Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico poised to sign sweeping pact, EFE

San Juan .- Puerto Rico Secretary of State David Bernier said Thursday that agreements on trade, on exchange of information and education with Dominican Republic to be announced next week will bolster both economies, EFE reports.

"The benefit here is reciprocal. They are our immediate neighbors and that in itself makes it a natural partner and collaborator. We have many opportunities if we make a concerted work to strengthen the economy," the senior Puerto Rican official told EFE.

Puerto Rico governor Alejandro García Padilla together with Dominican counterpart Danilo Medina will present on Tuesday the conclusion of a joint effort aimed at increasing trade, education and information exchange.

"On January 13 we present the conclusion of this work by the signing of several trade, security and student mobility agreements. There are platforms that are going to provide opportunities for Puerto Rican and Dominican entrepreneurs," Bernier said.

To work on the agenda of Jan. 13 a group of Dominican officials arrived in Puerto Rico Thursday to meet with their local pars. "We must stress that this is a coordinated approach in all facets, where there have been work visits to the Dominican Republic and vice versa," he said.

"2015 has the conditions for Puerto Rico’s economic development. This collaborative work will give the island a practical look at the international level. This exercise is to strengthen relations with nearby countries,” added Bernier.