The ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the United States spoke to University of North Florida students and faculty about the growth and development of the economy in the Dominican Republic.

Ambassador Roberto B. Saladin Selin presented information about the recent growth in the Domincan Republic's economy. His presentation included graphs comparing the economies of Latin American countries through the last decade. "We are one of the fastest growing economies in the Caribbean," Selin said. "[Even though] we are facing the problems of poverty and misery in Haiti."

Selin said he thinks the United States should help the Haitian economy because it also will help the economy in the Dominican Republic, which exports traditional goods and services. Haiti and the Dominican Republic are located on the same island, and Selin said he thinks the problems in Haiti have an effect on the Dominican Republic. "The Dominican economy is one of the most diversified economies," Selin said.

Selin focused his presentation on a series of reforms in the Dominican Republic. He said the reforms helped the economy to prosper. The International Forum Institute sponsored the ambassador's trip to UNF. Stephanie Jason, president of the institute, said the ambassador came to UNF to educate the community.

"IFI, in conjunction with UNF, invited ambassadors from different countries to the city of Jacksonville to promote international education and cooperation," Jason said. She said, "As a part of the ambassador's visit, they visit the university to give students and faculty an opportunity to interact with their experience in their country."

Jason said there are plans to have an ambassador from Turkey visit UNF in April. She said she thinks the presentation will be interesting in the context of the events of Sept. 11, even though Turkey is not a terrorist country.