Free Trade to reduce prices of U.S. products by 20% in Dominican markets

http://www.dominicantoday.com 23/11/06

Santo Domingo.- United States ambassador in the country Hans Hertell said yesterday that, thanks to the Free Trade Agreement with Central America and the United States (DR-CAFTA), Dominicans will have access to ‘made in U.S.A.’ products, for 20% less than what is paid today in the country.

Notwithstanding, he affirmed that the political will so that this may happen, is lacking. He added that, a year ago, there was much movement but that, to his Industry and Trade minister Francisco Javier Garcia’s surprise, the DR-CAFTA has not been implemented yet.

Hertell affirmed that reductions would apply to industrial equipment, “also to automobiles and simple, commonly used products, such computers, hardware products and auto parts.

He said that food in this country is the most expensive among many places in the world.

It is to be expected that the DR-CAFTA accord will also lower food prices.