US Ambassador Hans Hertell writes in El Caribe on the importance of the approval of the DR-CAFTA agreement by the Dominican congress. Hertell mentions a series of benefits that the agreement would have on the DR. One of the benefits would be the elimination of tariffs on many US products– approximately 80% of Dominican imports–which would reduce the costs of a large amount of commodities consumed by Dominicans by 20 to 30%. Import costs would be reduced on items such as vehicle parts, working tools, seafood, appliances, diapers, computers, etc. The DR-CAFTA would also contribute to the prevention of corruption. The agreement explicitly requires the government to hold public tenders for the purchase of goods and services, and for major construction projects. However, the DR-CAFTA won’t be a “magic wand” that will solve the country’s problems. In his opinion, it is a powerful tool that may unleash new growth through trade and investment.