Dominican big business hails Haiti rapprochement

Santo Domingo.- National Council Business (CONEP) presidentRafael Blanco on Wednesday hailed foreign ministers Miguel Vargas’ announcementthat Haiti agreed to lift its ban on the overland entry of 23 Dominican products.

He said the CONEP puts at the disposal of the parties tosupport the establishment of measures to strengthen and formalize the exchangebetween the two countries.

He said representatives of the Dominican and Haitianbusiness and government sectors had expressed concern over the lack of customscontrols at the border, and the ensuing spread of smuggling.

Blanco said the bans harm the economy of both countries anddon’t solve the problems affecting bilateral trade. He said formal tradebetween the two states must be encouraged, which in his view is the toughestchallenge.

In a statement, the CONEP urged both countries to developjoint programs to formalize trade, professional services and customs controlsat the border, and develop infrastructure and effective trade processes.