DR continues to lead Latin America and Caribbean growth
China, Panama, Uruguay, Netherlands, Chile, Ecuador and Israel ambassadors present credentials
Cerón Suero named ambassador to Austria
New Dominican peso coin
Export committee comes up with 97 ways to boost exports
DR signs agreements for more trade and investment with Brazil
DGII opens new office in Punta Cana
Cueva de las Maravillas Foundation explains why it is necessary to privatize property
Constitutional Court orders government entities to stop cargo monopolies
Haiti factories take over Dominican apparel exports
Leonel Fernández revs up his followers at Palacio de los Deportes arena
President Medina and reelection
Odebrecht hearings postponed until October
Venezuelans sue Grupo Metro chief
Cocaine shipment stopped at Puerto Multimodal Caucedo
El Crédito at the National Theater
DR continues to lead Latin America and Caribbean growth
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) says that the Dominican Republic and Panama are leading the region’s growth, with increases in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 5.4% and 5.2%, respectively. Local economists, in turn, attribute the high growth to the rising debt-taking of the Medina administration.
In the Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2018 report released on Thursday, 23 August 2018, Alicia Bárcena, ECLAC executive secretary, highlighted that the region is on a path of moderate growth of 1.5% on average in 2018, despite external uncertainties and thanks to a rebound in domestic demand, private consumption, slight increase in investment. Growth is less in South America, with 1.2% forecast for 2018, 3.4% in Central America and 1.7% in the Caribbean.
The Economic Survey adds that this regional growth is occurring in a complex global scenario, characterized by trade disputes between the United States, China and other nations; growing geopolitical risks; a decline in capital flows toward emerging markets in the last few months and a rise in sovereign risk levels; depreciations of local currencies against the dollar; and a global economic expansion that is tending to lose momentum.
“Our region continues to grow, although at a slower pace than what was projected several months ago, despite international turbulence. That is positive but it demands that we redouble our efforts to catalyze a reactivation of the economy, without resorting to excessive fiscal adjustments. Regional integration can play an important role here, and we must aim in that direction,” said Bárcena.
The 2018 ECLAC report is dedicated to a thorough analysis of the evolution of investment in Latin America and the Caribbean between 1995 and 2017, with its stylized facts, main determinants and policy challenges. It indicates that the region has increased its investment levels in the last two decades, closing the existing gap with other regions of the world. It warns, however, that additional efforts are needed to promote the productive linkages of this investment and thereby bolster economic growth.
“The region has made significant efforts to increase investment flows, but we face the challenge of improving its sectoral composition to incentivize our economies’ productivity. There is still much to be done,” the senior United Nations official stressed.
Regarding the Dominican Republic, the report shows that public investment has stagnated over the past seven years, despite the high levels of growth and public-debt taking by the government.
https://www.cepal.org/en/pressrelea...oderate-growth-and-its-economy-will-expand-15
https://www.cepal.org/sites/default/files/pr/files/table_gdp_es-2018-eng.pdf
https://www.cepal.org/en/presentations/economic-survey-latin-america-and-caribbean-2018
http://eldia.com.do/inversion-publica-se-mantiene-estancada-en-los-ultimos-siete-anos/
China, Panama, Uruguay, Netherlands, Chile, Ecuador and Israel ambassadors present credentials
President Danilo Medina, Vice President Margarita Cedeño, Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas received the credentials of the ambassadors of the People’s Republic of China, Panama, Uruguay, Netherlands, Chile, Ecuador and Israel at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace on Friday, 24 August 2018.
The new ambassadors are:
Zhang Run, People’s Republic of China.
Dionisio de Gracia Guillen, Panamá.
Álvaro Daniel Gallardo Castro, Uruguay.
Annemieke Verrijp, Netherlands.
Romilio Guillermo Gutiérrez, Chile.
Manuel Enrique Cadena Suasnavas, Ecuador.
Danny Biran Bayor, Israel.
About the new ambassadors:
Zhang Run is the first ambassador to represent China in the Dominican Republic after the signing of relations on 30 April 2018. Run is 46 years old. At the time of his appointment he was deputy general director for the Latin American and Caribbean Agency at the China Foreign Ministry since 2016. Previously he served in different capacities in Venezuela, Argentina, and Chile delegations.
Dionisio De Gracia Guillén, is a doctor in law and political science. Previously he had served Panama as ambassador in Guatemala and Mexico.
Álvaro Daniel Gallardo Castro, has served Uruguay in diplomatic posts since 1988, including as alternate permanent representative before the OAS, Unasur coordinator and general consul in Miami.
Annemieke Verrijp, new Netherlands ambassador, is a career diplomat who has held positions abroad in Spain and Dhaka. She is an expert in gender, labor harassment, maternal health, and AIDS/HIV.
