According to Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) Director General Henry Gil and regional observers alike the DR was extremely efficient in the EPA negotiating process. The country was a willing participant in the process and gave up many more concessions at key points during the negotiation process. Gil commented that the DR liberalized 5% of its national products, a figure matched only by Trinidad. Milagros Puello commented though the negotiation process was not “rosy” by any means the DR had the advantage of having a level of synergy between the public and private sector, which allowed the process to continue as smoothly as possible. Many consider this cooperation on the local level a strength of the DR. Puello, as well as Fernando Gonzalez, commented that the DR’s experience in negotiation previous trade agreements, including the DR-CAFTA, provided the groundwork for the nation to move through the process. 

19 September 2008 - DR1 Daily News