The Head of State says reducing foreign labor in construction and other areas is a matter of national security
By Yamalie Rosario
El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO. For the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, reducing foreign labor to the maximum extent possible by mechanizing various processes in the construction sector and other important sectors of the national economy, such as agriculture, is a national security objective.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 8th National Housing Roundtable, organized by the Association of Housing Builders and Promoters (Acoprovi), the Head of State stated that, for these purposes, the government is providing funds through the Development and Export Bank (Bandex) to finance the mechanization of different sectors of construction.
“I can tell you that the days of foreign labor are numbered. Given the situations arising from international oversight, which is often very positive, and pressure from various sectors, we must plan to use foreign labor less and less. It is a fact, a historical juncture, a reality, that we all have to work to sustain this sector, but also for the good, the interest, and the national security,” he stated.
Because the president said he is aware that it is necessary to reach a consensus with the construction sector, he expressed that it is important for the government and the private sector to work together for that purpose.
“Therefore, I ask Acoprovi, the Chamber of Construction, and all important sectors of the construction industry to work together,” he stated.
Abinader argues that artisanal processes still exist, so it is necessary to mechanize them, and he highlighted that there are countries that have achieved the same objectives.
He reiterated, "I can tell you here, as President of the Republic, based on all the information we have, that this project, this objective, is an objective of national interest for us.".
He asked Acoprovi to aim for a "national consensus plan" before the end of this year to establish graduated processes, developed from one year to the next, for a period of three to four years, and thus gradually reduce foreign labor.
He indicated that achieving that goal will allow for greater efficiency.
He assured the private sector that it will have the government's support in establishing regulations and also the financing to acquire the necessary equipment.
He announced that the Executive Branch will form a commission to discuss with representatives of the construction sector the plan to reduce foreign labor.
The approval of the Rental Law is essential
On the other hand, President Luis Abinader assured that for the government it is essential to promote "with its congressmen" the approval of the Rental Law bill because the reform to that regulation will guarantee investment.
In that regard, he reported that "we will call on our congressmen to promote the modification of the Rental Law.".
He emphasized that the authorities agree with the approval of this law because a legal framework is needed to guarantee investments in the sector and that this regulation will be a "win-win" for everyone.
“Therefore, we are working…. We are going to push for the approval of the Rental Law in this legislature.”.
