IDB rep points to contrast in Dominican Republic growth

Santo Domingo.- TheInter-American Development Bank (IDB) representative in the Dominican Republic,Flora Montealegre, says that the positive growth rates enjoyed by the countryin recent years contrasts with the levels of inequality and poverty experiencedby the population.

The IDB official expressedthe organization’s concern, while recognizing that the government is makingsignificant adjustments to its growth model in order to reduce the indicatorsthat reflect the harsh reality for most members of society.

Montealegre commented thatalthough the country has the highest growth rate in the region, it mustcontinue to work to reduce poverty and inequality levels. She stated that thereare fundamental tasks like improving educational quality, health services andimplementation of programs that promote productive development and innovation,and that the government institutions must continue to make this their priority.

“As an international organization our strategy for thecountry is to achieve sustainable economic growth that will reduce the levelsof poverty and inequality,” said the IDB representative while attending thethird Unesco workshop for the presentation of the Sustainable Tourism Strategy.