Keynote speaker at the Canadian-Dominican Chamber of Commerce Thanksgivings Day luncheon, on Monday, 8 October 2018, Canadian Ambassador Shauna Hemingway stressed the important bilateral relations and the potential of Canada as a partner of the Dominican Republic.
The ambassador observed that many Canadians came as tourists for the first time, but then fell in love with the country and returned to build a life and new business, making contributions to the land. She mentioned that 837,000 Canadians visited the Dominican Republic last year. Around 75 weekly flights land at Dominican airports from Canadian destinations.
She spoke of large Canadian investments in the country, mentioning banking (Scotiabank), textiles (Gildan), mining (Barrick, Goldquest), infrastructure (Magil and Ocean Group), farming (Gerard Trudeau), renewable energies (Emerald Solar).
Hemingway proposed to the authorities and sectors of the country to promote predictable and transparent rules. She remarked that integrity and honesty are highly valued in Canada, and said these are values that should be protected and extended to the world of business and diplomatic relations.
“The entrepreneurs with whom I meet, often do not ask us about business advantages or exceptional access, rather they look for predictability and certainty. And it makes sense. An investor wants to know that he can trust the rules of the destination country and adapt to its legal framework,” said the diplomat.
She called for adhering to an international system that ensures access and predictability offers a level playing field where everyone can enjoy success with effort and commitment.
“And it is our countries, with medium economies, that will benefit the most,” she said. She also advocated the responsible use of natural resources and to work on the issues of inclusion and diversity.
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El Dia
11 October 2018
