The Industrial Association of the Dominican Republic (AIRD)
warned that a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States carries certain
risks due to the ?accelerated talks and weak conditions? of the Dominican
industry.
Lisandro Macarrulla, president of the organization, told reporters from Hoy and
the List?n Diario that the absence of strategies and global and sectoral impact
studies are among the factors that could have weighty repercussions for the DR?s
industrial sector. The AIRD press release also says that the weak local economy
and lack of a clearly defined foreign policy represents a clear disadvantage.
?In a process such as this, the participation of the private sector is
essential,? says the statement.
The AIRD feels that the negotiators should be well informed about each sector of
the local economy to be opened to free trade, and should guard their interests
as best they can. ?The fact is that many countries open their borders without
knowing if the United States is going to open theirs. Because of this, the local
industries should make sure that the time period for removing tariffs should be
as realistic as possible,? said Macarulla.