A new economic development plan drafted by independence advocates proposes a detailed framework for transforming Puerto Rico into a sovereign nation, outlining a transition away from United States territorial status. The document, titled National Economic Development Plan for a Sovereign Puerto Rico, was authored by economists and policy experts associated with the Plan B: Independencia initiative. It is intended for public distribution and for consideration by the United States Congress.
The plan complements a previously circulated draft executive order that would direct the federal government to begin Puerto Rico’s transition to independence, without first holding a vote among Puerto Rican citizens. That draft order, while not officially adopted, drew attention for proposing unilateral federal action to end Puerto Rico’s territorial status. As of now, the United States government has made no indication that it supports independence for Puerto Rico or that it is pursuing such a course.
The proposal also comes in the wake of the 2024 political status plebiscite, where independence received 125,171 votes—11.82% of the total. The result underscored the limited electoral support for independence among voters on the islands, who favored other status options, namely statehood and sovereignty with free association, which got 58.61% and 29.57% of the vote, respectively.
Despite that, the economic plan lays out a vision of a future Puerto Rican republic that is financially self-sufficient, globally competitive, and free of colonial-era debt. The proposal includes two funding models to finance a 20-year transition: a $36 billion annual disbursement or a one-time payment of $489 billion. According to the authors, either approach would be supported by the establishment of a Puerto Rico Transition Fund to replace current federal appropriations with upfront economic investments.
The plan projects that the United States would save an estimated $617 billion over 50 years by ending financial obligations to Puerto Rico. It also calls for the cancellation of Puerto Rico’s public debt under the legal doctrine of “odious debt,” arguing that obligations incurred under colonial conditions should not be transferred to a sovereign government.
The phased economic strategy spans two decades and focuses on infrastructure, energy, industrial development, education, agriculture, and innovation. Revenue sources under sovereignty would include a value-added tax (VAT), progressive income and corporate taxes, port and overflight fees, and industry-specific levies. The authors estimate that Puerto Rico could generate between $32 billion and $51 billion in annual revenue by year 20 of independence.
Sectors targeted for growth include biotechnology, renewable energy, manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, and digital services. The plan also outlines the creation of new national institutions, such as a Sovereign Treasury, a National Economic Development Authority, and a Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Innovation.
The proposal, while comprehensive in scope, comes from a small but vocal segment of Puerto Rico’s political landscape. The independence movement, historically supported by a minority of voters, has received renewed attention amid ongoing debates about Puerto Rico’s political status. However, with no legislation or federal policy indicating that independence is under consideration by the current administration or Congress, the future of the plan remains uncertain.
Authors of the plan cite development models from countries such as Singapore, Ireland, and Costa Rica to support their argument that a sovereign Puerto Rico could thrive with careful planning, global partnerships, and sustainable economic policy.
The Plan B initiative has urged public debate and congressional consideration of the proposal, framing it as a pragmatic alternative to continued territorial status. Still, the limited electoral support and lack of federal momentum present significant hurdles for its advancement.
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