SANTIAGO.-The Center for Industrial Development and Competitiveness (Proindustria) opened yesterday, in the gardens of the Gran Teatro del Cibao, its IV Industrial Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair 2024, the largest meeting of the sectors involved in the production of the Dominican Republic.
The event was led by the institution's director general, Rafael Cruz Rodríguez, along with important representatives from the region and the country.
This edition of the fair pays special recognition to businessman Manuel Estrella for his substantial contributions to business, social, economic and sporting development , and he expressed his gratitude.
This important activity, which will be held from November 6 to 8, includes various actors from manufacturing and the talent of Dominicans involved in new economic growth projects, whose participation was highlighted by the director of Proindustria, who reiterated the commitment to continue supporting innovative capacity and entrepreneurial leadership.
In his opening speech, Cruz Rodríguez stated that the fourth fair organized by Proindustria has the fundamental objective of promoting the industrial and competitive development of manufacturing companies.
The event transforms the gardens of the Gran Teatro del Cibao into the perfect stage for innovators to present cutting-edge solutions, in the interest of responding to common problems in society and challenges in the industrial sector.
He argued that innovation and entrepreneurship are the foundation of a country's well-being. He emphasized the importance of the capacity to innovate, as it is one of the most remarkable traits in the evolution of humankind, allowing humans to experience different forms of coexistence throughout history, from a primitive lifestyle to tribal life, and from tribal life to the complex political systems observed in modern times.
“This fair, also called the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair, opens the doors of the First Santiago of America wide to honor the entrepreneur (the one who sees beyond what everyone else sees), who, starting from an innovative idea, leaves their comfort zone to investigate, learn, create a strategy, and bring forward their ambitious and passionate spirit to materialize a project, seeking ways to bring it to fruition and assuming the risks and consequences that this entails,” Cruz Rodríguez emphasized.
He described the fundamental role of public policies in supporting science, technology and invention, while revitalizing industrial policy linked to national innovation systems, with a view to mobilizing productive capacities.
He cited the performance in the world of work of artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, as well as the industrial internet of things, the collective and circular economy, as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He urged the continued collaboration of different actors to foster creativity and critical thinking: Government, City Council, academics, private sector and civil society.
“It has been shown that industries that invest in innovation become more resilient and reliable in the face of the rapid and incessant advance of technology.
“At Proindustria, we reiterate our commitment to inspiring new generations of entrepreneurs and continuing to support those who are starting businesses,” said the official and host of the important event.
For his part, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and SMEs, Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, sent a message highlighting the success of the fairs promoted by Proindustria, the support his administration has given to these innovation and entrepreneurship projects, as well as the trust placed in young people and innovative companies.
The blessing of the fair was given by Monsignor Carlos Tomás Morel, who explained the greatness of placing God at the center of all human activities.
The ceremony began at 6:30 pm with the welcoming of guests and the playing of the National Anthem. The first day of activities included the presentation of the aforementioned special award, the ribbon-cutting ceremony by the director of Proindustria and the guests, and a tour of the exhibition pavilions.
The opening ceremony of the 4th Santiago Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair was attended by important officials and personalities from the country and the region, including the Governor of Santiago, Rosa Santos; the institution's Technical Deputy Director, Nilo de la Rosa; Ilonka Acosta, Director of Industry Support at Proindustria; Chiqui Checo, Director of the Gran Teatro del Cibao; Salvador Ramos, Director of the National Office of Industrial Property (ONAPI); Andrés Cueto, Director of Edenorte; Sandy Filpo, President of the Association of Industrial Merchants (ACIS); Víctor Eduardo García Sued, Regional Director of the MICM; and Marieta Díaz, Regional Director of Education, among other personalities.
