Last week, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico where he announced the intent for the US Government to partner with the Government of Puerto Rico to hold an economic dialogue in Washington D.C. in the fall, as well as his new role as Puerto Rico Economic Growth Coordinator. Surrounding the announcement, the Deputy Secretary also participated in several roundtables and meetings with key local government, business, and NGO leaders. These meetings highlighted the key pillars of the Puerto Rico Economic Dialogue: human capital and work force development; infrastructure, energy, and resilience; a diversified economy; and governance and data.

In Deputy Secretary Graves’ meeting with Puerto Rico Governor Pierluisi and government of Puerto Rico's Cabinet secretaries and senior staff, the discussion focused on alignment of programs that fall in the scope of President Joe Biden's Justice40 initiative, and the goals and expectations of the economic dialogue.

Following their meetings, Governor Pierluisi and Deputy Secretary Graves formally announced the Puerto Rico Economic Dialogue during a brief press conference. As Puerto Rico Economic Growth Coordinator, Deputy Secretary Graves will help spearhead coordination with the dialogue and play a key part in developing the framing and direction of policy actions between the two governments.

"This dialogue, anchored in our shared economic agenda and policy priorities, will help to ensure Puerto Rico has the resources and tools it needs to prosper," said Deputy Secretary Graves. "Together, we’re laying the foundation for strengthened and sustained collaboration to deliver results for the people of Puerto Rico long into the future. " 

On Wednesday, Deputy Secretary Graves participated in a roundtable with members of Invest Puerto Rico on investment strategies including research and design, as well as key industries. This roundtable spoke to two of the four pillars in the Economic Dialogue -- Human Capital and Workforce Development, and a Diversified Economy.

"The talent and energy that exist here give me not only hope but excitement about innovative approaches to tackling challenges in Puerto Rico," said Deputy Secretary Don Graves. "The Economic Dialogue, anchored in our shared economic agenda and policy priorities, will help to ensure Puerto Rico has the resources and tools it needs to prosper."

Later in the afternoon, Deputy Secretary Graves participated in another roundtable to discuss engaging civil society to maximize multisector impact, which touched on three pillars in the Economic Dialogue -- Human Capital and Workforce Development, Infrastructure, Energy and Resilience, and a Diversified Economy.

On Thursday morning, Deputy Secretary Graves met with members of the Puerto Rico government as well as federal partners. Their discussion focused on best practices for federal funding and maximizing available grants.

Later in the afternoon, Deputy Secretary Graves also met with members of local non-profits. In their discussion, they explored the perspectives of non-profits and civil society on transparency, growth, and resiliency, emphasizing the pillars of a Diversified Economy and Governance and Data.

Deputy Secretary Graves also participated in a discussion with tech and government on intelligent infrastructure, exploring reshoring, aerospace, telecommunications, and other key areas to build intelligent infrastructure.  

That evening, Deputy Secretary Graves met with Puerto Rico legislative leaders, including Puerto Rico Senate President José Luis Dalmau Santiago, to further discuss the Puerto Rico Economic Dialogue with Puerto Rico's legislative branch.

The Deputy Secretary capped off his final day in San Juan by continuing to meet with key local government, business, and NGO leaders. Deputy Secretary Graves participated in a discussion on data economy with the U.S. Census Bureau and the Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Service (PRITS). The meeting centered around the needed infrastructure to increase statistical capacity and spur data-driven policy making.

Then, Deputy Secretary Graves attended a presentation on broadband and energy with the Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Service (PRITS) and the Puerto Rico Office of Management and Budget. The Deputy Secretary highlighted the $100 million the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides to Puerto Rico to ensure that everyone has access to high-speed internet and the digital skills they need, as well as future historic investments brought in renewables brought on by the incoming Inflation Reduction Act.

On Friday afternoon, Deputy Secretary Graves met with the University of Puerto Rico on STEM education and how STEM talent pipelines can accelerate economic growth.

In his final meeting, the Deputy Secretary participated in a panel conversation with entrepreneurs and accelerators on small business growth.