Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro García Padilla has formed a work group to suggest ideas to curb the island's untaxed informal economy, emigration and low labor participation rate.
"The group is composed of 24 unique people from different academic backgrounds and professional and life experiences, united by a common commitment and belief that Puerto Rico can be transformed into a more competitive and better country focused on economic development," García Padilla said in a press release March 7.
There will be nine executive committee members in the group, known as "Puerto Rico Transforms Itself: Action Board for Competitiveness and Growth:" Puerto Rico chief of staff Ingrid Vila Biaggi, the governor's chief of public affairs Jorge Colberg Toro, businessman Carlos L-pez-Lay, economist Mario Marazzi, union leader Robert Pagán, journalist Linda Hernandez, community leader María de Lourdes Lara, academic José Jaime Rivera and expert on tax matters Carlos Serrano.
The group will meet for five weeks, holding working sessions with representatives from various sectors in Puerto Rico. At the end of the period, it will submit a report to the governor.
García Padilla promised to integrate the suggestions in his state of the union address in April.
