MAY 2010

Second subway line could be extended to San Isidro

President Leonel Fernandez met with french businessman

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The director of the Office for the Reorganization of Transport (Opret), Diandino Peña, reported Monday that they are doing feasibility studies to extend the second line of Metro from Alcarrizos to San Isidro and not to San Luisas it was originally planned.

He revealed that the government will study more specifically the connection of the first line of the Subway with the second, once the political elections ended.

He offered the information after meeting with French businessman Joan Giacinti and President Leonel Fernandez in the National Palace to discuss the issue. He explained that the excavations made in the Avenida V Centenario are developed within the investigative process to determine the location of pipes, electrical and telephone system.

Mr. Peña informed that a press conference could be organized to provide more information.

He said the subway extension is contemplated due to the demand that has taken the first line, which now increased from 50 000 to 100 passengers per day. For the second line of the project is planned to extend 30 miles, which would go from Los Alcarrizos to San Isidro.

Santo Domingo Live, 04.05.10

XXXII Europe and America customs conference started in Santo Domingo

With the participation of delegates from 38 countries

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- Delegates from 38 countries started Tuesday in the Dominican capital to the Thirty-Second Annual Conference of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC), in which special attention is given to the necessary cooperation to confront terrorism, smuggling, drug trafficking and other crimes that occur in cross border trade.

This is a council of all the customs of the Caribbean and Central America, with the participation of the United States and France, which has a system of cooperation in training of human resources, modernization and trade facilitation, the director general Customs Rafael Camilo.

In the welcoming speech, the Dominican government official said that as we all know today world trade and globalization have transformed the role to be played by Customs in this process that we live in today.

Pierre Bertrand, Assistant Director of Compliance and Facilitation of the regional body, Willys Ramirez Diaz, assistant general secretary of CARIFORUM, and Paulo Hilaire, permanent secretary of CCLEC, also spoke during the ceremony.

The representatives of customs administrations in Europe, Central America, the Caribbean and the United States will discuss from today until next Friday the new challenges of foreign trade.

Customs changing to meet the global challenges is the theme of the international meeting which takes place in a hotel in Santo Domingo.

Among the main issues discussed are: customs improvements, human resource training, assistance and cooperation, modernization, automation, process harmonization, exchange of customs intelligence processes, prevention and repression of customs offenses committed in Caribbean area.

Santo Domingo Live, 05.05.10

The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development presented the book Foto Fija, el arte de espiar

In order to promote the film industry and audiovisual creation in the country

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- Photos of Fernando Calzada, captured during the filming of four films that took place in the Dominican Republic are published in a book that the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (FUNGLODE) sponsored as part of its objectives to promote the film industry and audiovisual creation in the country.

The book includes photographs of Fernando Calzada taken during the filming of movies filmed in the Dominican Republic as Sugar, Cuba Libre, La Fiesta del Chivo and The Lost City, and will presented Friday, May the 7^th at 7 _pm in FUNGLODE auditorium.

Mr. Calzada in the publication shows the quality of his work, in his role as photographer of still scenes. Some of the images can be seen in the exhibition at the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Spanish photographer resident in the Dominican Republic in the book shows one of its many facets as a professional lens.

According to Mr. Calzada, Foto Fija, el arte de espiar refers to the privileged status of the photographer’s role in the filming process.

The Research Center of Communication (CIC) of FUNGLODE coordinated the projectFoto Fija, el arte de espiar, in its strategy to emphasize the importance of communication in all its dimensions.

Photography and Mr. Calzada talent are the protagonists of this work, which allows evaluating the importance of still images and the technical quality.

Under the auspices of the publication, FUNGLODE renews its commitment to foster creativity and promote TV and film industry in the country, with high-quality initiatives, as the annual celebration of Dominican Global Film Festival and the training projects Global Multimedia Institute (IGM).

Santo Domingo Live, 06.05.10

Economy grows 7.5% in first trimester of 2010

Tourism brings to the country more than one million dollars

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- Central Bank Governor Hector Valdez Albizu reported that the recovery process that started in the first trimester of the Dominican economy is being consolidated, as shows the 7.5% growth registered by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mr. Valdez Albizu revealed that the activities that are producing economic growth in January-March 2010 period, are: construction 19.4%, commerce, with 15.7%, agriculture with 9.6% and electricity and water, 9.5%.

Similarly are the local manufacturing sector with 9.3% in financial intermediation and insurance, with 7.3%, communications, with a 6.0% transport, with 5.0%, rental and housing, 3.0% and finally, Public Administration, with 2.4%. All these activities represent 90.2% of GDP.

