In his speech at the 23rd Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government that took place in Panama from 18-19 October, President Danilo Medina called on heads of state to come up with ideas for a new economy that is more focused on the welfare of the people. “Let us join our will to that of the great majorities that need our creativity and our daring to come up with a fairer and more solidarity-based development model.” He said that his government is committed to putting the people at the center of public policies.
Medina traveled to Panama on Thursday, 17 October for the meetings through Saturday, 19 October. He traveled with the Minister of the Presidency Gustavo Montalvo, the Administrative Minister of the Presidency Jose Ramon Peralta, the Mayor of Santo Domingo East, Juan de los Santos and businessman Jose Miguel Gonzalez Cuesta.
Medina urged for more transparent and democratic governments and an economy at the service of the people.
“We have to take decisions based on the everyday experience of the citizen who, more than markets and macroeconomics, has to make do day-by-day,” said the President.
He spoke up in favor or regulating the so-called tax havens. He also congratulated countries that have legislated to regulate the transfer pricing between inter-company contracts and said his government is committed to apply regulations to this effect in the Dominican Republic.
He said the country is integrating more with the region, participating in Caricom and SICA, cooperating in matters of security, trade, environment and climate change, through initiatives such as Hopefor in the case of natural disasters.
This was the first time that the King of Spain Juan Carlos has not attended the meeting, but he said he would be present at next summit in Mexico in 2015. He was represented by Prince Felipe of Asturias.