Between January and October of this year, the free zones of the Dominican Republic reached 180,252 jobs, which represents a growth of 8.4% when compared to the same period of 2020.
The statistics, presented by the National Council of Free Export Zones (CNZFE), reveal that this number of jobs constitutes a “record number” in the last 17 years, since since 2004 the sector did not exceed 180,000 direct jobs.
The director of the CNZFE, Daniel Liranzo, stated that during 2021 the free zones continued to be one of the productive activities that generates the greatest number of direct jobs in the Dominican economy, therefore, despite the crisis generated by COVID-19 and confinement, they were able to recover 100% of the jobs that ended in 2019, while generating new jobs.
The CNZFE highlights that the largest number of jobs in the sector corresponds to the activity of tobacco and its derivatives, with 38,713 positions; followed by apparel and textiles, with 33,914; services, with 32,945. These are followed by medical and pharmaceutical products, with 28,651; as well as electrical and electronic products, with 10,758, among others.
Location
The companies located in the northern region generated 37.6% of the jobs in the free zones, with a total of 67,851; those located in the National District and Santo Domingo province generated 32.1%, with a total of 57,596; while those located in the south 17.2% (31,048). Meanwhile, those located in the eastern region, 13.1% (23,563).
In this regard, Liranzo said that the development and growth registered by the free zones is due, in large part, to the support, trust and legal security that the government team led by President Luis Abinader has given to entrepreneurs and investors. , says a press release.