The official revealed that local exports amounted to U.S. $ 571.0 millions, reflecting growth of 55% over the last period of 2009, while total imports increased by U.S. $ 642.3 million, a growth of 23.5% over the past period.

Mr. Valdez Albizu said that tourism brought to the country more than one million dollars in the first period of the year. In January, 221.872 foreign tourists, visited the country representing a growth of 3.9%.

The data provided by the Central Bank report show that the goal of the first trimester of 2010 was completed satisfactorily, taking into account the gradual improvement of tax receipts.

During the explanation of the results of the first quarter of 2010, the central bank governor, said another factor that contributed to successfully meet the target was the central government deficit as measured by below the line was RD $ 9.533 millions, a situation that allowed to meet the goal of RD $ 15.711 millions approved in the Standby Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He said that the rate of inflation reached 2.33% in March this year and in April was 0.36%, which ensures that the consumer price index closed between 6 and 7 percent as agreed with International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Mr. Valdez Albizu issued these considerations related to the growth of the Dominican economy during a press conference at the monetary institution in which he reported were already deposited US $ 750 million sovereign bonds.

Santo Domingo Live, 07.05.10

XIII International Book Fair closes with record sales

More than 2000 cultural activities were performed

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The XIII International Book Fair, organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Directorate General of the Book Fair, which had Mexico as Guest of Honor and was dedicated the Poet and Journalist Freddy Gatón Arce, ended last night with a new record in sales.

RD $ 85 million were registered in sales during the event, representing a new record for the fair, as announced by the lawyer Pedro Valdez, Executive Director, who announced further that during the course of it, there were more than 2000 cultural activities and that it was visited by more than 1 million people.

In the closing ceremony, held at the National Theatre, which was chaired by Mr. Jose Rafael Lantigua, Minister of Culture and Nicolas de Jesus Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez, was announced the Holy See will be the next Guest of Honor of the cultural event.

Alejandro Arvelo, Director General of the Book Fair, read the message of acceptance on behalf of the Holy See, who sent His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, through Monsignor Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo. Monsignor Sánchez Sorondo said that this appointment has wanted to recall that the message of Christ is summarized in a book, the Bible.

He expressed the satisfaction of the Holy See for this honor and gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and the State, for the designation.

During the ceremony the Ambassador of Mexico, Don Enrique Loaeza Tovar, highlighted the enthusiasm of the Dominican people to discover Mexican culture. He said he appreciated the welcome Dominicans gave to the Mexico stand and to the cultural delegation of his country, led by writer Carlos Fuentes.

For her part, Mrs. Ivelisse Gatón, daughter of the late writer Freddy Gatón Arce, welcomed the recognition given to his father and thanked for efforts to keep his memory alive.

Minister Lantigua was accompanied during the ceremony by the Ambassador of Mexico, Enrique Loaeza, Fernando Pérez Memén, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Mexico, Mrs. Ivellise Gatón, daughter of poet Gatón Freddy Arce, the Deputy Ministers of Culture, Alexander Santana, Lourdes Camilo de Cuello and Bernarda Jorge, Alejandro Arvelo, Director General of the Book Fair as well as Pedro Antonio Valdez, Executive Director.

Santo Domingo Live, 10.05.10

Cruise Company Travel Net presents new strategies

It awards agencies of the Dominican Republic

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- On Wednesday April the 28^th, Travel Net had the pleasure to bring together the key agencies of the Dominican Republic at a luncheon during which were presented the new strategies and products that have Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara, as well as formal recognition of Sales to agencies of the Dominican Republic.

On this occasion, Travel Netrepresentative in the Dominican Republic, of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara, held a lunch with wholesalers, travel agents and individuals linked to the tourism sector in the Taboo Bamboo restaurant, where guests had the opportunity to meet Sophia Cejas, Regional Director for the Dominican Republic, who was special guest.

Joseph Mella, president of Travel Net, pronounced the welcome speech during the meeting and introduced the other members of the company as: Yamile Mella, Administrative Manager, Victor Mella, Business Manager, and Nicole Mella, Brand Manager and Projects.

Our continued commitment to the cruise market in Latin America is giving us great dividends, and the company is experiencing a significant growth. In 2010, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will continue to invest in the cruise market in Latin America with a ship engaged, relevant sales and marketing campaigns, and extensive collaboration with our industry partners to support this initiative, including active promotion and incentives reservations for our travel agents.

