Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce Unveils IPSOS Study Findings on Business Climate, Essential Services, and Quality of Life at Its 2025 Convention

The report will serve as a strategic basis for recommendations aimed at reforming permitting processes, financing, and talent retention.

San Juan, P.R. – June 12, 2025 — During its 2025 Annual Convention at Liberty Square in San Patricio Plaza, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (CCPR) presented the qualitative study titled “Assessment among Puerto Ricans and Business Representatives 2025,” commissioned from international firm IPSOS. Based on focus groups held from March to May of this year, the report offers in-depth insights into the drivers of business activity, quality of life, and public perceptions of essential services on the island.

Conducted across March–May with participants in Puerto Rico and the continental U.S., the study gathered feedback from residents, business owners, healthcare professionals, educators, migrants, and college students. It explores perceptions of the business environment, quality of life, and access to vital services.

Key findings include:

• 85% of SMEs cited excessive bureaucracy and slow permitting processes as their top challenge, along with high operating costs, frequent disruptions in energy and telecom services, and difficulties accessing credit.

• Regarding essential services, respondents perceive Puerto Rico’s healthcare system as costly, fragmented, and marked by long wait times, particularly for the elderly and government-insured patients.

• In education, critical issues include insufficient resources, deteriorating infrastructure, and teacher shortages.

• Overall quality of life is also burdened by concerns about rising crime, cost of living, and economic insecurity.

“This study confirms that Puerto Rican businesses, especially our SMEs, face significant structural challenges that hinder their potential. However, it also shows a collective willingness from the private sector to innovate, adapt, and continue investing in Puerto Rico. As president of the Chamber of Commerce, I call for coordinated priority action between government and business to streamline processes and facilitate investment,” stated CCPR President, Luis E. Pizarro-Otero, Esq..

Despite these challenges, the report identifies high-growth opportunities in sectors like tourism, creative economy, technology, specialized services, and sustainability. It emphasizes Puerto Rico’s competitive advantages: a bilingual, skilled workforce; attractive tax incentives (e.g., Law 60); and strategic geographic location. Post-disaster reconstruction efforts have also opened doors for local contractors and micro-enterprises.

“This qualitative report gives us a powerful tool for strategic planning and better-informed public policies. Listening directly to business people, students, educators, or returnees allows us to chart a shared path toward a more competitive and equitable Puerto Rico,” said CCPR Executive Director, Liza M. García, Esq.

The study also revealed deep frustration among young professionals over the lack of stable job opportunities. One participant remarked:

“It’s not that we don’t want to work — it’s that jobs don’t pay enough to live,”
while another added,
“The ideas are here, the talent is here, but the system often doesn’t help.”

As part of the Convention agenda, the forum “Business Boost: Connecting Vision, Brand & Financing” brought together key leaders from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including representatives from Ocean Lab, Naciónsushi, Discover Puerto Rico, and Microsoft. The forum focused on concrete tools to strengthen local startups.

PRCC’s president noted that the findings will guide targeted recommendations in permitting, financing, digital transformation, educational reform, and talent retention. For more information on the event or study, visit www.camarapr.org or call 787‑721‑6060.

Media Contact:

Karen Garnik, APR, PRSA Fellow
787.502.2424
karen@globalvisioncomms.com

Isadora Hernández
787-310-3807
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Gladys Arce
787-382-1037
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