Dominican workers could have a new destination abroad to offer their labor: Canada, if this issue prospers in the free trade agreement that both nations will begin to discuss.
This was announced by the president of the Dominican-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Canchamrd), Gustavo de Hostos, who affirmed that among the advantages of a possible commercial agreement between the two countries is the migratory part for the Creoles.
“Canadians need Dominican workers to work there, that is the opportunity we have; that is where (the treaty) should be oriented towards, as it has been done with Chile, Mexico, as they will do with us once the agreement is signed”, declared De Hostos.
Among the benefits of a possible binational pact, he highlighted that there would be a free trade agreement that would not only be economic, but would include, in addition to a migratory part, a cultural and aid part, “which are important for the Dominican Republic”.
“The economic part is what stands out (of a treaty), the elimination of customs tariffs, but that is in the past. Now we have to look, in the 21st century, at the great cultural advantages that may exist,” he said.
The head of the Canchamrd revealed that the discussions for the treaty are in the initial phase, after a memorandum of understanding was signed before the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing the beginning of the talks.
He explained that discussions had been initiated in the past, but there were obstacles and then the arrival of the pandemic virus.
“Right now that path (of discussions) is being resumed and I see that the two economies are complementary. It is very convenient for the Dominican Republic to have a free trade agreement with Canada and vice versa”, said De Hostos.