US, Dominican officials, business leaders mull ways to boost trade

Santo Domingo.- The US Department of Commerce and the Dominican Customs Agency (DGA), under the US initiative "Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas" held a meeting Wednesday between officials and business leaders to strengthen and expand trade with Dominican Republic.

With the topic "Roundtable on Trade Facilitation" and "Best Practices Public-Private Dialogue" a US delegation from various industries and officials from the Department of Commerce and the Customs and Border Protection Service discussed with local pars the new trade prospects and modernize customs and border management.

US ambassador James W. Brewster thanked to the Dominican Customs for its significant advances and stressed the meeting’s importance and the strength of Dominican-American ties in trade and cooperation.

"We’re here today to discuss the customs facilities, helping to reduce the hurdles that impose high costs on trade and help reduce significant levels of delays. In turn, the countries can increase their levels of exchange, expand exports, improve foreign investment and improve competitiveness," Brewster said.

"The outcome of this effort will be under the leadership of Customs director Fernando Fernandez, who will assume the progress of Dominican Republic’s customs process,” the diplomat said.

Isabella Cascarano, US Commerce Dept. Counselor for Commercial Affairs provided orientation for the event, moderated by Lorena Aceto, also of Commerce.

Also present in the activity were American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAMDR) president Gustavo Tavares; State of Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield; US Commerce Dept. Trade Facilitation Program Coordinator for Latin America Judy Lao; US Embassy Commercial Attache Rafael Patiño; AMCHAMDR vice president William Malamud and Dominican Customs adviser Gregorio Lora, among other experts.

The event attended by business leaders, senior government officials, local and international customs and trade specialists was held at Customs headquarters.