While poultry and pig farmers marched against the free trade agreement currently being negotiated with the United States, US chief negotiator Regina Vargo listed what she considered the necessary factors for restoring economic confidence in the Dominican Republic. Free and fair elections, the signing of the free trade agreement and the IMF agreement were the three basic elements for an economic recovery, she told a meeting of Dominican business representatives. Vargo mentioned the three basic conditions the US seeks to establish in its trade relations with Central America and the DR: protection of intellectual property, unrestricted electronic commerce and efficient customs procedures. Unlike former arrangements, this would not be a unilateral concession, but a reciprocal framework that would benefit both parties. The US negotiator, along with Industry & Commerce Minister Sonia Guzman, faced some tough interrogation from the business fraternity. They asked questions about the viability of competitiveness with a tax burden of 50%. Guzman replied that the TLC would lead to appropriate fiscal reforms. They also questioned the reasoning behind having to accept the terms of the CAFTA agreement, to which Sonia Guzman explained it should be seen as a “negotiating floor” or baseline for any accord between the DR and the US. Listin Diario’s editorial makes the observation that while there has always been a fear of the unknown in this country, it is understandable that the business and farming sectors should be suspicious of the impending FTA, because it is far from clear what the effects on them will be. El Caribe’s main editorial carries similar sentiments, acknowledging Robert Zoellick’s reassurances (as reported in yesterday’s DR1 news), but also pointing out that no matter what happens, some sectors will suffer – and some will even disappear. It ends with a plea to the authorities to negotiate in a considerate manner and to act with transparency.