
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast a 5.2% GDP growth for the Dominican Republic for this year. What are the sectors of the economy that will make the most contribution to this growth? Economists consulted by the Listin Diario say growth areas will be tourism, mining and construction sectors.
Economist Pavel Isa Contreras says that construction might be very blessed with spending during an electoral year. The ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) candidate is a former Minister of Public Works.
Regarding mining, the current price of gold, US$1,599 on the COMEX, will also produce large benefits for the economy.
Economist Antonio Ciriaco Cruz says the election process and even the eventual outcome of the US-Iran crisis could have a negative effect. He noted that outside events could seriously hurt exporters from the industrial free zones and agricultural sectors. Free zone exports are not expected to grow much because the United States economy is projected to grow just 2% this year. Both economists agreed that government performance and public spending are key components to the growth rate.
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Listin Diario
13 January 2020