Businessman Ignacio Méndez, president of the Federacion de Asociaciones Industriales (FAI) blamed Dominican politicians for impeding the full development of its industrial potential. Mendez said that by not passing the reforms, politicians have sought their own political gain. He said that businessmen are frustrated that the industrial development of the country is secondary in the minds of the politicians and the congressmen that have let the reforms stagnate in congress for several years now. The reform of customs tariffs is essential to strengthen national industry. Without these reforms, the free trade agreements signed with Central America and the Caribbean can not go into effect. Mendez favors the passing of the fiscal amnesty bill in order to make transparent everyone’s financial situation and regularize tax management in the DR. "We are waiting that at any moment the impasse in Congress will be resolved, that is now blamed on the government being of one party and the congress of another. Let’s see what happens as of 16 August, if they are going to invent something new," he told Hoy newspaper. As of 16 August, the PRD will be majority in the Executive and Legislative branches.
