President Leonel Fernandez expressed his support to the Free Trade Agreement signed with the United States during the past administration. Fernandez highlighted that free trade manufacturing zones in the Dominican Republic had thrived thanks to the Caribbean Basin Initiative, precursor of the FTA. Fernandez acknowledged that while the CBI promoted trade, it did so in a unilateral manner, and thus now is being replaced by the integration of countries under the new FTA scheme.
Speaking during a signing at the Presidential Palace of a US$3.4 million donation (including 12,500 tons of wheat) from the US government, he said the future of the country rests on the nation being capable of taking advantage of the opportunities the FTA will bring. Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman, who represented President George Bush at the inaugural, came for the signing. President Fernandez said that it was a good sign that the first action of the government, on day one, was the signing of an agreement with the United States. ?I believe it is a testimony of good will and cooperation from the US government to the new government of the DR,? he said.
The donation falls under the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (FFE program) that helps support education, child development, and food security for poor children.
US Ambassador Hans Hertell and other officers of the US Embassy were present.