Senator Gaston Votes to Strengthen Connecticut-Puerto Rico Ties Through New Trade and Cultural Partnership

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) is celebrating passage of a bill he co-sponsored that would establish a Connecticut-Puerto Rican Trade Commission.

House Bill 5008, ‘An Act Establishing the Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission’ will promote economic growth, cultural exchange, and educational collaboration by fostering trade, investment, and bilateral partnerships between the two regions.

“Bridgeport is home to a vibrant Puerto Rican community that has contributed immensely to our state’s culture, economy, and spirit,” said Senator Gaston. “As we work to create the of the Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission, I am proud to help strengthen the vital bonds we share with Puerto Rico. We will work to advance economic opportunities, foster cultural exchange, and deepen our mutual support, while ensuring that the voices of Connecticut’s Puerto Rican population are heard in shaping the future of this important partnership.”

This bill will establish a 23-member Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission. This commission will advance bilateral trade and investment, initiate joint action on policy issues of mutual interest, promote business and academic exchanges, encourage mutual economic support and infrastructure investment, and address other issues the commission determines.

Commission members must be currently or formerly involved in organizations promoting Puerto Rican affairs or interested in trade relations between Connecticut and Puerto Rico.

This bill aims to foster economic and trade relations between Connecticut and Puerto Rico. It will also focus on strengthening commercial, cultural, and educational ties between the two regions. It will help to encourage mutual investment opportunities and trade partnerships, and facilitate programs that promote cultural understanding and exchange.