The National Council of Business (CONEP) went on record yesterday saying that it does not feel that the economic crisis that started back in 2002 is over. CONEP says that the country is constrained by the IMF Stand By Arrangement to limit debt. Conep said that “there are many other aspects within the transport sector that we can better until the right time comes (for building the Metro).” For these reasons, the CONEP feels that the Metro Project should not be placed above health and education priorities.
The Association of Young Businesspeople (ANJE), says that the debate around the metro proposals is a sign that the country needs a National Development Plan where projects are prioritized. ANJE requested the reactivation of the National Dialogue to discuss recent developments regarding the Metro project.
The Roman Catholic cardinal, Nicolas de Jesus Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez told the press that he thought it was a positive step, but that it was not a top priority.
In favor of the project, Superintendent of the Stock Exchange Haivanhoe Ng Cortinas suggested the government use pension plan funds to finance the project.
The former president of the Dominican College of Engineers and Architects (CODIA), Alejandro Montas suggested a debate on the technical issues surrounding the project.
The Chamber of Deputies began hearings on the metro with comments starting with transport union representatives.