SANTO DOMINGO.- The ever increasing trade, the arrival of tourists by the thousands and the traditional friendship between with Great Britain are just a few of the reasons which led to the creation of the Roundtable of British Commonwealth Countries in the Dominican Republic.

The members Tuesday night hosted a sendoff cocktail for outgoing British ambassador Ian Worthington, where the presence of business and political leaders, lawmakers, and the heads of prestigious NGOs evidenced the Roundtable’s drive toward strengthening those relations.

Roundtable founder and president Fernando Gonzales Nicolas noted that Worthington represents not only Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but also the entire Commonwealth in Santo Domingo. “During his mission ambassador Worthington supported the Roundtable’s initiatives aimed at creating awareness on the Commonwealth in the Dominican Republic and its political, social and economic potential.”

That potential grows as British-Dominican bilateral trade currently tops US$100 million yearly, which the business leader described as “surprisingly quite balanced” given the former’s edge in technology, industry and sheer manufacturing capacity. “The country’s organic crops such as coffee, cacao, bananas and other farm products are in high demand in Great Britain, so the balance tilts to their side but also ours.”

González Nicolas thanked the guests in his welcoming speech and suggested the Dominican public and private sector to work toward bolstering relations with the Commonwealth countries, “and in this manner we may identify new markets for Dominican products, sources of raw materials and equipment, as well as investments.”

The British Ambassador in Santo Domingo was also hailed in the ceremony held in the Santo Domingo Country Club as the Roundtable and the bi-national Chambers of Commerce of Canada, India, Trinidad Tobago and South Africa praised Worthington’s tenure with a certificate. The diplomat said he departs from the Dominican Republic where he has made many friends. “I expect to return soon.”