U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is visiting the Dominican Republic Wednesday to attend an annual ministerial meeting aimed at encouraging economic growth in the Americas.
In welcoming remarks ahead of the meeting, Dominican Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso said the "Pathways to Prosperity" gathering serves as a common platform for those countries in the region committed to democracy and open markets to promote growth, prosperity, and social justice.
Fifteen nations are sending representatives to the meeting, including Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru. Delegates from the United Nations, Organization of American States, and the Inter-American Development Bank are also attending.
Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela are not participating.
During a "Pathways to Prosperity" meeting last year, Clinton said it is vital that the participants spread the benefits of economic growth "to more people in more places."