Dominican trade associations mark Commerce Day and call for sector unity

Dominican Republic trade associations celebrated the 25th anniversary of the National Council of Provision Trade (CNCP) and Commerce Day with commemorative activities. The CNCP emphasized its role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, food security, and local economic dynamism through various retail establishments.

During the celebrations, CNCP Vice President Tomás Marcano addressed the need to balance international trade agreements, such as DR-CAFTA, with the protection of national production. He proposed evaluating mechanisms to allow duty-free imports during supply deficits to ensure food availability while maintaining transparency for local producers.

In Santiago, the Association of Provision Wholesalers (Amaprosan) also marked Commerce Day with a tribute to Juan Pablo Duarte. Amaprosan President Hilsa Eleonor López Olivares called for greater unity among merchants and urged the sector to participate actively in national dialogue and policy discussions to better represent their interests and consumer needs.