Haiti, Dominican trade dispute: Young Dominican entrepreneurs call for free trade pact

The on-going trade row between Haiti and the Dominican Republic has prompted the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs of the Dominican Republic known as ANJE, to call for a free trade agreement between the two Caribbean nations.

Haiti has imposed a ban on imports of domestic plastic products beginning August 1 this year. Haiti argues that the ban on plastic imports will work towards protecting its environment. Earlier this year, Haiti imposed a ban on Dominican dairy products.

According to ANJE president Frank Elias Ranieri, authorities in the Dominican Republic must “set clear guidelines so that the products manufactured in Dominican Republic can be consumed at good prices in Haiti”.

The Dominican Republic exports good worth US$ 1 billion annually, and the trade dispute between the two nations has negatively impacted business in both countries.