The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are joining forces and will source their natural gas together on the international market to lower costs. The plan is one of several initiatives that were discussed during an official meeting between Puerto Rico’s Secretary of State David Bernier Rivera and President Danilo Medina at the Presidential Palace yesterday, Tuesday 7 May. Bernier also attended a meeting of the Bilateral Mixed Commission for Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
According to Bernier, the potential for lowering the cost of fuel is enormous, as buying greater volumes would translate into lower energy costs. He also told the press the first purchases would be made in 2015.
During the meeting it was also agreed that Puerto Rican agricultural specialists would provide training for Dominican farmers in greenhouse farming techniques and rice production.
Bernier announced that the two countries were also studying the possibility of jointly producing products and services for export to the US market. Apparel and food production are being considered. Bernier said that twin plants did not work when first installed, but a new twist on the business model is being planned. What is important is that production could start in the DR or Puerto Rico, but it needs a percentage of manufacture in the US to be classed as a product manufactured in the US in order to gain access to auctions for US government procurement contracts, he said. Bernier added that the project would make both countries very competitive and would contribute to economic development.
In addition to meetings with President Medina and the Mixed Bilateral Commission, Bernier and his delegation also had lunch with Minister of Industry and Commerce, Jose del Castillo.
Puerto Rico also agreed to bring the Quisqueya Learns With You literacy program to teach illiterate adult Dominicans living in Puerto Rico.
www.hoy.com.do/economia/2013/5/7/479352/PR-y-RD-podrian-producir-juntos-para-exportar-a-EEUU