SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Nov. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Alberto Baco, Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, summarized initiatives and economic development strategies recently implemented as part of Puerto Rico's Economic Development Plan, at the 14^th Annual Wall Street Summit organized by the New America Alliance (NAA).

"The Puerto Rico Economic Development team is focused on one vision: to build on Puerto Rico's strengths, creativity and innovative spirit to diversify our economic base. Today, Puerto Rico is undergoing another historic economic transformation, fueled by strategically targeted investment incentives, the new realities of the global economy, and our unique status as a U.S. jurisdiction," said Baco.

The Secretary explained that "a key element of the island's economic development plan is to strategically encourage foreign direct investment and jobs across the different industries and economic segments. We are leveraging the unique benefits of our jurisdiction to promote business growth, both internationally and locally.  Business growth means a good economy, which means jobs and opportunity, and a better life for all Puerto Ricans."

Baco emphasized that Puerto Rico has the human capital, strategic location, bicultural background, legal protections, infrastructure and natural resources; as well as the most attractive incentives for companies and investors available in the region. He added that the Puerto Rico's incentives provide an aggressive service platform which firms can leverage to enhance operational efficiencies and better serve their client bases. These include Acts 20, 22, 273 and 399, strategically planned to meet the specific needs of organizations and individual investors.

"Our tax incentives are positioning Puerto Rico as a global hub for the export of services. This year alone, more than 400 companies have applied to establish operations through Act 20, which offers tax incentives to service-based organizations that conduct services for clients off the island," the executive added.

A new economic transformation

Baco explained that Puerto Rico is currently undergoing a second economic transformation. The first transformation, which started in the 1950's with "Operation Bootstrap," took Puerto Rico from a struggling agrarian economy into a regional manufacturing powerhouse.

The executive indicated that a vital aspect of the new transformation is pursuing and developing niche markets, such as the aerospace industry. Recently, Puerto Rico added a key player to its established aerospace ecosystem by partnering with Lufthansa Technik for the creation of a new aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul ("MRO") facility on the island.  Meanwhile, Infosys announced plans to make a $9 million investment on the local economy, joining companies like Honeywell and UTC Aerospace in the Island's new aerospace cluster. 

Baco also indicated that the local government has been very active with promotions efforts in Europe and Latin America, which include the opening of commercial offices in Colombia and Peru. "Puerto Rico can partner with companies from Latin America and Europe that want to establish strong commercial relationships with the United States. We provide ease of access to the U. S. market, the convenience of U.S. currency, the contractual, regulatory and other protections of the U.S. law, along with the benefits of our well established and legally protected foreign tax structure," explained the Secretary.

About the Department of Economic Development and Commerce

The Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) is responsible for implementing and supervising the execution of Puerto Rico's public policy on economic development in the various entrepreneurial sectors of manufacture, commerce, tourism, and services.

Contact:

Keyla Rodriguez
keyla.rodriguez@ddec.pr.gov
787.505.5517

SOURCE Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce