The government of the DR and the University of Puerto Rico signed an agreement to prepare Dominicans in technical areas and post graduate studies. President Hipólito Mejía was present during the signing of the agreement during a breakfast-encounter with members of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce at the Hotel Caribe Hilton prior to the inaugural of Puerto Rican governor Sila Calderon. Rafael Calderon, Technical Secretary of the Presidency, signed the agreement for the DR and rector of the University of Puerto Rico, Zulma Toro Ramos did so for the university. The five year plan will primarily be executed by the Mayaguez branch of the university. Toro Ramos said, to explain the program, "We intend to collaborate in the research and technological development, primarily to unite efforts to strengthen the initiative of the technological corridor of Puerto Rico and the Cyberpark of Santo Domingo," she said, according to a report in Hoy newspaper. As per the agreement, the second in 30 years signed with the DR, the university commits to send personnel to the DR to administer the admission tests to aspiring students. As per the agreement, Dominican students are relieved of foreign student rates, and will be charged as resident Puerto Ricans. The agreement also establishes that University of Puerto Rico professors will assist universities in the DR with developing new courses and curriculum. "I understand this is a step ahead to strengthen relations in the Caribbean, to provide opportunities for economic development," she said.
