in the United States Gross Domestic Product, Dominican Republic’s exports will fall and there’ll be negative impacts on tourism, remittances and foreign investment.

“Investment in the country in 2009 will be higher than in other countries of the region due to the pre-established agreements in the tourism and mining sectors; however, they’ll be affected by the financial difficulties, lack of international liquidity and an increase in the aversion to risk,” he said.

The Economist will host the business table “Responding to the global economic crisis” in March in Dominican Republic, with around 100 of the country’s business leaders taking part, representing the Government, political and economic analysts.

The event is slated for March 18 in the hotel Hilton, with president Leonel Fernandez as one of the speakers.