President Leonel Fernandez signed an agreement with the University of Illinois . The agreement's objective is to train Dominican professionals as well as implement other educational initiatives. The " Initiatives for Economic Development " agreement signed within the institutional framework of the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development looks to

Additionally, President Fernandez mentioned he was planning in sponsoring between 50 and 100 students per year and also promoting the advancement of research studies related to public opinion. He also pointed out the outstanding development in the area of emergency medicine achieved by the University and commented on his interest for sponsoring medical professionals to study with professionals at the educational institution. He also added that the Dominican government is interested in developing a program for the transference of technology in order to promote the establishment of high tech companies in the DR as well as to support the proliferation of business incubators in the Caribbean country.

President Fernandez was received by Dr. Silvia Maning, President of the University of Illinois . He attended the meetings at the university with the Secretary for Superior Education, Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic , Mrs. Ligia Amada Melo and the Secretary of State and US coordinator, Mr. Eduardo Selmán.