The last round of discussions is taking place among ministers of economy and foreign relations from Central America and the Dominican Republic now in Santo Domingo for the signing of the Dominican Republic’s first regional integration scheme. The treaty provides for free movement of trade, promotion of investments and free movement of capitals, and will result in a market of 42 million consumers. Chiefs of state from Central America will be in Santo Domingo on 16 April to sign the free trade agreement with the Dominican Republic. The agreement is to include a clause that provides for a six month period in which both Central American nations and the DR will be able to present a list of up to 20 products to be excluded from tariff exemptions. Presidents Armando Calderón Sol, El Salvador; Carlos Flores, Honduras; José María Figueres Olsen, Costa Rica; Arnoldo Alemán, Nicaragua and Guatemala will be represented by Minister of Economy Mauricio Wuermeser. The Presidents will then fly together to Santiago de Chile, to participate in the Second Summit of the Americas, a conclave where the 34 chiefs of state of Latin America, United States and Canada will discuss the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas that is set for year 2005.