Romilio Guillermo Gutiérrez, new ambassador of Chile, is 56 years old. He is a business administration graduate with studies in education. He served as mayor in Colbun and a legislator. He has also been dean of education at the UCINF university in Chile.
Manuel Enrique Cadena Suasnavas, the new ambassador of Ecuador, has been president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Ecuador from 1979-1994, and director of the Quito Chamber of Commerce from 1980-1989. He is a businessman at the helm of the CYTSA Comercial Técnica private firm since 1968.
Danny Biran Bayor, for Israel, has a master’s in public health, emergencies and disasters. Prior to his appointment, he was deputy director of the division of international affairs at the Israel Ministry of Foreign Relations.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...os-embajadores-republica-popular-china-panama
Cerón Suero named ambassador to Austria
President Danilo Medina appointed Néstor Cerón Suero as the new alternate ambassador to the Dominican embassy in Austria. He replaces Gilda Meléndez, who had been in the post since 2012. He had been appointed in April 2018.
The Presidency reported that Cerón Suero is a veteran diplomat who has served as electoral observer at the Organization of American States. He is the author of the book “Electoral observations of the OAS in the Dominican Republic 1962-2016 and the effects on Dominican democracy.”
http://eldia.com.do/ceron-suero-embajador-en-austria/
New Dominican peso coin
The Central Bank announced a new one peso coin is in circulation starting Monday, 27 August 2018. The coin is dated 2017 and has the inscription “peso dominicano” under the national coat of arms. The word “dominicano” is added to the old coin that is still valid.
https://www.bancentral.gov.do/a/d/4...on-peso-dominicano-debajo-del-escudo-nacional
https://www.listindiario.com/economia/2018/08/27/530381/banco-central-pondra-a-circular-nueva-moneda
Export committee comes up with 97 ways to boost exports
The Presidential Committee for the Coordination of Policies for Productive Development and Exports has presented 97 proposals intended to boost exports, stimulate productive sectors and create more jobs. The proposals seek to cut red tape, strengthen institutions, improve norms, financing, quality and certifications, training, trade facilitation, infrastructure and citizen security. The proposals are the result of a think tank meeting for 15 times during a month.
The presidential committee is coordinated by Rafael Paz, National Competitiveness Council director. He said the proposals would be presented to the President Medina in the next session of the plenary of the committee.
At present the trade balance is of around US$7.5 billion deficit.
http://eldia.com.do/comite-presenta-plan-mejora-exportaciones/
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...zo-actual-para-subir-exportaciones-HE10639187
DR signs agreements for more trade and investment with Brazil
The Dominican Republic and Brazil committed to eliminate trade and investment obstacles between the two nations. The document signed by Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas and Brazilian deputy minister for trade promotion, ambassador Santiago Mourao seeks to promote increased access for Dominican exports to the Brazilian market and increase trade and investment between both countries in general. The document was signed during the First Meeting of the Joint Brazil-Dominican Republic Trade and Investment Council in Santo Domingo.
Foreign Minister Vargas said the signing is a follow up to the memorandum of understanding he had signed on 14 May 2018, in Brasilia when visiting his colleague, Brazil Foreign Minister Marcos Bezerra Abbott Galvao”.
Also attending the signing were deputy minister for Economic Affairs and International Cooperation Hugo Rivera, Brazilian ambassador in the Dominican Republic Clemente de Lima Baena Soares, and Dominican ambassador in Brazil Alejandro Arias Zarzuela.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...cer-comercio-e-inversion-bilateral-BF10629945
DGII opens new office in Punta Cana
The Tax Agency (DGII) announced the opening on 3 September 2018 of the Bávaro Local Administration office in Downtown Business Center on Av. Barceló Km. 38 corner Boulevard Downtown, in Bávaro, Punta Cana. Taxpayers in Bávaro, El Cortecito, Punta Cana, Verón, Cap Cana, Arena Gorda, Macao and Uvero Alto that previously were served by the Higuey Local Administration office have been assigned to the new closer full service Bávaro office.
For more information, call 809 689-3444, 1 809 2000-6060 or see the DGII website at dgii.gob.do
Cueva de las Maravillas Foundation explains why it is necessary to privatize property
A source told Diario Libre that the Cueva de las Maravillas Foundation seeks to privatize the Cueva de las Maravillas property so that squatters do not continue to illegally occupy the protected area. The foundation, seeking to privatize 16,540.28 tareas (1 tarea = 629 square meters), said that already 3,000 tareas have been irregularly occupied. The source says that while the property continues to be under the legal ownership of the State Sugar Council these are susceptible to illegal occupation or invasion.
"The property has continued to feed a huge appetite for people who are seeking to squat on the protected area’s land. At the moment there are more than a hundred invaders in the northern part, " the source told Diario Libre, while complaining about the lack of action on behalf of the provincial authorities despite the irregular situation.
