Santo Domingo. The National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP) asserted that the Dominican Republic maintains a firm commitment to respecting workers’ rights and complying with international labor standards, following the investigation initiated by the United States regarding potential deficiencies in the prevention of forced labor within supply chains.
The business organization expressed its support for the efforts being made by the Dominican Government to clarify the allegations made by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and reiterated its willingness to collaborate with the authorities in the process.
In a statement, CONEP highlighted that the country has demonstrated for years its commitment to respecting labor rights and the standards that govern international trade, while also valuing the dialogue that Dominican authorities maintain with their American counterparts.
“The Dominican Government, as the official interlocutor with U.S. authorities, has maintained an active and continuous dialogue on this issue, in coordination with national productive sectors,” the business entity noted.
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The guild also expressed its confidence that technical exchange and cooperation between both nations will allow for clarifying the concerns raised and strengthening the understanding of the Dominican labor reality.
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CONEP’s reaction comes after the USTR included the Dominican Republic and other Latin American countries in an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The report examines alleged failures in preventing forced labor in supply chains and could lead to additional trade measures for the countries evaluated.
Although the investigation does not imply immediate sanctions, it places the country under greater commercial scrutiny at a time when the United States has reinforced its focus on issues related to labor rights, production traceability, and economic security.
CONEP reiterated that it will continue to collaborate with national authorities to provide information and support initiatives that contribute to strengthening the image of the Dominican Republic as a reliable trading partner that respects labor rights.
