President Luis Abinader participated tonight in the gala dinner that the Banco Popular Dominicano traditionally offers to businessmen and representatives of the Dominican tourism sector, an activity in which he told that "We Dominicans have come to Spain to conquer the Spanish".
The executive president of the Banco Popular Dominicano, Christopher Paniagua, and the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, spoke at the activity.
At the ceremony, the president of the Banco Popular Dominicano, Christopher Paniagua, said that thanks to tourism, the world knows about our biodiversity and the beauty of our landscapes, the quality of our hotel plant facilities, the courtesy and disposition of our people, “” and for our high capacity to work together for the same purpose: the economic, social and institutional development of the Dominican Republic”.
Paniagua affirmed that the successful initiatives of President Abinader, together with the efficient, strategic and tenacious work of our esteemed Minister of Tourism, David Collado, have been the backbone on which the reactivation and good management of Dominican tourism is based. become an international example.
“It is a real pride for all of us,” he added.
He indicated that by continuing to work together, the Dominican Republic will be able to double the size of its economy in less than 10 years, with the support of tourism, free zones, traditional exports that have increased by 35%
Only the tobacco sector and cigars increased their tobacco exports by 30%, “taking them to almost US$1.3 billion.” The president insisted, pointing out that the country is doing well.
Abinader highlighted the contribution of the Popular
"We have come to Spain, to the world’s largest tourism fair to conquer the Spanish. And I do not find better allies to achieve it than all of you and Banco Popular", indicated
He also told business investors in the country that they are already Dominican Spaniards and the financial sector, especially Banco Popular Dominicano, described it as a symbol of entrepreneurship and support for Dominican companies, there is a future of great opportunities.
He argued that Banco Popular has demonstrated its commitment to excellence and rigor in difficult times and has achieved healthy financial indicators and a sustained growth rate for the benefit of customers, employees and shareholders.
"This conviction of Popular, of being an active part of the solution at such a critical moment for the country, its population and its economy, has made a difference and has allowed us to continue channeling credit to those productive sectors that have most required it, focusing on in the support of entrepreneurs and SMEs, the strengthening of the business sector and the defense of the financial inclusion of Dominicans"added
He recalled the programs implemented by the Government and the support of the BPD, whom he asked to continue in that direction.
Continue betting on productive investment, tourism, technological innovation and lead digital banking, he said, as well as the Orange Economy.
He assured that this is the Dominican moment, where we must extol the national ingenuity in the film industries, cultural management, crafts, fashion, design, advertising, gastronomy, architecture, the audiovisual industry or the creation of software. , among other creative manifestations.
President Abinader quoted the words of Christopher Paniagua, executive president of Banco Popular, that "thanks to tourism, the world knows our biodiversity and the beauty of our landscapes; the quality of our hotel facilities; the courtesy and disposition of our people; our high capacity to work together in favor of the same purpose, which is the economic, social and institutional development of the Dominican Republic”,
I subscribe 100% to his words and make them mine.
You are the largest financier of the tourism industry in the country, with 45% of all loans granted by the national bank to the sector, representing a portfolio of more than RD$59,000 million at the end of 2021, he said. Part of the success of our nation bears his stamp and work, he indicated.
You and we are an unstoppable alliance. We have proven it over the years. We have shown it here at FITUR, and the best thing is that we will continue to show it, he concluded.
He indicated to the business community that if they continue to work together, the Dominican Republic will be able to double the size of its economy in less than 10 years, with the support of tourism, free zones, traditional exports that have increased by 35%
Only the tobacco sector and cigars increased their tobacco exports by 30%, “taking them to almost US$1.3 billion.” The president insisted, pointing out that the country is doing well.
Collado says RD is a world reference
Collado said that the Dominican Republic has become a world leader in tourism, and has recovered. He highlighted the increase in Iberia flights from five to 12 in the country, the public congratulations from the Secretary General of the UNWTO and the Minister of Commerce and Tourism of Spain that they have to learn from the DR.
The Tourism Minister recalled how the world has changed with the pandemic. He explained that tourism represents 15% of the annual GDP, 7,500 million in foreign currency, and 899,000 direct and indirect jobs.
He also pointed out the work carried out to achieve the recovery of tourism in the country, the creation of the Tourism Cabinet and the alliances of the public and private sectors.
Collado also said that the Dominican Republic is in fashion and has had a record arrival in the four-month period September December 2021 and an occupancy that is now at 88%.
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