September 21, 2020, Santo Domingo. - Social Progress Imperative presented the results of the eighth edition of the Social Progress Index, IPS, where the Dominican Republic is ranked 77th in the ranking.

In this edition of the IPS, the country registered a slight increase of 0.3% in its score, however, it decreased by 3 positions with respect to the ranking published in 2019. Despite this, the country presented improvements in its position in the ranking in two of the three dimensions evaluated.

The dimension with the best performance was Structures for well-being, with an increase of 1%, mainly driven by the improvement in Access to information and communication, whose score grew by 2.7% and improved 6 positions in the ranking.

In second place is the Human Basic Needs dimension, registering a 0.6% growth in its score, this due to the good performance in 3 of 4 of its components (Personal Safety, Nutrition and primary medical care, as well as Water and sanitation).

However, the component that measures Environmental Quality worsened one position from the previous year, evidenced by a 0.6% increase in greenhouse gas emissions, and a 0.3% increase in deaths attributed to the air pollution per 100,000 inhabitants.

Finally, the Opportunities dimension registered a 0.9% decrease in its score, and decreased 3 positions in the ranking. This decline can be mainly related to the performance of the Personal Rights component, which fell sharply, decreasing its score by 9.7% and worsening 23 positions in the world ranking. The above is explained by the performance of the Access to Justice indicator [1], which decreased by 59.2%; this indicator measures whether citizens enjoy safe and effective access to justice through a survey conducted by the Varieties of Democracy Project. 

About the IPS

The Social Progress Index (IPS) is a comprehensive measure of the social and environmental performance of countries regardless of economic factors and complementary measures of success such as GDP. The IPS also captures information related to the achievement of 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reveals that if this trend continues, the world will not achieve the SDGs until 2082, in addition to this, it is expected that if no action is taken the urgent effects of the COVID-19 pandemic would delay this for another decade.

To download the full report http://www.competitividad.org.do/

• The project will assist in the production and marketing of precious coconut wood based on a Senile Plantations Renewal Program.
• Educational workshops will be held for coconut producers.

September 28, 2020, Santo Domingo. - Through the United Nations Development Program through Project No. 00116183 on “Strengthening the Competitiveness Policy of the Dominican Republic”, the National Competitiveness Council together with the Dominican’s Coconut Producers Group are working on the development of a proposal to replace old plantations, based on the development of products derived from the exploitation of coconut wood.

With a view to converting the disadvantage of having old plantations into a competitive and commercial advantage, this project began the first actions, including a meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Coconut Cluster, owners of coconut plantations, farmers, industrial processors and marketers of coconuts and their derivatives, it was opportune to agree to the holding of educational workshops in different provinces of the country.

The country has enormous potential for top-quality coconut wood, derived from plantations between 40-80 years old, the age at which this type of coconut wood begins to have value, becoming senile precious wood, for this reason, The project will consist of the production and commercialization of precious coconut wood based on a Senile Plantations Renewal Program.

This plan expects to plant thousands of new coconut trees in a period of 10 years to replace the senile plantations (old coconut trees / more than 50 years). The logs of the replaced plants will be processed and converted into precious coconut wood, mainly destined for the markets of the United States of America and the European Union. The biomass will be converted into coal with the main destination to Haiti and hotels in the Dominican Republic.

This consultancy aims to promote the development of the coconut industry through the preparation of a Proposal for the Industrialization and Marketing of coconut wood. Increase the productivity of coconut producers based on the substitution of senile plantations for other more productive species.

In addition, provide the Coconut Productive Complex with a Business Plan that allows it to reduce the economic impact of starting a process of replacing plantations and provide the Coconut  Productive Complex with a database of potential partners and sources of international resources.

September 2020, Santo Domingo- The National Competitiveness Council presented the results of the Global Innovation Index (IGI) 2020, this index has been carried out since 2007 by INSEAD in conjunction with Cornell University and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO ).

In this 2020 edition, the central theme of the report is "Who will finance innovation?" showing the current situation and evolution of financing mechanisms and, at the same time, exploring its needs and challenges. This issue is of vital importance for innovation in business and public policy, since financing affects all stages of the innovation cycle, from the generation of ideas to the commercialization, expansion and subsequent establishment of a long-term sustainable business. .

For the 2020 version, the IGI results study the characteristics of 131 countries, through 80 indicators, of which 58 consist of hard data, 18 are composite indicators and 4 come from opinion surveys. Comparisons with the previous year's results are not recommended due to methodological changes from the most recent version.

