The economy of Dominica continued to recover following the destruction brought about by Hurricane Maria in 2017. In 2019, economic activity was buoyed by ongoing post-hurricane construction and growth in the tourism and agriculture sectors. Value added also increased significantly in the wholesale and retail and transportation and communication sectors. Central Government fiscal operations resulted in an overall deficit and higher public debt. On the external side, the trade surplus improved largely due to an expansion of exports from the productive sectors and a slowing of imports. The financial sector continued its gradual recovery and remained stable.
The primary focus of the Government is building climate and economic resilience. This is the country’s major development imperative and necessary to lower the volatility of output. The commitment of the Government to build back better and develop strategies to encourage resilient infrastructure needs to be sustained.