The Foundation source said that in 2014, the CEA agreed to donate the 16.540.28 tareas to the Cueva de las Maravillas Foundation. The Foundation would manage, conserve and protect the natural resources and physical structures of the Cave of Wonders anthropological reserve, the preservation of its caves, its pre-Columbian identity, flora and fauna.
The contract then passed to the National Congress for final approval. In March 2018, the Chamber of Deputies remanded to the commission of contracts the reference to the Cuevas de las Maravillas. The logic of the contract was questioned by some legislators.
Then on 20 August, the Ombudsman Zaida Medina submitted a nullity action against the act of donation before the Superior Administrative Court (TSA). The body emphasizes that it is a fundamental duty of the Ombudsman to contribute to safeguarding the fundamental rights of all the inhabitants of the country and that this includes collective and diffuse interests, such as the environment, protected areas, cultural and archaeological heritage, as well as the general interest of the State.
The appeal to stop the transfer of the property has the support of the Academy of Sciences that argues that the areas or lands that are under the protection regime of protected areas constitute an inalienable and un-attachable component of state heritage and the ownership of such property cannot be transferred to any individual or private entity.
https://www.diariolibre.com/medioam...s-seria-para-controlar-a-invasores-HF10627440
Constitutional Court orders government entities to stop cargo monopolies
The Constitutional Court confirmed the ruling by the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) that had declared there is a monopoly in the cargo transport sector in violation of the constitutional right for free enterprise, freedom of circulation and work. The TSA had ruled that the Dominican state through its ministries of Labor, Industry & Commerce, Defense, Interior & Police and Tourism, the National Police, and the OTTT were in violation of laws that ban the monopoly of cargo transportation at Dominican ports.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...-monopolio-en-el-sector-transporte-KF10627195
Haiti factories take over Dominican apparel exports
Apparel manufacturing firms in the Dominican Republic have been gradually phasing out manufacturing under the decade-old DR Earned Import Allowance Program (DR2-for-1 or EIAP) as the latter is about to expire, Just-Style online reports.
The specialized online publication says that the DR Earned Import Allowance Program (DR 2-for-1 or EIAP) was established as an amendment to the DR-CAFTA under the Andean Trade Preference Extension Act of 2008. It expires on 1 December 2018.
The report says that already use of the program is on the decline. In 2017, US imports of woven cotton bottoms from the Dominican Republic fell 57% by value (from US$3.6 million to US$1.5 million) and 80% by quantity (from 745,000 SMEs in 2016 to 154,000 SMEs).
The report explains that Haiti has taken over these exports. Dominican firms have invested in Haitian manufacturing ventures. As reported, Haiti offers lower labor costs and trade preferences under the HOPE/HELP programs with tariff preferences and use of third-country fabric.
https://www.just-style.com/news/dominican-republic-apparel-export-scheme-set-to-expire_id134300.aspx
Leonel Fernández revs up his followers at Palacio de los Deportes arena
Former President Leonel Fernández gathered his followers at the Palacio de los Deportes to prepare for his quest for the 2020 presidential candidacy of the party. Congress recently voted the Political Parties Law that leaves up to the political party echelons the choosing of how the presidential candidate for the party will be selected. While Fernández is the president of the ruling PLD party, incumbent President Danilo Medina has more followers in the dominating Political Committee of the party. As reported in Diario Libre, five of the 35 members of the Political Committee attended the event. Also five of 27 PLD senators and 12 of 109 PLD deputies.
Medina has said he will announce in March his decision on whether to seek reelection. To seek reelection, Medina must foster an amendment of the same Constitution that was changed in 2015 to enable him to run in 2016. Previously, Medina had spoken strongly against presidential reelection.
Event organizer, former Attorney General Radhamés Jiménez, said that the Sunday event was held to evidence the strong following that the former President has. Jiménez says they have gathered 1,225,000 signatures of followers. Jiménez said that with open or closed primaries, Fernández would be the winner of the PLD presidential candidacy. Fernández had opposed open primaries that were approved as a modality in the recently passed Political Parties Bill on grounds that in 2005 the Supreme Court of Justice had ruled that open primaries are in violation of the Constitution.
Movimiento Somos Pueblo (Ricardo Ripoll and Jesus Americo Espaillat) presented a motion whereby he claimed that the political event is a violation of the new Political Parties Law that calls for electoral activities to begin 10 months prior to election date for the start of public electoral activities. The presidential election is set for May 2020.
During the event at the Palacio de los Deportes, José Peña Suazo set the tone with the original merengue composition “Ahora está más fuerte, vivito y coleando.”
As reported, President Leonel Fernandez arrived at 10:11am to the Palacio de los Deportes. Jiménez gave the opening speech highlighting that “leonelismo is a feeling, with historical roots both inside and outside of the PLD.”