In this index, the Dominican Republic is located in the group of upper-middle-income countries, with a score of 25.1 and occupying position 90 globally, being the infrastructure, institution and sophistication pillars of the market those that have obtained the best score for the Dominican Republic internationally. At the regional level, Chile leads the ranking and the Dominican Republic remains the 11th country with the greatest capacity for innovation in the region, above El Salvador. 

In the sub-index of entries to innovation, on average, the Dominican Republic performed well. The institution pillar is the one with the highest score in the country (54.3), it positions the Dominican Republic in 98th place worldwide; This pillar assesses the institutional structure of economies by attracting business and fostering growth through good governance and levels of protection that encourage innovation. 

The market sophistication pillar (which measures aspects such as credit, investment and trade, competitiveness and market size) is the second with the highest score for the Dominican Republic, despite being below the regional average (44.5). On the other hand, the infrastructure pillar registered a score of 37.9 (above the Latin American average of 37.5), it is ranked 77th worldwide and tenth in the region. 

However, business sophistication (which assesses the levels of sophistication to access innovative activities) obtained the second lowest rating with a score of 22.5 below the regional average 25.8. The lowest score of the innovation entry pillars was obtained by the human capital and research pillar, which registered a score of 18.5 out of 100. 

For 2020, the sub-index of Exits to innovation for the Dominican Republic showed an unfavorable behavior, with a score of 15.4 (below the world average, of 24.4 and regional, of 17.4), placing the Dominican Republic in positions 85 and 10 globally and regionally. Within this sub-index the following pillars are measured: production of knowledge and technology, which evaluates all the variables that come as a result of investment and innovation; and creative production which measures aspects such as intangible assets, creative goods and services and online creativity. These sub-pillars position the Dominican Republic at 99 and 82 respectively.            

The Dominican Republic's capacity to innovate, measured through the IGI, has presented unfavorable returns, placing the country in position 90 (with a score of 25.1, lower than the world and Latin American averages of 33.8 and 27.7, respectively). The results suggest that despite showing a good performance in most of the input indicators, the results of this investment have not yielded the expected results. In this sense, it is important to take into account the main challenge of the country in terms of innovation (human capital and research), which affects in a transversal way the results of innovation (exit indicators), since the levels and standards of education and research they are key to the development of innovation in a nation.

To download the full report click on the following link http://www.competitividad.org.do/indice-global-de-innovacion/

The certification is based on compliance with national environmental legislation, the International Standard ISO and EcoAction 21 supported by the Japan Cooperation Agency (JICA).

August 9. Santo Domingo - The National Competitiveness Council received the gold certification for its environmental management system, granted by the 3Rs Sustainability organizations and the Center for Agricultural and Forestry Development (CEDAF), under the SGA-CER 200802 accreditation, which recognizes efficiency in the execution of sustainable actions in organizations.

It is the only certification at the national level that distinguishes public and private organizations, which have an environmental management system and have obtained concrete achievements in the implementation of the 3R culture (reuse, reduce and recycle) to mitigate environmental impact of its operability.

This accreditation is endorsed by the Japan Cooperation Agency (JICA) and was received by Mrs. Zoraima Cuello, executive director of COMPETITIVENESS, who expressed her satisfaction with the achievement. “I am proud of this team, and the effort of all the members of the institution, who demonstrated the real commitment to the planet and the environmental sustainability of the country”.

In this sense, Ginny Heinsen, president of 3Rs Sustainability, pointed out the effort and hard work of COMPETITIVENESS to achieve this certification in the face of the situation in the country. "That they have achieved the highest category in the midst of this pandemic, and have assumed responsibilities of those who have a commitment to sustainability, deserves great recognition." We are honored, he added.

Meanwhile, Rafael Tomás Nazario, Administrative and Financial director of the institution and president of the Environmental Management System Committee (EMS), stated that the distinction "is a great pride and a merit of the efforts of all the members of COMPETITIVENESS".

Sustainable initiatives implemented

The certification process began at the end of 2018. Various actions and education programs were carried out to guide employees on the proper use of water and energy saving, solid waste management, first aid, good sustainability practices and 3R's culture, as well as holding workshops on safety and health at work.

Part of the implemented measures stand out: creation of a Committee and an Environmental Management System, made up of members of the administrative areas, quality management, technology, planning and development, general services, human resources, purchases and communications.

Likewise, the creation of Clean Points, hiring authorized managers who comply with the environmental regulations of the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, use of reusable and biodegradable materials in the kitchen and dining room areas.

In addition, the COMPETITIVENESS facilities have intelligent light sensors and fire detectors, low consumption light bulbs, electronic and office equipment with intelligent consumption, signaling of evacuation routes in case of earthquakes or fires, safety manuals and Next-generation printers, which make their use more efficient and reduce paper consumption.

 The study proposes planning and economic projection capacities should be promoted, fostering greater diversification of trade and fostering innovation.

August 3, 2020. Santo Domingo. RD.- The National Competitiveness Council, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs together with the representatives of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) held a virtual event to present the results, advances and key issues of the revision of the Production Transformation Policies (PTPR) with a view to promoting national productive development.

This analysis highlights the reforms that as a country have been developing, among which are the digital agenda, through the Digital Republic Program, as well as the implementation of various platforms and online services for administrative procedures.

During this presentation of results socialized through the Zoom platform and Facebook live of Competitiveness and with the participation of the members of the Council and representatives of the public-private sectors, the efforts to strengthen the quality infrastructure were highlighted, through the Dominican System for Quality, so necessary to compete in international markets with the highest standards.

The study shows that the Dominican Republic needs to pursue three goals: Strengthen its governance capacity to anticipate and adapt to change. National leadership needs to assess future work and ensure coordination and consultation with stakeholders.

Diversify your trade and investment base and increase your regional economic ties. The country should align its Direct Foreign Investment (EDI) policies with the national development strategy, complementing its incentive packages with tools aimed at increasing local industries.

Stimulate innovation by filling institutional gaps and mobilizing long-term financing. The country needs an agile, small innovation agency with a clear allocated budget.

Zoraima Cuello, executive director of COMPETITIVENESS, expressed: “today more than ever before the global pandemic of COVID 19, this review of the transformation policies of the Production of the Dominican Republic (PTPR), is of great relevance so that the country can redesign and implement better and innovative public policies on productivity”. Furthermore, "... the challenge is to update the national development model, through reforms that allow us not only to overcome the crisis generated by the pandemic, but also to reach levels of inclusive and sustainable economic development," Cuello emphasized.

On behalf of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Mypimes, Juan Monegro, Vice Minister of Industrial Development, said that “this study provides well-qualified intelligence of what is happening in the DR, why it is happening and how to take steps forward. It is pertinent for the country to receive the results right now in the initial year of the 1920s, a decade that could possibly be described as a new era of industrial development, an era of global productive transformation”.

Annalisa Primi, head of Structural Policies at the OECD, highlighted that “this study presents how to face the future, how the country can open up new opportunities”, she pointed out that “the PTPR is a tool that allows us to work with countries, learn from them and detect opportunities”, she pointed out that “the Dominican Republic is the country that has grown the most economically in the region, they have new investors, new international relationships”.

The results also outline that the country needs to reduce dependence on a single market, manage complex trade chains, strengthen regional ties, and promote itself as a reliable, high-quality trade and manufacturing partner.

The OECD mission in charge of carrying out the multidimensional study worked for eighteen months, with two missions in which two round tables and 30 bilateral meetings were held with representatives of the public, private and academic sectors of the country, addressing issues on public policies. , access to public services, changes in business models, access to financing, institutions, sustainable growth, the environment, among others. ECLAC and UNCTAD provided support during the review and analysis process.

To know the results of the study on the Review of the RD Productive Transformation Policy, enter the portal www.competitividad.gob.do

The document is the roadmap to promote creative cities and municipalities

July 20, 2020, Santo Domingo.- In order to catalyze the creative industry of local municipalities, the National Competitiveness Council made the official delivery of the Methodological Guide for the Formulation and Implementation of Creative City and Territories Plans for the Municipalities of the Network of Creative Cities and Territories of the Dominican Republic to the Dominican Municipal League (LMD), with the support of the General Directorate of Special Programs of the Presidency (DIGEPEP).

During the event, Zoraima Cuello, Executive Director of Competitiveness, declared that innovative infrastructure is the lever of progress in all countries, so promoting the pillar of the creative economy will stimulate the creation of new jobs, new sources of work and innovation processes that will consolidate the economy of the future.

Meanwhile, Karen Ricardo, general director of Special Programs of the Presidency, stressed that “this methodological guide will facilitate the rise of the orange economy to place us on the world's route, thanks to the virtues that differentiate each municipality that has a differentiated offer in gastronomy, cultural heritage and crafts”.

