Ambassador David Puig visits the state of Tamil Nadu

Delhi – Ambassador David Puig recently completed a three-day work visit to Tamil Nadu held from the 7th to 9th October, engaging in discussions to enhance collaboration between the Dominican Republic and the southern Indian state. Accompanied by Fernando Chávez, Minister Counsellor in charge of Trade and Investment, Ambassador Puig held key meetings with government officials, business leaders, and educational and cultural institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation.

During the visit, Ambassador Puig met with Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.

On October 9, Ambassador Puig and Fernando Chávez visited the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Chennai office, where they presented the Dominican Republic as a hub for business opportunities in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. They interacted with companies from the IT, medical devices, and healthcare sectors, underscoring the potential for mutually beneficial trade relationships. 

The delegation also engaged with prominent Chennai-based companies such as Ashok Leyland, MRF Corporation, and Prodapt Solutions, which already have a presence in the Dominican Republic or are exploring expansion into the LAC market. These discussions highlighted the potential synergies between Indian businesses and the Dominican economy. 

Ambassador Puig and Fernando Chávez visited the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) campus to discuss academic collaboration opportunities between Dominican and Indian higher education institutions. The talks aimed to establish joint research initiatives and exchange programs to foster educational ties between the two nations. 

Ambassador Puig also took the occasion of his visit to Chennai, to interact with two Dominican navy officers undergoing a yearlong training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai as part of the ITEC Defence Cooperation Scheme.