Haiti Free Trade Agreement a Priority for Dominican Republic’s Medina

Above: Dominican Republic President-Elect Danilo Medina (Photo: CIG)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

A Free Trade Agreement with Haiti is a priority for Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina, he said this weekend.

Medina, who won the country’s election in May, said he would boost efforts towards a free trade agreement with the Dominican Republic’s neighbours on Hispaniola upon taking office Aug. 16.

He said such an agreement would allow domestic producers to take advantage of demand for goods and services in Haiti.

Medina’s announcement was made following a courtesy call with Organization of American States Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin.

Also attending the meeting was Ramdin’s policy advisor, Shelly Dass-Clark, and Ambassador Michelle Cohen.

Ramdin is also the Chairman of the Group of Friends of Haiti.

Medina said he was hopeful that CARICOM Member States would develop a common agenda and commitment to promote regional development.

He said the success of his government would require an “anchor” leading relations both with Haiti and the rest of CARICOM.

Ramdin said he hoped that Haiti and the Dominican Republic would both pursue further engagement with CARICOM. The Dominican Republic is currently an Observer to the Caribbean Community.