Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez will lead a U.S. business delegation to the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, September 29-October 4, 2008, to explore opportunities arising from the Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).  Last year, U.S. exports to the Central American and Caribbean region surpassed $22 billion -- an impressive tally likely to increase as CAFTA-DR continues to eliminate most tariffs on U.S. exports.

When he announced the mission last week, Secretary Gutierrez stated that "CAFTA-DR is transforming the competitiveness of the Western Hemisphere in the global marketplace.  Since implementation two years ago, the United States has reversed our previous trade deficit to a current trade surplus of $3.7 billion in 2007 with the CAFTA-DR countries. CAFTA-DR has expanded openness and transparency in the region, which has improved the trade and investment climate for U.S. companies. I look forward to leading U.S. exporters on this business development mission to the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Costa Rica to capitalize on the opportunities that CAFTA-DR offers to U.S. industry and agriculture.”

For exporters in sectors listed below, this exciting mission is for YOU!

Automotive Parts and Equipment
Computer Equipment and Peripherals
Construction Equipment and Building Products
Electrical Power Generation and Distribution Equipment
Education and Training
Food Processing and Packaging Equipment
Hardware
Hotel and Restaurant Equipment
General and Household Consumer Goods
Medical Equipment
Optical Equipment
Plastics
Printing and Graphic Arts Equipment
Security and Safety Equipment and Services
Telecommunications Equipment and Services
Travel and Tourism Services
 
The application deadline to participate in this mission is July 31, 2008.  For full details and to apply on-line, please click here.