Speaking at the event, former President Fernández said the PLD would win the May 2020 general election, as it has done because it is the leading political force in the country, with seven elections won, more than any other political party. He announced he would comb the country, visiting the 158 municipalities on his path to return to the Presidency.
Diario Libre highlighted the absence of Vice President Margarita Cedeño, former First Lady and wife of President Leonel Fernández. Cedeño, a lawyer, has sought the presidential candidacy of the PLD on past occasions.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...e-que-deja-iniciado-acto-de-leonel-BD10643057
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...atura-por-cuarta-ocasion-en-el-pld-PE10637585
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/leonel-anuncia-oficialmente-su-precandidatura-GD10646000
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/el-espia/falto-la-esposa-o-la-vicepresidenta-FD10647615
https://www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2018/08/27/530428/comoquiera-ganaremos
http://hoy.com.do/leonel-fernandez-anuncia-su-candidatura-para-el-2020/
President Medina and reelection
Former Al Pais presidential candidate, Guillermo Moreno writes today in Diario Libre on the opinions regarding reelection stated by President Danilo Medina. The comment is made now that President Medina has said he will announce his position regarding reelection in March 2019.
In statements that are available on YouTube, President Danilo Medina in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015 firmly spoke up against reelection, including even swearing by God he would not seek reelection. Moreno highlights the key statements with the opinion of President Medina in his op-ed commentary titled “Danilo vs Danilo.”
The 2015 Constitution, fostered by President Danilo Medina to enable his reelection in 2016, bans his running for reelection.
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/en-directo/danilo-vs-danilo-JD10646492
Odebrecht hearings postponed until October
Supreme Court judge Francisco Ortega postponed until 1 October 2018, the preliminary hearing against seven accused of receiving US$92 million from the Odebrecht Brazilian construction company. The company admitted in New York City court to paying the sum to expedite contract work from 2001 to 2014.
Those accused are former senator Andres Bautista and Roberto Rodríguez of the PRM, senator Tommy Galán of the PLD, and former Public Works Minister Víctor Díaz Rúa. Also businessman Angel Rondón and lawyer Conrado Pittaluga.
The Public Ministry released Odebrecht from responsibility, accepting a deal where the company would make payments in installments of US$184 million, or double the admitted fine. Meanwhile, Odebrecht is seeking an additional US$700 million in payments for the completion of a turnkey operation of the Punta Catalina power plant.
https://www.metrord.do/do/destacado...-1-octubre-audiencia-imputados-odebrecht.html
Venezuelans sue Grupo Metro chief
The Public Ministry announced that there is a new round of charges against the president of Grupo Metro, Luis José Asilis Elmúdesi, accused of fraud against a family of Venezuelan investors in the sale of 15 plots for more than US$674,965 in Juan Dolio, San Pedro de Macoris.
Venezuelans Mauricio, Giancarlo Ubaldo and Flavio Falsiroli Mongolli placed the complaint against Asilis. Asilis is already under house arrest accused of fiscal fraud for RD$57.9 million, fraud, criminal association and asset laundering. The Public Ministry is requesting custody as pre-trial measure. The case will be heard on Tuesday, 28 August 2018, by Judge Yanibel Rivas of the National District court. The case presented by the Venezuelans established that the family made a deposit of US$674,965 to Asilis in July 2011 to purchase lots in the Costa Blanca project.
Asilis is known as a leading businessman in Grupo Metro transport enterprises, Metro Country Club and the Lajun Corporation that managed the Santo Domingo garbage dump.
http://eldia.com.do/dueno-grupo-metro-sometido-por-alegada-estafa-a-venezolanos/
Cocaine shipment stopped at Puerto Multimodal Caucedo
On the evening of Friday, 24 August 2018, the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) seized 206 packages of cocaine at the Puerto Multimodal Caucedo. The operation had the backing of the military security at the Santo Domingo port and international coordination. The narcotics were in freight containers that had arrived from Colombia. The National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) confirmed the packages contained 206.84 kilograms of cocaine.
A press release from DNCD states that the authorities are investigating to determine those responsible for the shipment that was destined to Europe.
http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/noticias/item/dncd-ocupa-mas-de-200-kilos-de-cocaina-en-puerto-caucedo
El Crédito at the National Theater
Leading drama actors, Irving Alberti and Orestes Amador have taken up the challenge of the lead roles in “Credit,” the 2013 drama-comedy by Barcelona playwright Jordi Galcerán that has toured the Hispanic world. The play is directed by Ramón Santana and will open at the Sala Ravelo of the National Theater the weekends from Wednesday to Sunday, 5 to 8 September and 12 to 16 September. Tickets are RD$1,000 and are available online at Uepa Tickets and at the National Theater box office, Tel 809 687-3191.