When new ship Enchantment of the Seas will begin to travel in Latin America since the host Puerto Colón, Panama, the shipboard experience will be improved to provide meals, drinks and entertainment attractions to the Latin American market.

Hispanic crew will be increased too, regional options menu in the main restaurants and buffets will be offered. All these initiatives complement the international products available on board all ships from Royal Caribbean International.

The Enchantment will leave every Saturday from Colon, Panama, until April 2010. This is the second time the ship has been dedicated to the Latin American market, and eliminates the need for a U.S. visa for tourists from the region who can travel in Caribbean cruise without visiting any U.S. port.

Santo Domingo Live, 11.05.10

Leonel Fernández convened a meeting next Friday

To discuss Haiti rebuilding

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The President Leonel Fernández on Tuesday called for the diplomatic corps accredited in the country at a meeting next Friday at the National Palace to discuss issues related to the reconstruction of Haiti.

The meeting will also attend the Haitian prime minister, Jean-Max Bellerive. As he provided the information, the Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, Temistocles Montas, said the meeting also aims at preparing the conditions for the Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Punta Cana next June the 2^nd.

He said the plans related to the summit organized by the Dominican Republic are going good and that it will establish the agenda for work to go help Haiti, a nation that January the 12^th was affected by an earthquake of 7.3 degrees on the Richter scale.

He said that since many countries have confirmed their participation at the meeting which will be headed by President Leonel Fernández, in a resort in the east of the country.

Santo Domingo Live, 12.05.10

Dominican Republic among Latin American countries that overcame the crisis

According to World Bank

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The World Bank included the Dominican Republic among Latin American countries that have managed their economies to reach their previous levels to the global crisis and hoped that by 2010 the region will have a relatively robust growth.

The chief economist of the Bank’s Latin America and the Caribbean, Augusto de la Torre said that the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Panama and Uruguay are among the countries that have achieved this growth and that if from now there were any surprises, they will be positive surprises, since we are possibly going to grow more than this forecast.

Santo Domingo Live, 13.05.10

The executive declares Saturday, Sunday and Monday until noon, non-working days

OMSA buses will provide free transportation on Sunday

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The executive declared that Saturday, Sunday and Monday until noon will be non-working days, in order to enable Dominicans to participate to congressional and municipal elections.

Decree No. 264-10, issued by President Leonel Fernández exempted from this requirement service institutions such as hospitals, firemen, transportation and private guards, among others.

The same stresses that in each case the employers and managers must take measures to enable their workers and employees go to vote and elect senators, congressmen, mayors, councillors and alternates for the next six years.

The decree also says that the ministries of Labour and Police and the Central Electoral Board are responsible for the implementation of the decree.

OMSA buses will provide free transportation on Sunday

To make it easier for citizens to to exercise their vote right, the Dominican government said that the units of the Metropolitan Office of Bus Services (OMSA) will provide free service for free May the 16^th.

Ignacio Ditrén, director of OMSA, said that The measure will refer to the residents of the National District and Santo Domingo province and Santiago de los Caballeros he said.

Mr. Ditrén said on the election day, OMSA buses circulate in the corridors usually travelled by the service entity, including Avenue February 27^th.

Santo Domingo Live will publish all the results of the elections this Monday may 17th, 2010

.

Santo Domingo Live, 14.05.10

Roberto Salcedo reelected with 53.50% of suffrages in National District

Alfredo Pacheco wins 45.05% of votes

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Central Electoral Board emitted this Monday may 17^th, in the morning, the official results of municipal and congress elections that took place yesterday in all the country.

In National District, the Party of Dominican Liberation, PLD and its allies obtained 53.50% of suffrages, while the Dominican Revolutionary Party, PRD and its allies won 45.05% of votes, for a total of 331,389 voters.

It represents 177,277 votes in favor of PLD candidate and actual mayor, Roberto Salcedo, and 149,275 votes for the PRD candidate, Alfredo Pacheco.

The elections of this May 16^th, 2010, led to the reelection of Roberto Salcedo as mayor of National District, who will take office on next August 16^th, and will direct the town hall until 2016.

Municipal results

Congress results

Results of the report number 11 emitted by JCE

Santo Domingo Live, 17.05.10

Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean begins today

President Leonel Fernández arrived in Spain

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- President Leonel Fernández arrived to Madrid at 3:00 _pm (9:00 _am Dominican time) by the Barajas International Airport, to attend the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Union Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. The president was greeted at the airport by the Dominican ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Cesar Medina, and members of the diplomatic delegation in the European nation.

