Inter - American Economic Council

Caribbean Business Roundtable on Trade and Technology
A Direct Dialogue with The Government of the Dominican Republic (Follow-Up Program to IAEC OAS General Assembly Meeting Program in Barbados)

The Dominican Republic Business Dialogue is designed to Review Trade and Foreign Policy as it relates to internal commerce within the Caribbean and the Wider Hemisphere. It will also analyze the region’s efforts towards Trade Integration and Economic Liberalization. An important component of the new trade arrangements will be the way in which IT is treated within the regional trade negotiations. IT is a growing industry sector within the
Caribbean generally. Fundamentally, it represents a relatively clean industry that complements the region’s Tourism Sector. As a component of this direct dialogue with the Government of the Dominican Republic we will review investment opportunities in the Dominican Republic. The Program will focus on Finance, Trade, High Technology, Manufacturing and Transportation. These discussions will continue the Inter-American Economic Council’s on-going efforts and commitment to promoting Economic Diversification in the Caribbean region to avoid future economic shocks such as that which occurred as a result of the downward spiral in Tourism following the tragic events of
September 11.

Roundtable Goals

(1) Provide the Hemisphere’s Business Leaders the opportunity to engage in a direct Dialogue with Senior Government Officials of the Dominican Republic.
(2) Exchange points of view with Government Officials regarding the trade process and Intra-Caribbean trade.
(3) Provide a Forum to follow-up on the Results of the IT Session, Chaired by Ruth Espey-Romero, that the Inter-American Economic Council organized at the OAS General Assembly Meeting in Barbados
(4) Provide a Forum for Companies to network and conclude deals.

Based on the private-public sector discussions and outcomes, the Council’s “Roundtable Report” will recommend strategies for achieving economic diversification in the region and the wider hemisphere. The report will also be made available through the OAS Department of Public Information.

The Roundtable will open with Statements by Government and Business Leaders from the Dominican Republic under the theme “Economic Diversification in the Caribbean and Latin America.- Caribbean Caucus on Trade and Technology” The Business Roundtable will canvass business trends, review business practices and government policy issues. It is expected to provide new openings and opportunities for investment, education, trade and jobs growth. It will provide unprecedented networking opportunities for participants from throughout the Caribbean and the Wider Hemisphere. Participants will have access to top government officials.

The Council’s Dominican Republic Trip will also include briefings by OAS Officials, Charles Manatt, former United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic and Ambassador Don Planty, former President of Caribbean Latin America Action. Speakers will also be drawn from from the private and government sectors as well as Embassy Officials. The delegation to Santo Domingo will be led by His Excellency Ambassador Christopher Thomas, Chairman of the Inter-American Economic Council. and former Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States.

Tentative Schedule
(Dates are Tentative and Subject to Confirmation of Ministerial Agendas)

September 19 Arrive in Santo Domingo
September 20 First Roundtable Discussion with Government Leaders
September 21 Second Roundtable Discussion with Business Leaders
September 22 Depart for Home

Selection of participants

Given Space Limitations and Security Issues, early registration is encouraged. To request an application for an invitation please visit inter-american.org

Sponsorship Packages:

Platinum $50,000
Representative introduced as Underwriter Platinum Sponsor. Speaking Opportunity for Sponsor’s Representative at the Program Company logo prominently displayed throughout the event. Company recognition in the event program and in quarterly newsletters
throughout the year.
Company Promotional Material Distributed at the Event.

Gold $25,000
Company representative introduced as vice chair of the event. Company logo prominently displayed throughout the evening. Company recognition in the event program. Company Promotional Material Distributed at the Event.

Silver $10,000
Company name prominently displayed throughout the evening. Company recognition in the event program. Company Promotional Material Distributed at the Event.

Bronze $5,000
Company recognition in the event program.
Company Promotional Material Distributed at the Event.

For information visit the Council's Website:
https://inter-american.org
Contact: Barry S. Featherman, Esq., President
e-mail:
Phone: 202-682-4778
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