https://www.diariolibre.com/revista...peracion-ante-la-falta-de-recursos-CG10619319
https://madridesteatro.com/el-credito/
China, Panama, Uruguay, Netherlands, Chile, Ecuador and Israel ambassadors present credentials
Cerón Suero named ambassador to Austria
New Dominican peso coin
Export committee comes up with 97 ways to boost exports
DR signs agreements for more trade and investment with Brazil
DGII opens new office in Punta Cana
Cueva de las Maravillas Foundation explains why it is necessary to privatize property
Constitutional Court orders government entities to stop cargo monopolies
Haiti factories take over Dominican apparel exports
Leonel Fernández revs up his followers at Palacio de los Deportes arena
President Medina and reelection
Odebrecht hearings postponed until October
Venezuelans sue Grupo Metro chief
Cocaine shipment stopped at Puerto Multimodal Caucedo
El Crédito at the National Theater
DR continues to lead Latin America and Caribbean growth
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) says that the Dominican Republic and Panama are leading the region’s growth, with increases in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 5.4% and 5.2%, respectively. Local economists, in turn, attribute the high growth to the rising debt-taking of the Medina administration.
In the Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2018 report released on Thursday, 23 August 2018, Alicia Bárcena, ECLAC executive secretary, highlighted that the region is on a path of moderate growth of 1.5% on average in 2018, despite external uncertainties and thanks to a rebound in domestic demand, private consumption, slight increase in investment. Growth is less in South America, with 1.2% forecast for 2018, 3.4% in Central America and 1.7% in the Caribbean.
The Economic Survey adds that this regional growth is occurring in a complex global scenario, characterized by trade disputes between the United States, China and other nations; growing geopolitical risks; a decline in capital flows toward emerging markets in the last few months and a rise in sovereign risk levels; depreciations of local currencies against the dollar; and a global economic expansion that is tending to lose momentum.
“Our region continues to grow, although at a slower pace than what was projected several months ago, despite international turbulence. That is positive but it demands that we redouble our efforts to catalyze a reactivation of the economy, without resorting to excessive fiscal adjustments. Regional integration can play an important role here, and we must aim in that direction,” said Bárcena.
The 2018 ECLAC report is dedicated to a thorough analysis of the evolution of investment in Latin America and the Caribbean between 1995 and 2017, with its stylized facts, main determinants and policy challenges. It indicates that the region has increased its investment levels in the last two decades, closing the existing gap with other regions of the world. It warns, however, that additional efforts are needed to promote the productive linkages of this investment and thereby bolster economic growth.
“The region has made significant efforts to increase investment flows, but we face the challenge of improving its sectoral composition to incentivize our economies’ productivity. There is still much to be done,” the senior United Nations official stressed.
Regarding the Dominican Republic, the report shows that public investment has stagnated over the past seven years, despite the high levels of growth and public-debt taking by the government.
https://www.cepal.org/en/pressrelea...oderate-growth-and-its-economy-will-expand-15
https://www.cepal.org/sites/default/files/pr/files/table_gdp_es-2018-eng.pdf
https://www.cepal.org/en/presentations/economic-survey-latin-america-and-caribbean-2018
http://eldia.com.do/inversion-publica-se-mantiene-estancada-en-los-ultimos-siete-anos/
China, Panama, Uruguay, Netherlands, Chile, Ecuador and Israel ambassadors present credentials
President Danilo Medina, Vice President Margarita Cedeño, Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas received the credentials of the ambassadors of the People’s Republic of China, Panama, Uruguay, Netherlands, Chile, Ecuador and Israel at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace on Friday, 24 August 2018.
The new ambassadors are:
Zhang Run, People’s Republic of China.
Dionisio de Gracia Guillen, Panamá.
Álvaro Daniel Gallardo Castro, Uruguay.
Annemieke Verrijp, Netherlands.
Romilio Guillermo Gutiérrez, Chile.
Manuel Enrique Cadena Suasnavas, Ecuador.
Danny Biran Bayor, Israel.
About the new ambassadors:
Zhang Run is the first ambassador to represent China in the Dominican Republic after the signing of relations on 30 April 2018. Run is 46 years old. At the time of his appointment he was deputy general director for the Latin American and Caribbean Agency at the China Foreign Ministry since 2016. Previously he served in different capacities in Venezuela, Argentina, and Chile delegations.
Dionisio De Gracia Guillén, is a doctor in law and political science. Previously he had served Panama as ambassador in Guatemala and Mexico.
Álvaro Daniel Gallardo Castro, has served Uruguay in diplomatic posts since 1988, including as alternate permanent representative before the OAS, Unasur coordinator and general consul in Miami.
Annemieke Verrijp, new Netherlands ambassador, is a career diplomat who has held positions abroad in Spain and Dhaka. She is an expert in gender, labor harassment, maternal health, and AIDS/HIV.
