Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (PRD) presidential candidate Hipólito Mejía and Partido de la Liberación Dominicana (PLD) presidential candidate Danilo Medina were speakers at the annual dinner of the Dominican Association of Exporters last night. It was the first time the two met publicly after their being chosen presidential candidates. Of course, their photos in an embrace made front pages of local newspapers. During the event, both presented their foreign trade platforms, and what they had in mind to strengthen Dominican exports. Hipólito Mejía said that if he is elected he will pass dollars generated by exports to the free market, eliminating the present exchange penalty. He also said he would eliminate the exchange rate commission increase, improve maritime port infrastructure and instate an open skies for aviation. The measures would be directed at eliminating the commercial balance deficit that this year will reach US$3,000 million. He highlighted that in 1981, the country exported US$1,200 million (not including free zone exports), of which US$754 million were farm products, US$89 million industrial goods and US$333 million in mining exports. In 1998, exports were down to US$888 million in 1998, of which US$378 million were farm products, US$230 industrial and agroindustrial goods, and US$140 million mining exports. He said that from January to June 1999, exports were US$416 million, down from the US$556 million total for the same period in 1998, for a decline of 26%. On the other hand, Danilo Medina, who was Secretary of the Presidency for the first three years of the Fernández administration, favors supporting the Promotion of Exports Law, a fluctuating exchange rate, low cost interest for financing exports, and the "ventanilla única" implemented by the present government that reduces export red tape.
