January 2017 | Business View Caribbean

92 93 international and hemispheric levels that will influence and shape economic trade policies. As a step in that direction, I want to propose the development of a regional and cooperative model for tourism that includes Puerto Rico as a strategic partner to propel growth locally and abroad. Our international airport handles thousands of direct flights to all major cities in the U.S. and top destinations in Europe and Latin America. We have reclaimed the position of main hub for the Inter-Caribbean network. In the last two years, Puerto Rico welcomed new regional routes and restored connections to 14 islands in the Caribbean through commercial agreements with Seaborne, Cape Air, InterCarib- bean Airways, and Winnair, among others. Cruise ship visits are also on the rise. Earlier this year we set a new record of 18,000 passen- gers in one day. In 2016, we will receive the two largest cruise ship boats from the Royal Caribbean line, each with a capacity of 6,300 passengers. This is an opportunity that expands beyond our shores. Tapping into the cruise industry’s full po- tential is part of our strategic plan to increase passenger arrivals to our Island. Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) statistics forecast we will end this past fiscal year with a 14 percent increase, for a total of 1.5 million visitors. The upward trend is expected to continue with a 16 percent increase of passengers in the current fiscal year. We should all form a partnership PUERTO RICO to grow this important segment of the tourism economy. In addition, we are making important inroads in medical tourism, not only by strengthening our local offer with board-certified physicians in most specialties but also by attracting major players from the United States. Currently, we have 14 top-rated, local providers with many more seeking the proper certification. Six U.S.- based companies have taken advantage of our tax-incentive laws to open back offices in the island and are expected to open full-service clinics in the immediate future. Among them are Lumix Health, Miami Medical Solutions, and Next Health. Times are ripe with opportunity. The rhythm of life is fast and intense and only those with the right tools will reap the benefits. We must adopt, adapt, and strategize at the speed of light. I have the finger on the pulse of Puerto Rico’s economy, and if we keep playing the cards right, Puerto Rico will become the Hong Kong of the Caribbean for those with an entrepreneur thirst, the Wall Street of the Caribbean for those with a keen business vision, and the Las Vegas of the Caribbean for the free spirited. Puerto Rico, closer than Singapore and more competitive than Miami! We are open for busi- ness. Let’s do it together. If we keep playing the cards right, Puerto Rico will become the Hong Kong of the Caribbean for those with an entrepreneur thirst, theWall Street of the Caribbean for those with a keen business vision, and the Las Vegas of the Caribbean for the free spirited. Alberto Bacó Bagué Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico