Above: Puerto Rico (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The government of Puerto Rico has signed a memorandum of understanding with technology giant Hewlett-Packard on technological cooperation, Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla announced.

The memorandum establishes the framework for “cooperation between the two sides to promote the growth of the computer industry in Puerto Rico,” Padilla said.

The government said the agreement meant that Hewlett-Packard “reaffirms its long-term presence in Puerto Rico and its commitment to pursue and bring new opportunities for investment and growth to local operations.

“This memorandum of understanding is an important step for Puerto Rico because it promotes the consolidation and growth of the computer industry as part of the industrial base of the island, which is already quite robust,” said Antonio Medina Comas, executive director of the Industrial Development Company. “IT also establishes a new role in our economic development stategy for a company of global renown like Hewlett Packard, which is incorporated as an additional partner in our efforts to bring new investment to Puerto Rico.”

Martin Castillo, director of corporate sales at Hewlett-Packard Caribbean, said the memorandum would promote and support “the access and use of information technology, innovation, education and productivity, because they are essential to achieve significant social change and improve the quality of life.”

Hewlett-Packard first established operations in Puerto Rico in 1975, and employs over 1,500 people at its Aguadilla hub.

Its presence in Puerto Rico contributes about $111 million for the local economy, according to a government estimate.