Romilio Guillermo Gutiérrez, new ambassador of Chile, is 56 years old. He is a business administration graduate with studies in education. He served as mayor in Colbun and a legislator. He has also been dean of education at the UCINF university in Chile.
Manuel Enrique Cadena Suasnavas, the new ambassador of Ecuador, has been president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Ecuador from 1979-1994, and director of the Quito Chamber of Commerce from 1980-1989. He is a businessman at the helm of the CYTSA Comercial Técnica private firm since 1968.
Danny Biran Bayor, for Israel, has a master’s in public health, emergencies and disasters. Prior to his appointment, he was deputy director of the division of international affairs at the Israel Ministry of Foreign Relations.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...os-embajadores-republica-popular-china-panama
Cerón Suero named ambassador to Austria
President Danilo Medina appointed Néstor Cerón Suero as the new alternate ambassador to the Dominican embassy in Austria. He replaces Gilda Meléndez, who had been in the post since 2012. He had been appointed in April 2018.
The Presidency reported that Cerón Suero is a veteran diplomat who has served as electoral observer at the Organization of American States. He is the author of the book “Electoral observations of the OAS in the Dominican Republic 1962-2016 and the effects on Dominican democracy.”
http://eldia.com.do/ceron-suero-embajador-en-austria/
New Dominican peso coin
The Central Bank announced a new one peso coin is in circulation starting Monday, 27 August 2018. The coin is dated 2017 and has the inscription “peso dominicano” under the national coat of arms. The word “dominicano” is added to the old coin that is still valid.
https://www.bancentral.gov.do/a/d/4...on-peso-dominicano-debajo-del-escudo-nacional
https://www.listindiario.com/economia/2018/08/27/530381/banco-central-pondra-a-circular-nueva-moneda
Export committee comes up with 97 ways to boost exports
The Presidential Committee for the Coordination of Policies for Productive Development and Exports has presented 97 proposals intended to boost exports, stimulate productive sectors and create more jobs. The proposals seek to cut red tape, strengthen institutions, improve norms, financing, quality and certifications, training, trade facilitation, infrastructure and citizen security. The proposals are the result of a think tank meeting for 15 times during a month.
The presidential committee is coordinated by Rafael Paz, National Competitiveness Council director. He said the proposals would be presented to the President Medina in the next session of the plenary of the committee.
At present the trade balance is of around US$7.5 billion deficit.
http://eldia.com.do/comite-presenta-plan-mejora-exportaciones/
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...zo-actual-para-subir-exportaciones-HE10639187
DR signs agreements for more trade and investment with Brazil
The Dominican Republic and Brazil committed to eliminate trade and investment obstacles between the two nations. The document signed by Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas and Brazilian deputy minister for trade promotion, ambassador Santiago Mourao seeks to promote increased access for Dominican exports to the Brazilian market and increase trade and investment between both countries in general. The document was signed during the First Meeting of the Joint Brazil-Dominican Republic Trade and Investment Council in Santo Domingo.
Foreign Minister Vargas said the signing is a follow up to the memorandum of understanding he had signed on 14 May 2018, in Brasilia when visiting his colleague, Brazil Foreign Minister Marcos Bezerra Abbott Galvao”.
Also attending the signing were deputy minister for Economic Affairs and International Cooperation Hugo Rivera, Brazilian ambassador in the Dominican Republic Clemente de Lima Baena Soares, and Dominican ambassador in Brazil Alejandro Arias Zarzuela.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...cer-comercio-e-inversion-bilateral-BF10629945
DGII opens new office in Punta Cana
The Tax Agency (DGII) announced the opening on 3 September 2018 of the Bávaro Local Administration office in Downtown Business Center on Av. Barceló Km. 38 corner Boulevard Downtown, in Bávaro, Punta Cana. Taxpayers in Bávaro, El Cortecito, Punta Cana, Verón, Cap Cana, Arena Gorda, Macao and Uvero Alto that previously were served by the Higuey Local Administration office have been assigned to the new closer full service Bávaro office.
For more information, call 809 689-3444, 1 809 2000-6060 or see the DGII website at dgii.gob.do
Cueva de las Maravillas Foundation explains why it is necessary to privatize property
A source told Diario Libre that the Cueva de las Maravillas Foundation seeks to privatize the Cueva de las Maravillas property so that squatters do not continue to illegally occupy the protected area. The foundation, seeking to privatize 16,540.28 tareas (1 tarea = 629 square meters), said that already 3,000 tareas have been irregularly occupied. The source says that while the property continues to be under the legal ownership of the State Sugar Council these are susceptible to illegal occupation or invasion.
"The property has continued to feed a huge appetite for people who are seeking to squat on the protected area’s land. At the moment there are more than a hundred invaders in the northern part, " the source told Diario Libre, while complaining about the lack of action on behalf of the provincial authorities despite the irregular situation.
