DDEC promotes reshoring of manufacturing at national summit

The official Puerto Rican delegation to the SelectUSA Investment Summit aims to position the island as a strategic destination for the reshoring of manufacturing companies.

By The Star Staff

Economic Development and Commerce Secretary Sebastián Negrón Reichard is participating this week in the SelectUSA Investment Summit, the premier investment promotion event in the United States. He is part of the official Puerto Rican delegation led by Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, which aims to position the island as a strategic destination for the reshoring of manufacturing companies.

The event in Maryland, organized by the federal Commerce Department, brings together investors from around the world with state and territorial leaders, federal agencies and representatives of strategic economic zones to promote foreign direct investment in the United States. Puerto Rico is being highlighted as one of the top locations for establishing and expanding operations in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, technology, advanced manufacturing and business services.

“The relocation of critical industries is a national priority, and Puerto Rico has the infrastructure, talent, and experience to be an essential part of this effort,” González Colón said. “SelectUSA provides us with an opportunity to showcase our potential to investors worldwide. Our participation in SelectUSA reaffirms my administration’s commitment to innovation and economic growth. We aim to remain a key jurisdiction for manufacturing, technology, and business services in the United States.”

Negrón Reichard emphasized that “Puerto Rico’s participation in SelectUSA underscores our determination to position the island as one of the most competitive jurisdictions for investment and operational expansion in the U.S.”

“Our presence is especially relevant in light of the current national debate on manufacturing security, the reshoring of critical industries, and the opportunities presented by proposals like the Medical Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Sustainability (MMEDS) Act.”

The MMEDS Act, recently reintroduced in the U.S. Congress, proposes tax incentives for companies that establish operations in economically disadvantaged areas of the country. The legislation represents a significant opportunity for Puerto Rico due to its integral role in the national supply chain for medical and pharmaceutical products. The island boasts over 50 FDA-certified facilities, 70 years of industrial experience, and a highly qualified workforce.

“Puerto Rico offers a competitive and strategic alternative within the United States for companies seeking global market access, stability, and operational efficiency,” said Ella Woger-Nieves, CEO of InvestPR. “Our participation in SelectUSA for the sixth consecutive year demonstrates our ongoing commitment to positioning the island as a hub of innovation and advanced manufacturing. With a proven legacy in life sciences, world-class logistics capabilities, and a highly skilled workforce, Puerto Rico is prepared to play a leading role in this new phase of industrial relocation.”

Moreover, Puerto Rico’s involvement in this forum coincides with recent statements from President Donald Trump, who reiterated his commitment to bringing pharmaceutical manufacturing back to U.S. soil as a national security priority. In this context, Puerto Rico -- due to its established capacity, federal jurisdiction, and extensive experience -- represents the most immediate, scalable, and strategic option to realize this vision, island officials emphasized.

“Reshoring is no longer just an aspiration; it is a necessity and a public policy priority at both national and local levels,” Negrón Reichard said. “The island is not only ready, it already has the infrastructure, human capital, and a robust framework of incentives to play a crucial role in this economic repositioning proposed by the president.”

During the event, the Puerto Rican delegation, which also includes Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli, will hold more than 100 meetings with international companies interested in expanding operations in the U.S. and will showcase priority industrial development projects that are part of the current administration’s economic agenda.