The Herrera Industrial Association is protesting at the government spending RD$34 million (not including perks) on the president and four members of the National Competitiveness Commission. In a written statement, Victor Castro of AEIH said that the president of Pro-Competencia, Michelle Cohen is paid RD$500,000 a month to make announcements of what they will do, social contacts, “mere public relations.” The budget of the entity is RD$96.6 million, as reported in 7dias.com.do
Diario Libre reports that the entity has not begun its work because the government has not appointed an executive director.
Victor Castro says that Pro-Competencia is still non-operational six years after it was created, but the entity costs the country millions.
He says that the entity has a role to play. “If competition is regulated, dismantling economic cartels and abuses by dominating players, consumers will benefit with better quality and better prices of goods and services,” writes Castro.
“We are fed up of seeing Pro-Competencia trapped in impotence, holding short courses, workshops, meetings, travels, studies, paying expert consultants, but not operating. There has been enough time for its organization and what is occurring now is an offense to citizens,” said Castro.
Pro-Competencia was created by the General Law for Competitiveness No. 42-08 that was signed into law on 16 August 2008. The law established that the President would appoint a commission and name the members of the board and the executive director within 90 days of the publication of the law. The government has yet to name the executive director.
www.7dias.com.do/portada/2014/03/02/i158864_aeih-denuncia-pasarela-michelle-cohen-pro-compentencia-sale-muy-cara-pais.html#.UxRyKFzN5g0
www.diariolibre.com/economia/2014/03/03/i507491_procompetencia-inaccin-por-falta-director-ejecutivo.html