The Dominican Republic-U.S. Business Council scheduled its inaugural visit to Washington, D.C. on 19 May to coincide with the high-level working meeting between President Hip?lito Mej?a and President George Bush. The group, put together through the efforts of former US Ambassador in the DR Charles Manatt, is comprised of leaders of the Dominican business community and was established to promote business development, government relations, and the development of stronger ties to the US-Dominican community.
Manuel Tavares, president of the council, defines the mission?s goal as to become the ?Washington-based voice of the DR private sector?. The group seeks to engage decision-makers and opinion-makers in the public and private sectors in Washington, and increase business and investment through advocacy, public affairs and business facilitation.
The group supports the pursuance of a free trade agreement directly with the United States that would provide a level playing field with its competitors in the region. The council believes that any such agreement should be secured no later than the completion of a free trade agreement with the Central American nations.
M.B. Oglesby of BKSH Associates will join with Ambassador Manatt to provide strategic advice to the council. BKSH is described as Washington?s premier government relations firm.