State Senate, House approve creation of CT-Puerto Rico Trade Commission
Contributed
Rep. Christopher Rosario (D-Bridgeport) was a co-sponsor of a bill to create a CT-Puerto Rico Trade Commission.
Connecticut is poised to try to establish stronger trade ties with the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.
The state Senate on Thursday unanimously approved a bill to establish a Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission to advance bilateral trade and investment.
The House passed the bill earlier this month, which means the legislation now awaits final approval from Gov. Ned Lamont.
The bill — originally introduced by three House Democrats: Reps. Christopher Rosario, Juan R. Candelaria and Geraldo C. Reyes — establishes a 23-member trade commission that, in addition to promoting bilateral trade and investment, would also advance business and academic exchanges, and encourage mutual economic support and infrastructure investment.
The commission members would include state lawmakers, or individuals appointed by government officials, as well as a representative from a public college and a chamber of commerce.
Connecticut has a large Puerto Rican population. In fact, Puerto Ricans are the largest Hispanic group in Connecticut, with close to 300,000 residents in the state, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
“This commission represents an opportunity not only to expand Connecticut’s economy, but also to deepen our cultural ties, boost tourism, and create meaningful jobs in both regions,” said Rosario, following the Senate’s passage of the bill.
Sen. Henri Martin (R-Bristol), who sits on the Commerce Committee, also voted in favor of the bill.
“This is about creating mutual opportunities for job growth and economic development,” Martin said. “Connecticut has the largest percentage of Puerto Ricans in the nation. It makes sense for us to create a panel that will focus on deepening ties with Puerto Rico. Those deeper ties can bring about entrepreneurship and innovative ideas while boosting tourism.”
This would be the second trade commission to be established in the state in the last few years. Last year, the legislature created a 23-member Connecticut-Ireland Trade Commission, which is just getting off the ground.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments