Mr. Manuel A. Grullón, president of Banco Popular positively weighed the economic recovery that has experienced the country in 2005, which has been characterized "by the fulfillment of the Stand - By agreement with the International Monetary Fund and other multilateral financial organisms, the continuous reinforcement of the national financial system, the opportunity for exchange in  new markets by means of commercial treaties, the stability in currency exchange and a positive climate for foreign investment".

In addition, Mr. Manuel A. Grullón said that those factors, which were obtained under an atmosphere of corporate governance and social peace, "allow us to foresee a positive coming year 2006".  To that end, Mr. Grullón added, “We believe in the future of our country and in our economy’s potential, and therefore in engaging new markets we will count with innovative technology and consequently creating new jobs. We also trust in other sectors of our nation which sacrifices to sustain the economic and social development in favor of Dominican citizens.  The nation will thank both the individual and collective efforts that will be developed in that sense. 

The president of Banco Popular pronounced this information in his speech during the traditional Christmas cocktail celebrated together with his wife, Rose Hernandez de Grullón for mass media executives, as well as leaders and creators of public opinion.

In addition, Mr. Grullón informed that Banco Popular will report positive achievements in regards to the closing period of year 2005, a sum which is forecasted to exceed established expectations, thanks to the confidence of our shareholders, who presently form an entirety of 8,000 customer, and the confidence of our clients which adds up to more than 2 million people ".

During his speech, the bank executive also said that in the same lines of the strategic plan of the holding company, Grupo Popular, “our bank has focused in concentrating and expanding its efforts mainly in the financial area, both nationwide and internationally.

Mr. Grullón also affirmed that in order to facilitate, to be efficient and to reduce costs in the access of our customer portfolio banking services, it is intended that for the next months our institution will continue with its expansion plans increasing its branch office network , by opening 10 new offices in different geographic points of our country.

Additionally, he emphasized that Banco Popular will continue diversifying and modernizing the electronic financial services platform through the installation of more ATM machines, which presently surpasses the 500 units, and with Internet Banking and Telebanco, services of great demand and acceptance within our customer base reaching every year a high volume of transactions.

Participants who regularly attend this event include media executives, as well leaders and creators of public opinion nationwide.