Caribbean Basin Initiative

Why the caribbean?
Proximity. The Caribbean Region is a natural commercial partner of the United States, tied closely together by geography, history and culture.
Market Share. United States imports to the Caribbean Region totalled US$15 billion in 2005 making the Region the U.S. 2nd largest export market in latin America behind only Mexico.
Trade Relationship. The Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)1trade program is a vital element in the U.S.’ economic relations with the Region. U.S. exports to the CBI countries have more than tripled since the CBI’s creation, from $6.5 billion in 1984 to over 20 billion in 2000.
Free Trade. On August 5, 2004 the US and the Dominican Republic signed a Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR)