Minister proposes dialogue with Haiti about ban on Dominican products

Santo Domingo.– Industry and Commerce minister Jose del Castillo said Friday that the Dominican government is willing to talk with its Haitian counterpart to reach an understanding regarding the ban on 23 Dominican products.

The top official said the Haitian government will have to analyze the possibility of withdrawing the measure that affects Dominican industry and commerce, Haitian merchants, transporters and the population.

Del Castillo said the Haitian authorities suggested the products are transported by sea or air, but according to the Dominican minister the logistics involved in such transport would raise costs.

The minister stated that the 23 products banned by Haiti mean 47% of Dominican exports to the neighboring country. If Haiti does not lift the ban, it could cause the Dominican Republic a loss of 500 million dollars.