The DGA official reaffirmed his commitment to adapting to the demands of greater trade openness and providing all possible facilities for free trade.

William Malamud, Executive Vice President of AMCHAMDR, in his opening remarks at the event, highlighted the benefits of trade facilitation in “moving goods more quickly, at a lower cost, in a transparent and consistent manner, to make exports more competitive.” In this regard, Malamud urged the National Congress to approve the Bali Declaration on Trade Facilitation, a rules-based agreement and best practices to which the Dominican Republic is a signatory along with 100 other countries.

In his speech, Gustavo Tavares, president of AMCHAMDR, referred to the intensification of competition for international capital since President Trump's administration. "We have seen how President Trump's administration is already using its influence to attract investments that could be directed to other countries. He has reiterated that he will reduce corporate tax rates to 151%, to encourage companies to invest in the United States.

"We understand that it is healthy and prudent for the Dominican Republic to take this seriously into consideration before taking any fiscal or other action that could be detrimental to our ability to attract investment and promote international trade," Tavares stated, while reaffirming his enthusiasm for working with the new United States administration "with a view to promoting a pro-growth agenda and continuing to build on the foundations of a beneficial bilateral relationship."

When it was time for the guest speaker, Enrique Ramírez, Director General of Customs, to present, he presented a comprehensive report on the progress Customs has been making toward providing every possible opportunity for free trade. "The Dominican Republic is the first country in the hemisphere to establish in its legislation a 24-hour timeframe for customs clearance under normal conditions; most clearances are completed within an average of no more than 48 hours, the time stipulated in DR-CAFTA," Ramírez stated.

The Customs Director cited the implementation of systems such as the Single Window for Foreign Trade (SWFT), the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and the notification of Category A measures under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement; achievements that have gone hand in hand with public-private partnerships.
Ramírez expressed support for a new Customs Law, which he described as an opportunity to further strengthen this institution in the face of changing times. The official also highlighted his efforts to transform the country into the "Logistics Hub of the Caribbean."