Despite the quality of our products, many entrepreneurs face redundant and slow processes, which create an unfriendly environment for foreign trade. This limits the potential for ventures with international reach. (Getty image)
Puerto Rico produces goods the world would want. From the coffee grown on our farms to industrial services, cultural products, textiles, and emerging technologies, our entrepreneurs have shown creativity, discipline, and vision. Yet bringing Puerto Rican goods and services to international markets is more difficult than it should be. The real obstacle is not a lack of talent or entrepreneurial ambition. Many Puerto Ricans dream of launching their own ventures, which is why, now more than ever, we must eliminate regulations that make it harder not only to start a business, but also to export. And when I talk about exporting, I don’t just mean to the United States—I mean to international markets like Spain, Colombia, Panama, and Mexico, among others.
The problem lies in the complexity of the regulations and the excess of red tape that hampers export activity. Despite the quality of our products, many business owners face redundant and slow processes that create an unfriendly environment for international trade. This limits the potential of ventures with global reach. Too often, exporting to nearby markets like Florida or New York is seen as enough. But if we truly want Puerto Rico to engage with the global economy, we need to broaden our vision and think beyond the geographic boundaries we’ve been accustomed to for decades.
Why don’t we have a stronger presence in Europe—particularly Spain—or in Latin America? Why aren’t we taking better advantage of our cultural and linguistic ties, our shared Hispanic heritage, with these markets? Puerto Rican products have a unique story and quality that set them apart, and there is a market for them. But to reach those markets, we must simplify our regulatory processes and create a more agile, efficient system.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the most affected by bureaucracy. While large corporations can afford consultants and lawyers to navigate a complex system, many local entrepreneurs lack the resources to do so. Bureaucracy is an economic barrier that limits the ability to export and grow. Puerto Rico doesn’t need another government program—it needs a deep overhaul of its regulatory environment. We need policies that simplify procedures and make the export process easier and more straightforward. This includes creating a digital one-stop shop and aligning our standards with international norms to allow faster access to foreign markets.
In addition, the government should facilitate—not hinder—the efforts of companies looking to expand internationally. The incentives offered should not be massive subsidies, but targeted tools that encourage development and measurable outcomes. Making it easier to export is not a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. Every Puerto Rican product that crosses borders brings employment, capacity, and wealth back to our Island. We must not only reduce our dependence on federal aid but also strengthen our internal economy and integrate with the global marketplace. Puerto Rico has products the world can value—we just need the will to remove the barriers.
David Benjamín Cruz de la Torre is a public policy specialist with expertise in economic analysis, behavioral economics and international cooperation. He is a graduate of the Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has worked on initiatives that promote institutional development, strengthening of the productive sector and economic freedom. He currently serves as the U.S. coordinator for the Hispanic School, a project of the Fortius Foundation, and collaborates in initiatives aimed at rigorous policy analysis, the facilitation of strategic alliances and the effective implementation of projects with economic impact.