During his journey of several days in Spain and Italy, the Dominican head of state is accompanied by First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Morales Troncoso, the Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, Montas Themistocles; and the Minister of presidency Administration, Luis Manuel Bonetti, and by the Director of Information, Press and Publicity, Rafael Núñez.

Dominican president visited on monday the Technology Park of the University Carlos II, where he pronounced a speech.

On the morning of Tuesday, the governor will participate in the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held at 9:00 _AM, local hour in Spain.

From Spain, Mr. Fernández will travel to Italy, where he will hold a meeting at the Vatican by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.
Mr. Fernández praised the great importance of the Summit on Haiti and the European Union which begins Tuesday with the participation of the representatives and heads of government of various countries.

He said that this is the penultimate in a series of meetings held prior to culminate with the World Summit Haiti Solidarity beyond the Crisis, to be held in the Dominican Republic on June the 2^nd.

The Dominican President mentioned that in the conclave to be held in the Caribbean nation will develop five areas of discussion with a view to preparing a development plan for Haiti, that was ravaged by a powerful earthquake, on January the 12^th.

Santo Domingo Live, 18.05.10

President Leonel Fernández signs education agreement with University Carlos III

Students from the Dominican Republic may receive scholarships for masters and doctorates

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- President Leonel Fernández signed an education cooperation agreement with the authorities of Science and Technology Park of the University Carlos III.

Thanks to this agreement, students from the Dominican Republic may qualify for masters and doctoral courses through scholarships, while there will be an exchange of teachers where teachers Dominicans may undertake studies at this university and professors of this academic center may come to Dominican Republic.

The agreement was signed after the president pronounced a speech in the study center.

After the conference the Head of State of the Dominican Republic, visited the Scientific and Technological Park along with the rector of the University Carlos III, Professor Daniel Peña Sánchez de Rivera.

The president was accompanied by the Dominican ambassador  in Spain, Cesar Medina, the Administrative Minister of the Presidency, Luis Manuel Bonetti, and the Director of Information, Press and Publicity of the Presidency, Rafael Núñez.

Santo Domingo Live, 19.05.10

The Ministry of Public Works began construction of two tunnels on 27 de Febrero Avenue

With an investment of over 40 millions dollars

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Works and Communications started the construction works two tunnels at the intersections of the avenues José Núñez de Cáceres and 27 de Febrero Avenues and Carmen de Mendoza and Dr. Fernando Defilló Avenues with an investment of U.S. $ 40,570,765.98.

The tunnel of the Carmen de Mendoza has a length of 520.59 meters. It will have four lanes, two in each direction. The width of each lane is 3.65 meters, while the track will have a total width of 16.20 meters.

While the tunnel of 27 de Febrero Avenue with José Núñez de Cáceres has a length of 341.90 square meters, four lanes, two in each direction.

The project Corredor Duarte aim to minimize the negative effects that come with vehicles stopping in the most congested intersections of Santo Domingo waiting for the green traffic light, or due to blockages that occur not only in peak hours, but during most of the day.

The main benefits to be achieved in the short term include lower operating costs of vehicles; this is reflected in lower consumption of fuel, lubricants, spare parts and tires.

The tunnels will also help reduce environmental pollution, gas emissions, noise and delays to users with less travel time and will reduce the frequency of accidents.

Santo Domingo Live, 20.05.10

Santo Domingo subway second line will resist to any natural disaster

A transfer station will be built at Olympic Center

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The second line of Santo Domingo subway will be entirely underground, and will be able to resist to any natural disaster, as an earthquake or a tsunami, according to the declarations of the vice-director of Transport Reorganization Unit (OPRET).

Leonel Carrasco, explained that the construction of this work is made in order to resist to any impact caused by a natural disaster.

All the measures have been taken so that if an earthquake or a tsunami would occur, the structure will not be affected. This line will have 14 stations.

He ensured that the works were advancing at good pace, even if some difficulties were found on the ground of avenues Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy, which provoked some delays.

He added that, contrarily to first subway line, the second one will be entirely underground. The grounds, composed by coralline rock with medium hardness, are perfect to build tunnels.

At the Olympic Center, a transfer station is being built, in order to enable passengers from Los Alcarrizos who want to go to La Feria, to take another train without paying again.

Santo Domingo Live, 21.05.10

Dominican airports were recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization

For the high levels of quality achieved

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reported that Dominican airports received recognition from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for quality levels that have been achieved, their modern structures, the preparation of its technical staff and compliance with legal and international safety requirements.

