SANTO DOMINGO.- Representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR), led by Edwin De los Santos and William Malamud, President and Executive Vice President respectively, welcomed the delegation from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who oversee the Global Entry initiative in the Dominican Republic. This initiative aims to facilitate easy access for eligible Dominicans to the United States.
The AMCHAMDR delegation also included members of the Board of Directors, María Waleska Álvarez in her role as Vice President, and Eduardo Cruz.
During the meeting, held at AMCHAMDR, the Chamber's representatives expressed their full willingness to collaborate with CBP for the implementation and development of the program in the country. Additionally, discussions revolved around the forthcoming steps and the benefits of Global Entry for the Dominican Republic.
The meeting was attended by Jennifer De La O, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations (ADEAC), Rafael Henry, Chief of the Trusted Traveler Program at ADEAC, Amina Akbary, Special Assistant at ADEAC, and Xander Gelabert, CBP Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo.
Highlighting that this initiative signifies a vote of confidence in the Dominican government's capabilities by the United States, Edwin De los Santos, President of AMCHAMDR, underscored that Global Entry will reduce migration times and enhance the travel experience. This will be particularly beneficial for those who frequently travel for business, marking a significant milestone for the Dominican Republic.
"It's an initiative we have supported for years and marks an important milestone for the country. The implementation of Global Entry in the Dominican Republic is a crucial step for frequent travelers, businessmen, and the general public, as it will help minimize migration time. We believe that Dominicans will make the most out of this significant initiative," De los Santos stated.
By joining Global Entry, Dominican citizens with visas can apply for entry online and conveniently access inspection kiosks at U.S. airports, avoiding long queues and expediting the entry process. Those meeting the requirements become trusted travelers, enjoying facilities that facilitate smoother entry into the North American country.
This achievement positions the Dominican Republic as the 16th country to join Global Entry and the sixth in Latin America and the Caribbean. In making the announcement, Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez emphasized that this milestone was possible due to government collaboration and the efforts of the Customs Director, who facilitated the integration of the necessary databases for participation in the program.
About the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR):
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR) is a non-profit association, legally incorporated on November 8, 1923, that fosters a healthy investment climate based on knowledge access, opportunities, and a culture of best practices for the socioeconomic and professional development of its members. AMCHAMDR is affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA).