The Dominican community abroad sent back an estimated RD$59.7 billion to the DR during the first half of 2008, or 8% of the nation’s GDP. US$1.56 billion came as direct remittances and RD$1.76 billion in tourism expenditures. They report remittances were up US$81.9 million compared to 2007. These figures are according to economists Frank Valenzuela and Hector Frias of the Quisqueya Foundation. According to Diario Libre, the global number doesn’t include money spent on telephone calls, visiting costs and gifts. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Dominican community abroad sent back an estimated RD$59.7 billion to the DR during the first half of 2008, or 8% of the nation’s GDP. US$1.56 billion came as direct remittances and RD$1.76 billion in tourism expenditures. They report remittances were up US$81.9 million compared to 2007. These figures are according to economists Frank Valenzuela … <\/p>\n