ICAO said that in its most recent audit it gave its best rating in eight sections, in which the country received ratings of 8, 9 and 10, in an ascending scale.

The critical elements that led ICAO to recognize the quality of airports in member countries are the primary aviation legislation, which the country earned a 10, for their commitment to compliance with the laws in this area.

In addition, the Dominican Republic earned a score of 9 in the following areas: Status and function of the civil aviation system and safety supervision, technical guidance, provision of tools and critical security information, licensing, certification, authorization and approval of obligations.

While, in the areas of specific operating regulations, trained and qualified technical staff, monitoring obligations and resolution of security problems, the country received scores of 8.
The general director of CABG, José Tomás Pérez, expressed great satisfaction, highlighting the country’s commitment to maintain these quality standards which have earned international recognition in the field of civil aviation. We are leading calls to preserve this reputation we have earned through work and dedication.

The country has a commitment and we, as responsible for CABG, will be the main caretakers so that our air system, both its technical staff, and its infrastructure and enforcement, will be respected, said the official. The owner of CABG extended congratulations to the executives of the 21^st Century Dominican Airports (Aerodom), for their work as head of the administration of airports in their care.

Santo Domingo Live, 24.05.10

Dominican Airport XXI Century performs emergency drill

Las Americas International Airport-JFPG

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- Dominican Airport XXI Century (Aerodom) conducted an emergency drill in the International Airport Las Americas-JFPG (AILA), in order to measure capacity and response times of both internal staff and external institutions in case of the occurrenceof a real emergency.

The drill was held on Wednesday May 19^th from 9 to 11:30 _AM in strict compliance with the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC).

The welcoming ceremony of the exercise was attended by Director General of Aerodom, Andrew O’Brien, the Director of the AILA, Raul Berroeta, the Director of Aviation Safety Specialist Corps (CESA), Brigadier General Pilot FAD (DEM) Pedro R.Valenzuela Quiroz, and the President-Executive Director, and Manager for the Dominican Republic of CSI International, Anthony Piegaro.

The Dominican airline Pawa provided the DC 9 aircraft used during the exercise, while Copa Airlines participated as a guest airline in the form of Air Kaleta.

The Director of Public Relations and Communications Aerodom, Yolanda Mañan, said the company has the necessary equipment to respond quickly at any of the six airports it operates.

Mañan, said the drill was announced in advance in order to avoid causing alarm among the general population, and that the air and ground ambulances that were used were supplied by Aero-Ambulance, a company operated by Helidosa.

For the realization of the exercise, the Main Command Post (PMA), the room unharmed, relatives and Media, were activated which would be enabled in the event of an actual emergency.

Joining in the exercise along with Aerodom were, the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC), the Special Body on Airport Security (CESA), the Emergency Operations Center (COE) Santo Domingo, the Dominican Red Cross, Civil Defense Fire Corps, Dominican Air Force, National Police, Tourist Police (POLITUR) and the Metropolitan Transport Authority (AMET).

In addition, the Airport Department, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, the Dominican Social Security Institute (IDSS), Aero Ambulance, the various airlines operating in the AILA, Airport Services Division (DSA) and Menzies Aviation Group, among other institutions.

Santo Domingo Live, 25.05.10

The National District Mayor promises to transform the Colonial Zone

To position the National District as the country’s main tourist destination

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The National District Mayor promised to reshape the Colonial Zone in this six-year term, to position the National District, as the country’s main tourist destination.

Among the transformations, he reported they will be placing the electrical wiring underground, lighting every street and changing some streets from vehicular traffic to pedestrian.
Mayor Roberto Salcedo, who was re-elected on May 16^th, said making these changes will accelerate the implementation of the master plan designed by the Italian company Lombardi at the request of its mayor and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The plan includes the intervention of the historic center, to make it easier to get around and positioning the city, the National District, as the country’s main tourist destination.

Reportedly, in order to restore the circuit of ancient monuments of the capital, the Monumental Heritage Office and other sectors that affect the Colonial Zone will coordinate action.

Other announced initiatives are the conversion of streets, among others, Calle Las Damas, into pedestrian walkways. In regards to a project that has been in the planning stages for many years, placing the electrical and telephone wiring underground, he defined this as a challenge to his new term.

He explained that the Master Plan involves combining the restricted circulation with the aim of the historic pedestrian route to Santo Domingo and provide a network of suitable markets for trade in food, as well as an efficient system of storm drains.