The Foundation source said that in 2014, the CEA agreed to donate the 16.540.28 tareas to the Cueva de las Maravillas Foundation. The Foundation would manage, conserve and protect the natural resources and physical structures of the Cave of Wonders anthropological reserve, the preservation of its caves, its pre-Columbian identity, flora and fauna.
The contract then passed to the National Congress for final approval. In March 2018, the Chamber of Deputies remanded to the commission of contracts the reference to the Cuevas de las Maravillas. The logic of the contract was questioned by some legislators.
Then on 20 August, the Ombudsman Zaida Medina submitted a nullity action against the act of donation before the Superior Administrative Court (TSA). The body emphasizes that it is a fundamental duty of the Ombudsman to contribute to safeguarding the fundamental rights of all the inhabitants of the country and that this includes collective and diffuse interests, such as the environment, protected areas, cultural and archaeological heritage, as well as the general interest of the State.
The appeal to stop the transfer of the property has the support of the Academy of Sciences that argues that the areas or lands that are under the protection regime of protected areas constitute an inalienable and un-attachable component of state heritage and the ownership of such property cannot be transferred to any individual or private entity.
https://www.diariolibre.com/medioam...s-seria-para-controlar-a-invasores-HF10627440
Constitutional Court orders government entities to stop cargo monopolies
The Constitutional Court confirmed the ruling by the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) that had declared there is a monopoly in the cargo transport sector in violation of the constitutional right for free enterprise, freedom of circulation and work. The TSA had ruled that the Dominican state through its ministries of Labor, Industry & Commerce, Defense, Interior & Police and Tourism, the National Police, and the OTTT were in violation of laws that ban the monopoly of cargo transportation at Dominican ports.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...-monopolio-en-el-sector-transporte-KF10627195
Haiti factories take over Dominican apparel exports
Apparel manufacturing firms in the Dominican Republic have been gradually phasing out manufacturing under the decade-old DR Earned Import Allowance Program (DR2-for-1 or EIAP) as the latter is about to expire, Just-Style online reports.
The specialized online publication says that the DR Earned Import Allowance Program (DR 2-for-1 or EIAP) was established as an amendment to the DR-CAFTA under the Andean Trade Preference Extension Act of 2008. It expires on 1 December 2018.
The report says that already use of the program is on the decline. In 2017, US imports of woven cotton bottoms from the Dominican Republic fell 57% by value (from US$3.6 million to US$1.5 million) and 80% by quantity (from 745,000 SMEs in 2016 to 154,000 SMEs).
The report explains that Haiti has taken over these exports. Dominican firms have invested in Haitian manufacturing ventures. As reported, Haiti offers lower labor costs and trade preferences under the HOPE/HELP programs with tariff preferences and use of third-country fabric.
https://www.just-style.com/news/dominican-republic-apparel-export-scheme-set-to-expire_id134300.aspx
Leonel Fernández revs up his followers at Palacio de los Deportes arena
Former President Leonel Fernández gathered his followers at the Palacio de los Deportes to prepare for his quest for the 2020 presidential candidacy of the party. Congress recently voted the Political Parties Law that leaves up to the political party echelons the choosing of how the presidential candidate for the party will be selected. While Fernández is the president of the ruling PLD party, incumbent President Danilo Medina has more followers in the dominating Political Committee of the party. As reported in Diario Libre, five of the 35 members of the Political Committee attended the event. Also five of 27 PLD senators and 12 of 109 PLD deputies.
Medina has said he will announce in March his decision on whether to seek reelection. To seek reelection, Medina must foster an amendment of the same Constitution that was changed in 2015 to enable him to run in 2016. Previously, Medina had spoken strongly against presidential reelection.
Event organizer, former Attorney General Radhamés Jiménez, said that the Sunday event was held to evidence the strong following that the former President has. Jiménez says they have gathered 1,225,000 signatures of followers. Jiménez said that with open or closed primaries, Fernández would be the winner of the PLD presidential candidacy. Fernández had opposed open primaries that were approved as a modality in the recently passed Political Parties Bill on grounds that in 2005 the Supreme Court of Justice had ruled that open primaries are in violation of the Constitution.
Movimiento Somos Pueblo (Ricardo Ripoll and Jesus Americo Espaillat) presented a motion whereby he claimed that the political event is a violation of the new Political Parties Law that calls for electoral activities to begin 10 months prior to election date for the start of public electoral activities. The presidential election is set for May 2020.
During the event at the Palacio de los Deportes, José Peña Suazo set the tone with the original merengue composition “Ahora está más fuerte, vivito y coleando.”
As reported, President Leonel Fernandez arrived at 10:11am to the Palacio de los Deportes. Jiménez gave the opening speech highlighting that “leonelismo is a feeling, with historical roots both inside and outside of the PLD.”
Speaking at the event, former President Fernández said the PLD would win the May 2020 general election, as it has done because it is the leading political force in the country, with seven elections won, more than any other political party. He announced he would comb the country, visiting the 158 municipalities on his path to return to the Presidency.
Diario Libre highlighted the absence of Vice President Margarita Cedeño, former First Lady and wife of President Leonel Fernández. Cedeño, a lawyer, has sought the presidential candidacy of the PLD on past occasions.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...e-que-deja-iniciado-acto-de-leonel-BD10643057
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...atura-por-cuarta-ocasion-en-el-pld-PE10637585
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/leonel-anuncia-oficialmente-su-precandidatura-GD10646000
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/el-espia/falto-la-esposa-o-la-vicepresidenta-FD10647615
https://www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2018/08/27/530428/comoquiera-ganaremos
http://hoy.com.do/leonel-fernandez-anuncia-su-candidatura-para-el-2020/
President Medina and reelection
Former Al Pais presidential candidate, Guillermo Moreno writes today in Diario Libre on the opinions regarding reelection stated by President Danilo Medina. The comment is made now that President Medina has said he will announce his position regarding reelection in March 2019.
In statements that are available on YouTube, President Danilo Medina in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015 firmly spoke up against reelection, including even swearing by God he would not seek reelection. Moreno highlights the key statements with the opinion of President Medina in his op-ed commentary titled “Danilo vs Danilo.”
The 2015 Constitution, fostered by President Danilo Medina to enable his reelection in 2016, bans his running for reelection.
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/en-directo/danilo-vs-danilo-JD10646492
Odebrecht hearings postponed until October
Supreme Court judge Francisco Ortega postponed until 1 October 2018, the preliminary hearing against seven accused of receiving US$92 million from the Odebrecht Brazilian construction company. The company admitted in New York City court to paying the sum to expedite contract work from 2001 to 2014.
Those accused are former senator Andres Bautista and Roberto Rodríguez of the PRM, senator Tommy Galán of the PLD, and former Public Works Minister Víctor Díaz Rúa. Also businessman Angel Rondón and lawyer Conrado Pittaluga.
The Public Ministry released Odebrecht from responsibility, accepting a deal where the company would make payments in installments of US$184 million, or double the admitted fine. Meanwhile, Odebrecht is seeking an additional US$700 million in payments for the completion of a turnkey operation of the Punta Catalina power plant.
https://www.metrord.do/do/destacado...-1-octubre-audiencia-imputados-odebrecht.html
Venezuelans sue Grupo Metro chief
The Public Ministry announced that there is a new round of charges against the president of Grupo Metro, Luis José Asilis Elmúdesi, accused of fraud against a family of Venezuelan investors in the sale of 15 plots for more than US$674,965 in Juan Dolio, San Pedro de Macoris.
Venezuelans Mauricio, Giancarlo Ubaldo and Flavio Falsiroli Mongolli placed the complaint against Asilis. Asilis is already under house arrest accused of fiscal fraud for RD$57.9 million, fraud, criminal association and asset laundering. The Public Ministry is requesting custody as pre-trial measure. The case will be heard on Tuesday, 28 August 2018, by Judge Yanibel Rivas of the National District court. The case presented by the Venezuelans established that the family made a deposit of US$674,965 to Asilis in July 2011 to purchase lots in the Costa Blanca project.
Asilis is known as a leading businessman in Grupo Metro transport enterprises, Metro Country Club and the Lajun Corporation that managed the Santo Domingo garbage dump.
http://eldia.com.do/dueno-grupo-metro-sometido-por-alegada-estafa-a-venezolanos/
Cocaine shipment stopped at Puerto Multimodal Caucedo
On the evening of Friday, 24 August 2018, the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) seized 206 packages of cocaine at the Puerto Multimodal Caucedo. The operation had the backing of the military security at the Santo Domingo port and international coordination. The narcotics were in freight containers that had arrived from Colombia. The National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) confirmed the packages contained 206.84 kilograms of cocaine.
A press release from DNCD states that the authorities are investigating to determine those responsible for the shipment that was destined to Europe.
http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/noticias/item/dncd-ocupa-mas-de-200-kilos-de-cocaina-en-puerto-caucedo
El Crédito at the National Theater
Leading drama actors, Irving Alberti and Orestes Amador have taken up the challenge of the lead roles in “Credit,” the 2013 drama-comedy by Barcelona playwright Jordi Galcerán that has toured the Hispanic world. The play is directed by Ramón Santana and will open at the Sala Ravelo of the National Theater the weekends from Wednesday to Sunday, 5 to 8 September and 12 to 16 September. Tickets are RD$1,000 and are available online at Uepa Tickets and at the National Theater box office, Tel 809 687-3191.
https://www.diariolibre.com/revista...peracion-ante-la-falta-de-recursos-CG10619319
https://madridesteatro.com/el-credito/