2007 – Page 146

Franco Uccelli of Bear Stearns speculates on whether or not the government will decide to implement new rulings contained in the bill that criminalizes electricity theft that President Leonel Fernandez is expected to sign into law any day now. Uccelli, in a recent brief on the country, expresses his concern “about the government’s ability and/or …

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Senators say that their salaries aren’t enough to help them meet their needs and Diario Libre reports on discussions to increase their salaries to RD$250,000 per month, plus other benefits. Hoy quotes Ruben Dario Cruz as saying that Dominican senators are among the worst paid on this side of the continent. Senator Prim Pujals took …

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The Dominican Republic Center for Exports and Investment (CEI-RD) is sending a mission to the United States to find ways to reduce the detention of Dominican containers at US ports of entry. Eddy Martinez, director of CEI-RD, said that after careful inspection those products are eventually allowed to enter the country. Diario Libre writes that …

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According to Industry and Commerce deputy Minister Francisco Lopez, bi-lateral trade between China and the DR has increased by 50% in the last two years. Lopez pointed to the strengthening of relations between the two countries. Lopez understands that the Chinese consumer market has tremendous potential and highlighted the growth of the Chinese economy in …

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Director of the National Department for the Pursuit of Administrative Corruption (DPCA, formerly known as DEPRECO) Octavio Lister says that 153 corruption cases are currently being actively investigated. Lister says that he has asked for detailed reports about corruption from the 34 civil registries around the country, but has only received reports from half of …

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The Customs Department (DGA) and the UASD University have signed an agreement that will help train customs officials. The agreement stipulates that DGA will recognize the degree in Commerce and Customs that is now being offered by the UASD. During the announcement of the agreement a video conference was held with Korean customs commissioner Seong …

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The Senate, after two consecutive sessions, has approved the bill that will create the National Tourism Development Institute (INDETUR). The bill now passes to the Chamber of Deputies for review. The new office will be responsible for defining public policies for the sustainable development of the sector, and for planning and development of the country’s …

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The DR and the Andalusia Council have signed a cooperation agreement focusing on education, health, drinking water and strengthening municipal government. The agreement with the Spanish regional government also includes construction of dams, as well as rural development and the promotion of equal opportunities between men and women. The agreement has a budget of between …

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Vendors in the free trade zone at the airports in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata are taking legal action because they feel that officials at Aerodom, the company that runs the country’s airports, is trying to push them out. The Association of Free Trade Zone Owners says that Aerodom is using the excuse that areas …

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The Passport Department has announced that the cost of issuing and renewing passports will be reduced by RD$262. The reductions will take effect on 30 July and passports will now cost RD$1,238 for regular service and RD$2,238 for VIP service. Director Maritza Lopez says that the reduction comes as a result of the implementation of …

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