President Luis Abinader affirmed that his Government will make logistics a new economic axis of the Dominican Republic through public and private policies.
And with the development of the logistics sector characterized by leadership in technology, operational efficiency and security, they hope to turn the Dominican Republic into a developed country in a decade, with the goal of doubling its GDP by 2036.
“Productive diversification, improved infrastructure and connectivity, optimization of our customs processes, and incentives for foreign direct investment have stimulated and will continue to stimulate the arrival of foreign companies, as well as our integration into the supply chains of the Western Hemisphere,” he said.
The president offered these details during a speech at the event “HubRD: The Great Opportunity of a Country in Transformation. New Economic Axis,” organized by the General Directorate of Customs (DGA).
He explained that the DGA has made the biggest transformation in its history, implementing more than 700 technological changes; improving security in the main ports with the integration of X-rays; automating the main services of the institution and incorporating key programs such as 24-Hour Dispatch, Simplified OEA and Export More.
He recalled that in 2023 foreign investments reached US$4,390 million, which represents a growth of 45% compared to 2019. Of this figure, 92% comes from Western countries, so exists a potential to further strengthen these ties.
He indicated that the country’s trade exchange was US$40.98 billion in 2023, which represents an increase of 33% compared to 2019.
In that sense, the director Customs General, Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, explained how logistics development is generating more opportunities for the country, jobs and attracting investments.
“Our vision was to consolidate the Dominican Republic as the main logistics hub in the region,” said the director of Customs about the innovations that he has implemented in that department during the four years of his administration. At the event, Daniel Peña, deputy director of the DGA, presented the “Study of the Hub Segment”, carried out together with the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic. (AMCHAMDR)which served as a reference to prioritize and strengthen certain areas or procedures according to scientific data.
“The connection with Europe is a great opportunity to capitalize on the cross-dock or multimodal hub,” said Peña.
He also indicated that the Dominican Republic is currently one of the largest marketers of medical devices on the continent and the largest in Latin America.
“Our airfares are lower than any other airport in the region, to destinations like New York and Paris“, revealed the study presented by Peña.
The event, which brought together the main public and private players in the national logistics sector, was attended by government officials and businessmen linked to logistics.
