Panama. – Within the framework of the third summit of the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD) in 2024, held in Panama, the Dominican Republic reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional supply chains and promoting sustainable development. The Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, Víctor -Ito- Bisonó, He led the Dominican delegation, accompanied by the Vice Minister of Free Trade Zones and Special Regimes, Johannes Kelner.
During the summit, progress was reviewed and priorities for 2025 were defined, demonstrating that the country, as the third most important trading partner of the United States, is a key ally in promoting economic stability and chain security. of supply.
“Our commitment is to support the strategy that the alliance promotes, through the integration of the economy in critical sectors, creating an environment of collaboration that strengthens the local economy and encourages foreign investment, encouraging the creation of new opportunities and jobs in our nations” Minister Bisonó emphasized.
Among the highlighted topics are the simplification of procedures, the strengthening of human capital and the consolidation of value chains in strategic sectors such as medical devices and pharmaceutical products, as well as the strategic role of the Panama Canal, through which 5% of the global trade, and its importance as a critical artery to connect our
economies.
Minister Bisonó reiterated the Dominican government’s commitment to strengthening logistics and trade between Panama and the Dominican Republic, promoting more competitive and resilient supply chains, aligned with the vision of establishing ourselves as one of the main strategic destinations for global trade.
Progress in 2024 and priorities for 2025
The Dominican Republic has led key initiatives in the medical devices technical table, which prioritizes the training of human talent and regulatory convergence to improve regional competitiveness. In parallel, the pharmaceutical products technical table, led by Panama, presented advances in good regulatory practices and clinical trials. “The work carried out this year reaffirms our commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. At this summit we have outlined a clear roadmap for 2025, which seeks to generate quality jobs, attract investments and strengthen regional cooperation,” said Minister Víctor -Ito- Bisonó.
Strategic meeting at the Panama Canal
As part of the activities, Minister Bisonó held a working lunch with José Ramón Icaza Clément, Minister for Panama Canal Affairs and Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, administrator of the Panama Canal Authority. During the meeting, strategies were discussed to strengthen connectivity between both nations, consolidating their economies as key axes for international trade.
About ADD
The Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD) is a cooperation initiative between the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador, with the support of the United States. Its purpose is to strengthen supply chains, foster economic growth and promote sustainable development in the region.
With this meeting, the ADD closes 2024 by establishing a clear framework for action
by 2025, with the aim of continuing to promote trade, investment and
regional development.
