The Consejo Nacional de la Empresa Privada, the largest business organization, says it is in favor of the treaty but insists that Congress must rule lowering import tariffs to levels similar to those existing in Central America. While the maximum tariffs in Central America are between 15-19%, in the Dominican Republic imports are still affected by tariffs as high as 35%, as Congress has delayed in passing reforms to the tariff code. The business organization also urged advances in the restructuring of the economy, and that there be an acceleration of the government efforts to privatize government enterprises. The CONEP emphasized the urgency of accelerating the privatization of the CDE in order to reduce the effects the high cost of electricity has on Dominican production and competitiveness. The CONEP recommended that the conditions be created so the Dominican service sector can participate advantageously in trade with the new Central American partners. Also urged that clear rules be set so that the participation of the free zones in the process does not affect non-free zone Dominican companies. The CONEP urged that the list of products to be exempt from the treaty be presented in 120 days.
