The Listin Diario points out that 108 new plants are being installed in industrial free zones in San Pedro de Macorís after the passing of the NAFTA-parity bill. San Pedro de Macorís senator, José Hazim Frappier says that the plants were empty prior to the passing of the US-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act that will become effective in October of this year. He forecast that 10,000 new jobs will be created. "I believe the outlook is good for the DR," he said. The United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act upgrades benefits offered by Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act providing duty free access to the US markets for most exports originating in CBI-signatory countries, including the DR. Caribbean Basin beneficiary countries now have access essentially equivalent to that accorded to products of NAFTA, placing them on a more competitive basis with Mexico in the U.S. market. The apparel articles covered will be allowed to enter the United States "free of duty and free of any quantitative restrictions, limitations, or consultation levels".
