Inaugural ‘Dominican Week’ Being Observed in Jamaica

Bilateral ties between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are expected to be further strengthened with the observance of Dominican Week in Jamaica, which is currently underway.

The inaugural ‘Semana Domicana en Jamaica, SDJ 2023’ was officially opened on Tuesday (February 21) during a Jamaica/Dominican Republic business forum at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston.

The event was attended by several business interests, investors, and other delegates, who participated in meetings, panel discussions, and exhibitions.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, noted that the occasion builds on a 2020 Memorandum of Understanding which established a Joint Working Group on trade, investment and production chains between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

“Our two countries are excellent neighbours who share many values and aspirations. Our long-established friendship has fostered cooperation in several areas, including tourism, trade, education, agriculture, culture, and [the] creative industries. This solid bilateral platform and our common desire for the advancement of our peoples and business have, indeed, laid a solid foundation for… this week’s proceedings,” she said.

The Minister advised that a pending draft framework agreement for cooperation in areas of mutual interest is now being reviewed by both sides.

Senator Johnson Smith said she is also “looking forward” to the establishment of a Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce in Kingston, following the launch of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic (JAMCHAMDR), in 2021.

For his part, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, hailed the fact that Caribbean nations are embracing the concept of ‘co-petition’ rather than competition.

This, he noted, means that countries are “collaborating, working together, sharing the best practices that we all have, utilising our skills, knowledge, innovation and creativity to mutual benefit”, thereby fostering greater connectivity.

Keynote speaker, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, said the week’s activities will enhance the relationship between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

“These activities and engagements will allow for the promotion of markets for commercial trade, investment in tourism and will assist in promoting cultural values. Importantly, [they] will provide meaningful opportunities for open, frank and fruitful dialogue… in creating a better bilateral trade balance,” he stated.

In her remarks, the Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Angie Martinez, noted that the occasion is historic.

“Both events mark a milestone in the strengthening of commercial, cultural and political ties between our two nations,” she stated.

The Ambassador also pointed out that upon her diplomatic appointment in Jamaica, she set her sight on creating a new era in the local commercial, trade and investment landscape, being cognisant of the potential for “reciprocal and balanced” synergies.

“I am fully convinced that we can grow our economies together, increasing jobs and building out a mutually beneficial relationship,” she stated.

Ambassador Martinez informed that the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica has, over the last two years, embarked on a drive to promote more business, investment, commerce and trade between the nations.

Over 20 commercial, trade and investment missions have been executed between the countries.

Overall, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have been enjoying several decades of diplomatic relations, with Tuesday’s business forum being the first of its kind between the countries, and in the Caribbean.

The Dominican Republic is Jamaica’s third largest trading partner in the Caribbean.

Other activities for Dominican Week include visits to historical and commercial sites, such as Strawberry Hill, the National Gallery of Jamaica, Bob Marley Museum and Kingston Wharves.

There will also be a gala concert and a master class at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

The week will culminate on Saturday (February 25) with a Dominican night in Jamaica.