Ambassador Adam Blackwell is a happy man and proud of the progress in Canadian investments in the Dominican Republic. During an interview with Pablo Ferrer of El Caribe, Blackwell had his notes at the ready, so as not to leave anything out. He indicated that Canadian investments in tourism, mining, banking and telecommunications were growing, and that the effort to establish Canadian brands was becoming increasingly more successful. Blackwell referred to the fact that the Vancouver Airport Authority is assisting Aerodom in the management of the five largest airports in the DR, and the boom year ahead for Canadian tourism to the DR, bringing 350,000-400,000 tourists per year. In 1992, said Blackwell, Canada was undergoing problems similar to those being experienced in the Dominican Republic today. Nevertheless, it now enjoys the highest growth rate of the G-8. Blackwell defined Canada as a good friend of the DR, and said that what friends are for – lending a helping hand.