Dominican deputies to the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), Ramón Emilio Goris and Jesús Batista Suriel, have proposed the creation of a merchant fleet to enhance commercial exchanges between the Dominican Republic and Central American nations. The initiative, presented at the regional forum in Guatemala, aims to strengthen economic ties and support regional trade growth.
Goris and Batista Suriel emphasized that maritime transport has historically driven international trade, and establishing a dedicated merchant fleet would expand market access for agricultural and manufactured goods. They highlighted that the proposal aligns with the priorities of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and would facilitate efficient trade between neighboring islands and countries.
The fleet would operate through a public-private partnership, ensuring sustainable development with eco-friendly transportation practices. The initiative is expected to stimulate agro-industrial growth, create jobs, and improve living conditions while opening new markets for small and medium-sized producers in both regions. (https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2025/01/30/dominican-deputies-propose-merchant-fleet-to-boost-trade-with-central-america/)