Santo Domingo Live, 26.05.10

The seven treasures of Santo Domingo have been selected

At the occasion of the cultural capital of America

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Alcazar, the Cathedral, theFortaleza Ozama, the Royal Houses Museum, the Botanical Gardens, the Pier and the Palace of Fine Arts in Santo Domingo have been selected, in that order, as the seven treasures of Santo Domingo, Cultural Capital of America, 2010.

The International Bureau of Cultural Capitals today shared the results of the popular vote, which, after these seven elements of Dominican heritage include Chinatown, the street of Las Damas, the National Palace and the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari.

Also listed were the National Pantheon, the Parque de los Tres Ojos, the Altar of the Fatherland, the Hostal Nicolas de Ovando, and the ruins of the Monastery of San Francisco, the Faro a Colon and the Colonial Sewer, among others.

The objectives of this campaign are to promote and disseminate the cultural heritage in Santo Domingo in a didactic, educational, recreational and to encourage visits to the selected sites.

It also aims to establish new tourist routes that will allow visitors to learn the rich heritage of Santo Domingo, while promoting citizen participation.

The American Capital of Culture, established in 1998, aims to promote inter-American integration from the cultural field, contribute to a better understanding between the peoples of the Americas and to highlight the common cultural heritage.

Santo Domingo, which has around 600 cultural activities scheduled for the year, wishes to show the world its rich and active cultural life, according to the Ministry of Culture of the country.

Santo Domingo Live, 27.05.10

Spain and Dominican Republic seeking to strengthen trade ties

Spain is the third largest trading partner of the Dominican Republic

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The adviser to the president of the Dominican Republic on Foreign Investment, Marco Herrera, met in Madrid with the president of the Chamber of Commerce of this community, Salvador Santos, in order to strengthen trade relations between the countries and promote Spanish investments on the island.

At a meeting in Madrid, Mr. Herrera stated his interest to Mr. Santos in attracting Spanish companies to the Dominican Republic, which is a bridge to the U.S. markets due to its proximity to the State of Florida, reported the Chamber of Commerce through a statement.

Spainis the third largest trading partner of the Dominican Republic, behind only the United States and Canada. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted that the Central American country will grow by 3 percent in 2010, which is expected to encourage Spanish businessmen, the statement said.

Last year negotiations took place between Madrid and Santo Domingo to avoid double taxation of business operations and to facilitate the entry of Spanish companies in this country.

Dominican Republic already has a significant presence of Spanish companies, mainly from tourism and hotel investment and major real estate, said the Chamber of Commerce. In recent decades, the sectors with the highest demand for foreign investment have been tourism, renewable energies, notably wind and bio fuels, and telecommunications.

Among the benefits of bilateral exchange, said the Chamber of Commerce of Madrid, is the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and CARIFORUM countries, among which is the Dominican Republic, in order to promote full trade liberalization between signatory countries.

The agreement establishes a new framework for trade and investment relationship, with significant tariff reductions.

Furthermore, in order to channel information and operations relevant to Spanish investment, last year the Spanish Company Financing for Development (Cofides) signed a collaboration agreement with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Santo Domingo, which has over 400 member companies.

Santo Domingo Live, 28.05.10

Construction of Corredor Duarte making good progress

With an investment of $163 million dollars

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- Duarte Avenue construction progresses at a good pace with no delays.

The different lines of work, such as raising Monumental Avenue and crossing Manoguayabo with Duarte, avenues Núñez de Cáceres and Juan F. Kennedy, Ortega y Gasset with 27 de Febrero and Charles de Gaulle with San Isidro highway, show significant progress.

Technical teams are using heavy machinery and other equipment with the aim of finalizing the modern road structures in the scheduled period.

Investment in Duarte Avenue, which runs from Los Alcarrizos to Charles de Gaulle, stands at $163 million dollars and also has private equity from Brazilian consortium Norberto Odebrecht and Estrella Engineering.

The Ministry of Public Works and Communications hopes to finish the elevations of Ortega y Gasset, Núñez de Cáceres and Doctor Defilló between May and July of this year.

This initiative will solve bottlenecking problems in these critical intersections in the National District and Santo Domingo province.

As part of the work there will also be a tunnel constructed from Ortega y Gasset and 27 de Febrero, to the Avenue Santo Thomas de Aquino in the University zone.

The project is expected to be completed in 30 months and represents a large portion of road development, and will save travellers time, money and fuel. More than 800,000 vehicles travel along John F Kennedy daily.

Santo Domingo Live, 31.05.10