US envoy, Commerce official to spur Dominican Republic-Puerto Rico trade

Santo Domingo.- United States ambassador James W. Brewster flew to Puerto Rico Wednesday on a two-day trip to attend Minority Business Development Week (MEDWEEK) to be held at Hilton’s Condado Plaza Hotel.

The diplomat will be the keynote speaker on January 30 in an activity of MEDWEEK, a nationwide event of the US Commerce Dept’s Federal Minority Business Development Agency.

“As part of MEDWEEK, the Ambassador will address a large gathering comprised of Puerto Rican business leaders about business opportunities in the Dominican Republic, as well as attend the awards ceremony to recognize the achievements of minority businesses and entrepreneurs,” the US Embassy said in an emailed statement.

The US diplomat will also meet with MBDA National Director Alejandra Castillo, who has made headlines for being one of the highest ranking officials of Dominican-American descent in Washington.

“During his visit to the neighboring island, Brewster will visit the US Ecolift Corporation, dedicated to providing maintenance services to aviation companies worldwide, in which Dominican Republic figures among its clients,” the US Embassy aid.

Brewster is also scheduled to hold a roundtable with business leaders, retail organizations, including Puerto Rico Producers Association and community leaders to discuss the implications of CAFTA-DR and opportunities in the Dominican Republic. “The Ambassador’s visit aims to expand the scope of activities to promote trade between the Dominican Republic and the United States.”