The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Mipymes, Víctor -Ito- Bisonó, received the visit of the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment, José W. Fernández, at the MICM headquarters. This important visit resulted in a productive meeting where both officials discussed crucial issues for the economic development of both nations.
During the meeting, which was also attended by the Director General of Customs, Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, and the Deputy Director of the Dominican Port Authority, Alan Checo, the officials discussed nearshoring, highlighting the opportunities it presents in trade for the Dominican Republic in the current global and economic context, recognizing the country’s potential as an attractive destination for companies seeking to bring their operations closer to the U.S. markets.
Also, a central point of the conversation was the potential of the Dominican Republic to attract investments in the semiconductor sector. The minister expressed his appreciation to Undersecretary Fernandez for his valuable support in developing strategies to attract this high-tech industry to the country.
“The support of Undersecretary Fernandez has been fundamental in guiding our actions in this direction and positioning the Dominican Republic as an attractive destination for this cutting-edge industry,” said the minister.
Bisonó also expressed that the country is focused on the supply, cutting, test and packaging (ATP) stages of semiconductor and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, which will represent a significant opportunity for the Dominican economy.
The meeting also discussed the importance of Decree No. 324-24, issued by President Luis Abinader, which declares the promotion, innovation and development of the semiconductor industry a high national priority, demonstrating the Dominican government’s commitment to the development of this strategic industry.
Among other topics, Bisono, Sanz Lovatón and Checo discussed the security of the ports of the Dominican Republic, under the nearshoring scheme and the commercial exchange between the two countries. They also discussed the importance of ensuring security in port operations to facilitate international trade and attract investment, taking into account that the United States is the main trading partner of the Dominican Republic, representing approximately 56% of Dominican exports.
During the meeting, the officials also discussed the importance of the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD), emphasizing the fundamental role of this initiative in strengthening regional cooperation, promoting investment and fostering sustainable economic growth.
This visit reinforces the mutual commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and promote sustainable economic growth between the Dominican Republic and the United States of America.
Present at the meeting on behalf of the United States, in addition to the Under Secretary of State, José W. Fernández, were Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs, Heidi Gómez; Anne Sackville-West, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary; Patricia Aguilera, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy; Ariel Jahner, Economic Counselor of the U.S. Embassy, and Mr. Phillp Gatins.
Representing the Dominican Republic, in addition to Minister Víctor Bisonó, were the director general of Customs, Eduardo Sanz Lovatón; the deputy director of the Port Authority, Alan Checo; vice minister Johannes Kelner, and Felipe Herrera, director of Cabinet of the MICM.
Source:presidencia.gob.do
