Puerto Rico Reshoring Coalition Visits Washington D.C.

The Puerto Rico Reshoring Coalition (PUERIRICO), led by the Puerto Rico - Chamber of Commerce made a significant step in its mission to revitalize Puerto Rico’s manufacturing sector with a formal announcement in Washington D.C. This pivotal event marks a crucial moment in the coalition's ongoing efforts to restore the island's manufacturing capabilities and local economy, which have been significantly diminished over the years.

Puerto Rico Reshoring Coalition meeting with the office of Senator Kirsetn Gillibrand from left: Jose Luis Villeman-Rivera, Santos Arroyo, Abimael Jiminez, Yolanda Lassalle, Taylor Widrig.

During this landmark meeting, coalition representatives convened with the office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at the Russell Senate Building, where they outlined their ambitious and comprehensive plans to re-shore manufacturing back to Puerto Rico.

The discussions were aimed at detailing the multifaceted approach the coalition intends to implement, which includes not only attracting businesses back to the island but also ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and resources are in place to support sustainable growth.

In addition to their meeting with Senator Gillibrand's office, the delegation also engaged with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC).

This collaboration is essential for garnering broader support for the initiative, which is strategically aimed at boosting economic growth and creating sustainable job opportunities in Puerto Rico. The coalition's vision is to create a thriving manufacturing environment that not only benefits local communities but also strengthens ties with the mainland United States and other Latin American markets.

PUERIRICO and the USHCC traveled together to the office of Puerto Rico's Resident Commissioner, Pablo Jose Hernandez Rivera, to deliver the important message and plans of the coalition with the support of the USHCC.

Puerto Rico Reshoring Coalition and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce meeting with Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo Jose Hernandez Rivera.

PUERIRICO’s proposal includes a range of incentives designed to encourage businesses to relocate their operations to Puerto Rico. These incentives are intended to make the island a competitive hub for manufacturing in the Western Hemisphere, positioning it as a critical gateway to Latin America.

By promoting favorable tax conditions, streamlined regulatory processes, and access to a skilled workforce, the coalition aims to attract both domestic and international companies looking to expand their manufacturing footprint.

The coalition’s push comes at a critical time, as Puerto Rico seeks to recover from a series of economic challenges that have plagued the island in recent years. These challenges include Hurricane Maria, a failing energy grid, weakened infrastructures, disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significant loss of manufacturing and agricultural production due to the withdrawal of the Section 936 tax incentive.

The need for a robust strategy to restore economic stability is more pressing than ever, and PUERIRICO's initiative represents a proactive step towards achieving that goal.

The announcement made by PUERIRICO underscores Puerto Rico's strategic importance within the broader context of U.S. manufacturing. It highlights the island's potential to once again become a cornerstone of U.S. manufacturing, entering what many business and industry leaders are calling Puerto Rico's long-awaited "Golden Era."

Moreover, Puerto Rico is home to a highly skilled, bilingual workforce that is eager and ready for new opportunities. This initiative aims to harness that talent to restore the island's economic independence through a revitalized manufacturing sector.

The coalition's plans also encompass a number of educational and capacity training initiatives designed to equip the local population with the necessary skills to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.

By investing in education and training, PUERIRICO aims to ensure that the workforce is not only prepared for current job opportunities but also for future advancements in technology and production processes.

The Puerto Rico Reshoring Coalition's next step is to head back to Washington D.C. in March 2025 to take part in the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit, scheduled for March 24-26, 2025.