Chamber of Commerce backs bill to promote return of manufacturing firms
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
By The Star Staff
The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (CCPR by its initials in Spanish) has announced its support for the federal Medical Manufacturing Economic Development and Sustainability Act (MMEDS Act), a bipartisan measure introduced in the U.S. Congress by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) along with Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), and Darren Soto (D-Fla.).
The legislation, originally co-authored by Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), seeks to incentivize the return of pharmaceutical manufacturing to the United States, focusing on economically distressed areas such as Puerto Rico. Through dollar-for-dollar tax credits and other federal incentives, the measure promotes investment in infrastructure, human capital and local procurement by manufacturers of essential medical products.
“The MMEDS Act represents a historic opportunity to revitalize Puerto Rico’s manufacturing base and position the island as a leader in global pharmaceutical production,” CCPR President Luis E. Pizarro Otero said. “We join industry and allies in Congress in supporting this key initiative for our economy and national security.”
Puerto Rico, with its proven capacity in medical manufacturing operations, is emerging as an ideal jurisdiction for the benefits envisioned in the MMEDS Act. The proposed legislation would provide significant incentives to U.S. companies that operate or relocate their operations to areas with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and low labor force participation. The CCPR reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the private sector and legislative leaders in Washington to advance policies that enhance Puerto Rico’s competitiveness and promote sustainable economic development.
“The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that we cannot rely on foreign suppliers for essential pharmaceutical and medical products,” said CCPR First Vice President José Julio Aparicio, who leads the chamber’s Federal Affairs Committee. “The MMEDS Act demonstrates that the federal Congress is taking proactive steps to protect the health of our citizens, strengthen the national supply chain, and encourage investment and economic development nationwide.”
Gov. Jenniffer González Colón emphasized the MMEDS Act “is an essential tool for consolidating Puerto Rico as a strategic manufacturing hub for the United States.”
“This legislation aligns perfectly with our efforts to attract investment, create jobs, and ensure that our island plays a key role in national supply chain security,” she said. “As the nation seeks to strengthen and repatriate its manufacturing capacity, Puerto Rico emerges as an ideal solution, thanks to its advanced infrastructure, technical capacity, and highly skilled workforce.”
“I deeply thank Congress members Malliotakis, Torres, Hurd, and Soto for leading this bipartisan initiative, which not only advances Puerto Rico but also guides the nation toward a more secure and competitive future,” the governor added. “I also recognize and value the support of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, whose collaboration is essential to aligning the private sector with the economic development goals promoted by this measure.”
In a recent meeting with the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) team in Mexico City, the CCPR president signed a letter endorsing the congressional bill to send to Malliotakis, expressing support for the measure. PRFAA Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli stated that “we have worked closely with allies in Congress to promote legislation that recognizes Puerto Rico’s true potential as a center of excellence in advanced manufacturing.”
“The MMEDS Act, initially filed by the governor during her term in Congress and now led by Representative Malliotakis, represents a firm and decisive step toward that shared vision,” Boffelli said. “This proposal not only fosters sustainable economic development but also validates the talent and training of our workforce. I thank the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce for its institutional support and for reaffirming the business sector’s commitment to this common mission. Puerto Rico has the capacity and the will to respond to the nation’s needs. With initiatives like this, we open new opportunities for our island to play a leading role in the economic and industrial future of the United States.”