Minister of Industry and Commerce, Luis Manuel Bonetti said that the government is endorsing a US$60 million National Competitiveness Program to help prepare national industry to compete on international and national markets. The three year old program will assist Dominican companies to expand their manufacturing facilities and train personnel. The effort is expected to prepare the nation to enter regional trade schemes. Antonio Rodríguez Mansfield, advisor to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, presented the plan that has been sent for review to key business associations and persons and is expected to begin its implementation this year. Of the total, the government will contribute 20%, the private sector will contribute US$24 million and US$36 million will come from external sources.
