The Dominican Republic could become a major exporter to the United Kingdom, opines Sonia Guzm?n de Hern?ndez, the Minister of Commerce and Industry. Approached by reporters from the List?n Diario after the business luncheon at the British Embassy, the minister reported that British investment in the DR currently stood at US$450 million. The balance of trade with the UK has been on the plus side for the entire 1998-2002 period. Exports from the free-trade zones accounted for US$31.5 million, while the export of fresh fruits and vegetables reached US$17 million, partly because the DR is a signatory to the Cotonou Accords, which assists developing nations. About 150,000 British tourists visited the Dominican Republic last year.