The Diario Libre reports that the Dominican Republic will join the Free Trade Agreement with the United States once the Central American countries have finalized their negotiations, according to El Salvador’s Finance Minister, Miguel Lacayo. This decision was made at a meeting between US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and his counterparts in the region. Speaking at a press conference, Lacayo said that “the Dominican Republic had agreed to accept the terms reached by the Central American nations. If there is no delay, we will welcome [the Dominican Republic’s] inclusion.” Nevertheless, Lacayo added that any annexes to the treaty would have to be negotiated bilaterally between the Dominican Republic and the US. Lacayo claimed that “the Dominican Republic’s interest in joining the FTA was the first example of other nations in the region who will show enthusiasm for joining this free trade vehicle, which will take the region to greater economic and social development.”