Speaking during an official visit to the neighboring island of Puerto Rico, President Hip?lito Mej?a agreed with a proposal from Puerto Rican Senate President Antonio Fas Alzamora that the two nations should review the existing tariff regime, with the aim of increasing and facilitating trade. Fas had said that products cultivated or manufactured in Puerto Rico and exported to the Dominican Republic are at present subject to very high import tariffs. President Mej?a surprised those present by saying there should be “no problem? in achieving this and that he hoped the tariffs would be removed. Mej?a, who is making this visit with the hope of “establishing Caribbean unity”, also gave thanks to Puerto Rico for receiving over 200,000 Dominican migrants resident on the island. Other themes on the agenda will include the promotion of joint research and development of technology and cultural activities. Trade between the two nations was estimated to be worth nearly US$1.4 billion in 2002. The Dominican Republic is Puerto Rico?s fourth largest trading partner, importing US$633 million and exporting US$707 million worth of goods.