Alan Taveras Sepúlveda, president of the United Retailers Center (CUD), presented the organization's 2026-2028 work plan on a Friday, aimed at strengthening local businesses, expanding growth opportunities for small and midsize companies, and improving Puerto Rico's business environment. The plan, called 'Fomento Local,' seeks to place local small and midsize businesses at the center of economic development while complementing efforts to attract outside investment.
Taveras Sepúlveda said a resilient economy needs both engines: outside investment and existing local companies that generate jobs and contribute to communities. The agenda has three main areas: Caribe Unido, which aims to help local businesses expand into markets in the Dominican Republic, Colombia and the United States through commercial exchanges, distribution-chain connections and cross-border e-commerce; Facilidad para Hacer Negocios, which targets obstacles to business operations and growth, including revitalizing urban commercial districts, improving access to incentives, and simplifying permitting; and a third area, Economía Plateada, which is mentioned but not detailed in the available text.
Taveras Sepúlveda stated the goal is to make growing a business from Puerto Rico a real possibility for entrepreneurs.