Great news for trade between the Dominican Republic and Cuba as goods and services offered by 36 Cuban Companies are already generating a lot of interest in the forth coming commercial trade fair being held next week in the Dominican Republic.  The exchange is hoping to boost trade and economic growth between the two Caribbean nations.

The Dominican Trade and Economy Advisor at the Cuban Embassy Mr. Carlos de la Nuez has said 30 companies from the country have already asked for interviews with Cuban delegates.

De la Nuez noted that these requests show the Dominican Republic’s interest in initiating conversations on a prospective trade agreement, of which a preliminary draft was delivered to Dominican authorities at the fourth Joint Bilateral Collaboration Commission.

Five Cuban healthcare centers and three research institutes will be also represented at next week’s trade fair, pointed out Mirtha Rippes, an official with Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce.

The Cuban Chamber of Commerce is organizing the meetings with their own embassy assistance in Santo Domingo and they will commence July 9th at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel in the Capital too.

Between 2004-2006, bilateral trade exchange increased by 15% and, in the first quarter of 2007, it has increased by approximately 32%.