With the signing yesterday of Open Skies Agreement with the United StatesThe Dominican Republic will not only benefit from the aviation sector and tourism, but will also promote trade between the two nations and increase competitiveness.
The president highlighted it Luis Abinader Heading the ceremony in which the agreement was signed, the Minister of Tourism David Collado and Jose FernandezUnder Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment of the United States, after more than 25 years of negotiations. They agreed with what was expressed by the first president.
According to Abinader, the agreement is also a stimulus for the expansion of opportunities in international air transport, because – he said – the geographical position of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean can be fully exploited to turn the country into a regional air hub that attracts negotiators and investors.
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“This is part of our vision of a country open to the world where every flight represents an opportunity for progress and development,” he said.
According to the president, this is a fundamental step towards strengthening international connections and economic development of the Dominican Republic.
He stressed that the agreement lays the foundations for an international aviation system based on equal opportunities for free enterprise and competition.
“Thanks to this agreement, travelers and carriers will have access to a wide range of service options. Airlines will be able to offer not only competitive fares but also services that respond to the diverse needs of our citizens and visitors. I aspire to have an air bridge between the country and several American cities,” he said.
According to Abinader, by allowing airlines to be proactive in implementing innovative pricing, they create an ecosystem where the competition will benefit everyone.
“I am convinced that this agreement will open new doors and strengthen the ties between our nation and the United States,” he stressed.
A lot of advantages
José Fernández said the agreement will help move people, investors, goods and services between the two countries.
He said that the Dominican Republic is interested in building a globally competitive and energy-efficient supply chain together with the Dominican Republic.
“This agreement will strengthen tourism, travel and trade ties. It will also serve the interests of our peoples to increase the flight availability and reduce costs“, he said.
Tourism Minister David Collado, meanwhile, recalled that with the signing of the agreement, Dominican Republic airlines will have the opportunity to travel to all of the United States, but that it will also be possible to combat the rise in ticket prices to and from the country.
He reiterated that the DR needs a direct route to the US and, above all, better prices for airline tickets to receive more tourists.
“In December, tickets cost US$1,800 and up to US$2,000 in economy. Tour operators tell me that it is cheaper to travel to Puerto Rico than to the Dominican Republic,” he said.
The American congressman Adriano Espaillat (Dominican) He said the agreement sends a clear message that relations between the United States and the Dominican Republic are stronger than ever.
Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez stated that the agreement opens the doors to an attractive scenario for national airlines and Dominicans and foreigners who will use them, which he believes would increase competitiveness with better rates from more destinations.
“Through this agreement, the Dominican government will promote the liberalization of air routes, fostering competition and facilitating access to Dominican territory from various points around the world,” he stressed during the signing ceremony.
