A report about the French Polynesian economy says last year was marked by a slowdown which suggests that 2009 will also be difficult.
The report by the IOEM institute, which in charge of issuing the colonial Pacific franc, noted a drop in tourism and the sale of black pearls.
However, it noted that the drop in the value of the dollar eased the cost of energy.
For a recovery to take hold, it says much will depend on the public sector and the return of business confidence.