Fundamentals of the methodological guide

The proposal is based on four strategic axes, among which is territorial revitalization, which is related to the management of improving public space, quality socio-cultural infrastructures in vulnerable environments to improve the quality of life, social cohesion and decentralization of cultural goods and services.

The second axis is community innovation, linked to the implementation of new inclusive and comprehensive social interaction mechanisms, through citizen participation.

The third axis has to do with training and educational continuity, through the implementation of permanent education programs to motivate creative production, good coexistence, in addition to valuing the habitat and recognizing the immediate environment.

The creative economy is the fourth axis of the proposal presented to become part of the network of creative cities and is based on the creation of capacities for the sustainability of human and cultural resources, as well as encouraging a sustainable economy.

This preparation counted with the technical review of the DIGEPEP's Quisqueya Digna Plan staff and its Creative Territories unit, who coordinated the management of this contribution for the Dominican Municipal League for the benefit of the local government and municipal districts of the country.

The event was held at the headquarters of the National Competitiveness Council, where its executive director Zoraima Cuello delivered the document to Stalin Ramírez, director of Municipal League Programs and Projects, on behalf of the organization's secretary general, Johnny Jones. The director of the Quisqueya Digna Plan, Ayacx Mercedes, deputy director of Quisqueya Digna, Nicolás Guevara and the head of the Creative Territories Unit Ching Ling Ho Shum were also part of the event.

On behalf of the Municipal League, Stalin Ramírez, Director of Programs and Projects of the Municipal League, thanked both institutions for making this contribution that will strengthen the culture and the municipalities of the country.

Click here to download the methodological guide

July 17, 2020, Santo Domingo. - The National Competitiveness Council celebrated the award afforded to Génesis Ramírez, sector analyst, and Oscar Flores, strategic information technician of the Competitive Intelligence direction, who participated in the Economic and Social Research (CIES) contest with the study entitled: “Balassa-Samuelson effect in the Dominican-American relationship”, with which they obtained 5th place at the awards held on July 15.

This first edition of the contest was organized by the Unit for the Promotion of Economic and Social Research (UFIES) of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD) and was aimed at local professionals interested in promoting research on priority topics to learn about the economic and social reality of the Dominican Republic.

This study analyzed the effect of labor productivity in the tradable and non-tradable sectors on the country's real exchange rate, by verifying compliance with the Balassa-Samuelson Effect (B-S). In addition, they were included as panelists of the FIES Talk, a seminar of international and national researchers where the results of the award-winning research will be presented.

Zoraima Cuello, executive director of COMPETITIVENESS, expressed her congratulations to the winning team and extended the assessment of the potential of this event before the national situation of Covid-19.

"It is important to value human talent, collective thinking and local innovation, to permanently innovate in creating opportunities that favor the development of the country."

For more information on the details of the contest, access http://ufies.mepyd.gob.do/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CONCURSO-CIESV2.pdf

June 29, 2020, Santo Domingo.- The National Competitiveness Council begins the cycle "Competes Conversations", with a view to the productive fabric strengthening its levels of innovative skills, while contributing to increase competitiveness, entrepreneurship as highlighted in the National Innovation Strategy and in the National Competitiveness Plan of the Dominican Republic.

The "Competes Conversations" will be held every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. starting this July 2 until September, with the first topic to be addressed "Jobs in times of Coronavirus" through the Instagram social network @Compiterd.

The exhibitors are Dominican professionals, who are part of the COMPETITIVENESS team, who will share their knowledge with citizens, companies and associations for the prompt economic and social recovery of the country in the current situation we are facing with the pandemic.

The executive director, Zoraima Cuello, said that these talks are aimed at “sharing, guiding, educating and informing the digital community and the general population, on key issues and of capital importance, which allow promoting essential values ​​such as productivity, resilience and innovation in the face of the challenges we face because competitiveness is built between all of us”.

In addition, in the face of covidianity from COMPETITIVENESS, the executive director recalled that this initiative is part of the actions of the #JuntosPodemosRD campaign, which has been created in order to promote hope in Dominican society and make visible the efforts of the public-private sectors, which complements the institution's commitment to face the current situation.

Among the topics that will be addressed in each Competes discussion include "Management of Business Optimism in the face of Covid-19", "Optimize Communication in times of Covid -19" "How can MSMEs take advantage of new technologies in times of Covid-19?” “Etiquette in times of Telework”, “Learn about Regulatory Improvement; Basic concepts that you should know in covidianity ” and“ Municipal Competitiveness: challenges and opportunities in the face of Covid-19 ”, among others.

The program of the discussion is available to download at the following link

During the signing, she promised to comply ethically in her role as Executive Director.

June 2020. Santo Domingo.- Zoraima Cuello, Executive Director of COMPETITIVENESS signed the Code of Ethical Guidelines in the presence of the public ethics Committee, CEP, of this entity, strengthening its commitment to ensure and comply with the transparency standards established in Law No 41-08 of Public Function.

With this signature, the executive director recognizes the need to promote the implementation of a system of consequences that encourages compliance with the law and penalizes its non-compliance.

“Count on my unconditional commitment to work together in an ethical framework based on a culture grounded in values ​​that always fosters and promotes transparency, accountability, trust and care for public resources, which we reaffirm with the rubric of this code of ethical guidelines ”indicated Zoraima Cuello during the signing.

The signing of the Code of Ethical Guidelines was carried out at the COMPETITIVITY facilities in the presence of the members of the Commission: Sandra Lara, Lourdes González, Angélica Lozada, Aladdin Jiménez and Ámbar Mena.

The Public Ethics Commission (CEP) is a civic committee, made up of public servants who promote the values, principles and rules of conduct within COMPETITIVENESS.

The Code of Ethical Guidelines is a commitment assumed by high-level officials, where its exercise is committed to compliance with ethical guidelines, thereby honoring the government position for which they were appointed, as well as the constitutional values ​​of the Republic.

Public institutions have a Government Ethics Committee, which is elected by vote, and channels all forms so that the public servant has the due knowledge of integrity to development not only in the workplace, but also in each of their environments.

It seeks to make visible messages that impact the innovation and productivity of the national productive fabric

June 11, 2020, Santo Domingo, D.N. - The National Competitiveness Council announced the launch of the #JuntosPodemosRD campaign, with the aim of promoting hope in Dominican society and making visible the efforts of the public-private sectors to recover the economy, given the circumstances that the country is going through cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This action complements the institution's commitments to face the current situation so that it does not undermine the country's innovation, given that, according to international studies, 1 in 3 employees are concerned about job security and it is imperative to ensure that the productive fabric does not reduce its levels of innovative skill. 

On this line, the executive director of COMPETITIVITY, Zoraima Cuello, emphasized the importance of the ability to innovate to overcome the economy, because the greater the ability to develop resilience as a society, the higher the levels of creativity and productivity. 

“Without innovation, economic recovery will not be possible. For our president Danilo Medina, innovation and competitiveness are a priority, so he continues working in this direction to restore our economy. ” 

The initiative will be developed through social networks, transmitting messages of optimism and security to combat feelings of anxiety and uneasiness generated by uncertainty, which directly affect productivity. 

#JuntosPodemosRD shows in a first piece an emotional institutional video, which projects how the perseverance of Dominicans has influenced to counter the crisis. Health personnel, state security forces and bodies, thousands of professionals from all sectors who have committed themselves to this challenge; they are the protagonists of this campaign. As well as, each citizen who collaborates daily complying with the health, hygiene and safety regulations established by the health organizations. 

Through this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRarAz3CUFE you can see the full video.

It is a pioneering initiative that will grant up to USD $ 50,000 to contribute to the development of the project.

June 4, 2020, Santo Domingo, D.N. - The National Competitiveness Council and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) ordered the creation of a competition to evaluate initiatives aimed at developing a pilot case that optimizes a supply chain through the application of new technologies, in order to revitalize the national innovation system.

The call was made within the framework of the presentation of an Innovation System in Cargo Logistics, proposed by the IDB technical consultant, Marelia Martínez Rivas, in support of the implementation of the National Plan for Cargo and Transport Logistics (PNLOG).

The technical analysis showed various options to explore logistics logistics innovations in accordance with international standards, as well as the proposal for public-private participation to boost the logistics sector.

During the meeting, Mrs. Zoraima Cuello, executive director of COMPETITIVENESS, expressed the efforts of the Dominican Government to adopt the best practices that stimulate the 4.0 supply chain, as a key factor in determining the productivity and competitiveness of an economy.

“The circumstances of this pandemic demonstrated the capital importance of logistics activity and the means of transportation for supplying the population. With this initiative we contribute to the work of differentiating our offer of logistics services, with a view to continuing to position the Dominican Republic as a world-class HUB,” he stated.

In this sense, Zoraima Cuello highlighted that the country climbed important positions in the 2019 Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum, in aspects such as the capacity and generation of innovation, internet users and entrepreneurial culture.

Manuel Rodríguez, Transportation Specialist at the IDB, assured that these actions will have a broad impact on competitiveness, since technological tools are strategic allies to make the entire supply chain more efficient, since they directly affect transportation costs and logistics.

Details of the contest rules

To participate in the pre-qualification process of the contest, the bidders must send the form and the list of information required in the attached document, before the twenty-sixth (26) of June 2020, at 4:00 p.m.

The IDB will provide a maximum of USD $ 50,000 to contribute to the development of the project, resources that will be allocated exclusively for technical assistance needs through a specialized borrower.

May 29, 2020, Santo Domingo. - President Danilo Medina established, through Decree 174-20, a specialized procedure for the titling of 18 free zones and 14 industrial parks, as well as their warehouses, built by the State or with its participation.

In addition, it created, through decree 175-20, the Presidential Commission for the Promotion of Innovation for the preparation of the National Innovation Strategy of the Dominican Republic 2020-2030, with a view to promoting a transformation in the national productive apparatus and empowering the exports.

Both decrees will contribute to the development of strategies and direct actions for the recovery of the Dominican economy in the face of the impact of Covid-19, making it possible for the public and private sectors to focus their planning to respond to the needs of citizens in the face of the new reality they face. the country and the world.

In this context, the executive director of COMPETITIVENESS, Zoraima Cuello, expressed great optimism because “with the promulgation of both decrees, the country's Competitiveness agenda is advancing, as the national innovation system and productivity necessary to strengthen face the new global challenges, especially at the moment when the impact of the Covid-19 is being suffered.

Decree 174-20

Decree 174-20 establishes that, within the framework of Public Development Policy Coordination of the National Competitiveness Council in conjunction with the Free Zones subcommittee, precise initiatives for exports are designed, with the objective that their implementation impacts the improvement of productivity, competitiveness and investment climate of sectors of Export Free Zones.

This decree orders the General Directorate of Buildings of the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) to issue and update, as appropriate, the construction licenses for industrial parks and free zones, as well as their commercial or industrial buildings, built by the Dominican State or with its participation, existing at the date of issuance of this decree, to achieve its final individual qualification, as well as legal regulation.

It will impact the industrial free zones operated by Proindustria de Azua, Baní, Barahona, Bonao, Cotuí, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Hato Nuevo, La Armería, Quisqueya, La Vega, Los Alcarrizos, Moca, San Pedro de Macorís, Salcedo, San Francisco de Macorís, Pedernales, Montecristi and Santo Domingo Este (PISDE).

Success of the working sessions of the National Competitiveness Council

After an extensive roundtable with institutions and companies that are members of the COMPETITIVENESS Plenum, following the Dominican Competitive agenda, the creation of the National Innovation Strategy will have among its functions: propose, monitor and evaluate policies and programs aimed at creating and strengthening the culture of innovation in the country; Propose and monitor stimulus policies and programs for effective links between the private sector and the academic sector, and also propose mechanisms that promote the attraction of investment in innovation.

The Presidential Commission for the Promotion of Innovation will be made up of representatives of the Ministries of the Presidency, of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCYT); Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM); of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPYD), Ministry of Education (MINERD), National Council of Competitiveness, OPTIC, INDOTEL, Cybernetic Park of Santo Domingo, in addition to four representatives and alternates of business groups, a representative of the Dominican Association of University Rectors and a representative of the Dominican Association of Universities.

President Danilo Medina swore in today morning to Zoraima Cuello, executive director of the National Competitiveness Council, the brief and solemn ceremony took place in the presidential office of the National Palace.

Zoraima Cuello was appointed, through decree 163-20, issued yesterday, head of the body made up of representatives from the public and private sectors, whose objective is to launch a participatory process for the coordination of policies and strategies, which increase competitiveness and the execution of associative projects.

President Danilo Medina swore in today morning to Zoraima Cuello, executive director of the National Competitiveness Council, the brief and solemn ceremony took place in the presidential office of the National Palace.

Zoraima Cuello was appointed, through decree 163-20, issued yesterday, head of the body made up of representatives from the public and private sectors, whose objective is to launch a participatory process for the coordination of policies and strategies, which increase competitiveness and the execution of associative projects.