Steven Puig considers that the country is well positioned to begin diversifying the attraction of foreign investment, dedicating resources to human talent, and strengthening bilateral relations.
In the case of health, he said that 44,000 visitors a year come to the country and receive a service covered by U.S. insurance. «I think this is fantastic because it is an opportunity for our doctors to provide care at an international level. We already have centers -health centers- that are being certified with international standards, and that number falls short of the total number of people who actually come for health services,» he said.
He mentioned that the country is hosting several summits and international events, taking advantage of the location and the «pleasant climate from November to March», which makes it easier to attract leaders and businessmen from the northern hemisphere.
Regarding foreign investments, Puig highlighted the fact that the volume is averaging US$4 billion annually.
He highlighted the success of the free zones.
The treasurer of Amchamdr considers a success the production in the country’s industrialized parks, which manufacture world-class articles, mainly for export to the United States. «This achievement, which includes the sale of products locally, marks a significant advance by eliminating the need to import products manufactured abroad,» he explained.
William Malamud complemented the conversation by emphasizing the importance of quality investment that is not limited only to capital but also includes technology transfer and workforce training. He emphasized that foreign investment not only provides financial resources but also generates an environment conducive to the development of local entrepreneurs, who can learn from multinationals, identify opportunities, and create their own businesses.
Overall, AmChamdr executives emphasized the need to maintain a clear and uniform regulatory framework, both for local and foreign investors, that guarantees respect for the country’s laws and regulations. They also highlighted the soundness of the Dominican economy as a success story that can serve as an example for other nations.
As for the tourism sector, they indicated that it is a dynamic area that consumes a large part of locally produced agricultural products, highlighting such consumption as a national export that is not counted as such because it is a purchase in the local territory.
Alliances to move forward
«I think it is very healthy for foreign investment to arrive, especially, and this is what we are trying to promote, for higher value-added investments in the country,» Puig interjected.
He emphasized the support required from universities, especially specialized ones, that can help form alliances with dynamic sectors.
He cited that Mexico recently announced «a number of additional incentives for investors. One of the incentives was, precisely, for the training of the labor force that companies will have or may require in that country. «I thought it was a very interesting example to evaluate, for our own case. That is one of the challenges we have to anticipate: what are the technical needs in terms of human capital that these investments that we could attract have,» he said.