2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › X - Department of Economic Development and Commerce › § III. - Powers, duties and functions of the Secretary

The Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce, hereinafter “the Secretary”, in addition to the powers, duties and functions conferred by other acts and this Reorganization Plan, shall have all the powers, duties, faculties, attributes and prerogatives inherent to his/her office, among which the following are listed, without it being construed as a limitation:
(a) Advise the Governor and the Legislature on all matters related to the mission and functions of the Department.
(b) Collaborate and advise the Governor and the Legislature on the statement of public policy and its implementation in an integral and coordinated manner.
(c) Coordinate strategic planning in an integrated manner for all the sectors that compose it, as well as reviewing, harmonizing and approving the plans of each of its sectors. Define the policies, strategies and priorities according to the strategic economic development plans for Puerto Rico.
(d) Carry out economic, marketing and other studies and research related to the local economy, that of the United States and of other jurisdictions in order to position the Department’s programs and activities, identify opportunities, anticipate situations that could cause problems and trace new strategies.
(e) Coordinate and supervise the administration and operations of the components of the Department, as well as the communications, public relations and promotional campaigns of the Department and its components, according to the established norms, goals, objectives and public policy.
(f) Evaluate and audit the operations of the components of the Department, render reports to the Governor and adopt the needed measures to keep the body functioning efficiently.
(g) Establish the coordination of everything related to the planning, promotion and development of important special projects that involve the participation of several or all of the components of the Department and other government bodies besides it.
(h) Prepare and present to the Governor an annual integrated budget for the Department. The directors of the components of the Department shall submit their respective budget proposals to the Secretary, annually.
(i) Recommend changes to the Governor in the organization of the Department, that may comprise the modification, fusion, termination, or transfer of functions, programs and agencies under its jurisdiction.
(j) Approve the regulations to be adopted by the components of the Department, as well as any amendment or repeal thereof. The directors of said components shall prepare and submit the necessary regulations, including any amendments or the repealing thereof, for the approval of the Secretary.
(k) Render an overall annual report of the Department to the Governor and the Legislature. The directors of the Department’s components shall submit their annual report to the Secretary.
(l) Develop and implement rules, norms and procedures which apply generally to the Department, as well as approve those of specific application to its components, unless the Secretary has delegated such approval.
(m) Promote the participation of the citizenry and the private entrepreneurial sector in the functions of the Department, through the mechanisms he/she deems pertinent.
(n) Delegate on officials or employees of the Department, including the bodies that constitute administrative components thereof, any powers, faculties duties or functions that have been conferred on them, except the faculty of adopting or approving regulations which can not be delegated by legal mandate.
(o) Preside over the Economic Development Committee created under this Plan.
(p) Create the boards and advisory committees needed for the proper functioning of the Department.
(q) Coordinate, oversee, and manage the promotion, at the international level, of programs and incentives offered by the International Banking Center, created under §§ 3081 et seq. of Title 7, known as the “International Banking Center Regulatory Act”. The Secretary may conduct studies and research as appropriate regarding economic and market opportunities in the United States and other countries in order to identify target markets and to carry out these duties. The Secretary may request the Commissioner of Financial Institutions to provide the support needed to attain the objectives of this measure, including, but not limited to, compiling data regarding the international financial entities regulated by the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, and acting as a liason between the Secretary and the regulated entities.
(r) Coordinate, oversee, and manage the promotion, at the international level, of programs and incentives offered by the International Insurance Center, created under §§ 4301 et seq. of Title 26, known as the “International Insurers and Reinsurers Act of Puerto Rico”. The Secretary may conduct studies and research as appropriate regarding economic and market opportunities in the United States and other countries in order to identify target markets and to carry out these duties. The Secretary may request the Insurance Commissioner to provide the support needed to attain the objectives of this measure, including, but not limited to, compiling data regarding the insurers regulated by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and acting as a liason between the Secretary and the regulated insurers.
History Oct. 15, 2013, No. 119, § 1.