Amsterdam (dpa) - The Dutch economy will not grow, and may even shrink
in 2009, the director of the Dutch central bank DNB told journalists on
Friday.

"Depending on the level and speed of economic recovery, we will
have to assume a zero growth rate for 2009 or, possibly, a slight
minus," said Henk Brouwer, adding that he also expects limited growth
for 2010.

"The effects of the credit crisis on the real economy are now becoming visible," Brouwer said.

He added that continued problems in real estate markets in the US, Britain and Spain would have an impact on the Dutch economy.

Brouwer also said that the restructuring of the financial sector
following the banking crisis would impact the willingness of banks to
provide credit. He added that the costs of credit would also rise.