*  *  *  Global crisis •  Looking at a snapshot of domestic economic conditions, the economy declined heavily in 2007 but is recovering this year, albeit at a low growth rate. The trade deficit is widening and exerting pressure on foreign reserves. Moreover, inflation rose to a 20-year high but is expected to moderate in 2009. Investment has fallen.
Unemployment is rising and poverty is worsening. Now Fiji faces the global financial crisis. •  The IMF has revised world growth successively, down to 3.7 percent this year and is expecting a global recession, with growth forecast at 2.2 percent in 2009.