Manuel Cidre Miranda is the Secretary of Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC) since January 2021. He is a recognized businessman raised in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, with more than 46 years of experience. His professional career began at Upjohn Inter American Pharmaceutical. In 1978 he founded Cidrines, Inc., the first bakery and pastry chain in Puerto Rico. In 1984, he developed and founded Pastelería Cidrines, a bread and pastry wholesaling and manufacturing operation with a strong presence in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and 44 states of the United States of America. Cidre has also been an active collaborator in multiple educational, community and philanthropic organizations, having occupied leadership positions in the Puerto Rico Commerce Chamber, Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association and Puerto Rico Products Association. He has received countless awards during his career. In 2016, he entered politics as an independent candidate for Governor of Puerto Rico, motivated by his great commitment to the socioeconomic development of the people and the structural changes that the island needs. He has a bachelor’s degree in Management, Finance and Marketing from the Pontificia Universidad Católica in Ponce, Puerto Rico.