+1 (520) 780-6269 investment@latamfdi.com
New Passport Law in Panama Opens a New Era of Global Mobility for Investors

New Passport Law in Panama Opens a New Era of Global Mobility for Investors

The new passport law in Panama for investors serves as further proof that the Panamanian government is keen to provide attractive residency programs and additional benefits for individuals who choose to invest in the Latin American nation.

The law was passed in the National Assembly and authorizes issuing a special passport for foreigners who obtained permanent residence in Panama in the category of Qualified Investor. This is an immigration program that allows long-term real estate, financial, and bank deposit investments. The main goal is to facilitate Panama’s position as one of the most attractive countries in the world in terms of residency.

The law is already approved, but it is not yet in force and is waiting for the issuance of a regulatory decree. This document will confirm all the details of the regulation, the procedure, the cost, and all the administrative documents necessary to obtain a special passport. When this government measure goes into effect, it will make it possible for foreign investors who have already become qualified investors of Panama and have obtained a permanent residence permit to also obtain the special passport.

The passport law for Panama points out that this new special passport, which will be issued by the Directorate of Immigration, is not a document that can be issued or applied for by an investor who wants to obtain Panamanian nationality. It will be valid for the period established in the immigration permit held by the foreigner. The new passport law in Panama also states that the same passport can be requested by the investor’s dependents.

It is also worth noting that the new document is an identity card and a mobility document, and does not have any other functions other than the name inscribed in it. The passport regime in Panama is a residence regime, so the new special passport also has a residency permit. All documents issued within the new law are official documents of Panama and are international, so the recipient can use them both in Panama and when traveling abroad.

Qualified Investor

As noted above, the Qualified Investor residency program is one of the most efficient and easiest-to-meet Panama Permanent Residency options. There are three types of investments that allow you to become a Panama permanent resident: real estate, securities, and fixed-term bank deposits.

Real Estate Investments in Panama

In the framework of real estate investments, investors are required to invest a minimum of US$300,000 in real estate free of liens. The investment must be held for a minimum term of five years.

Real Estate under Construction

The new law in Panama, as well as the Qualified Investor Program, also takes into account the option of real estate investments in the pre-construction or development phase. Under this option, a foreign investor is eligible for a Permanent Residency in Panama by signing a Purchase and Sale Agreement of at least US$300,000, free of liens. For the construction investment project, a Qualified Investor can choose one of the following methods:

Depositing a special fund in a trust administered by a Panamanian bank, or other fiduciary institution licensed by the Panama Monetary Authority to perform trust administration.

Paying in full to the developer or promissory vendor for the purchase and sale of real estate during the construction phase, even if the unit has not yet been completed and segregated.

In this way, the Qualified Investor program encourages the construction of new buildings and real estate development in Panama, thus contributing to its economic development and creating new jobs.

Investments in Securities

Qualified Investors who wish to become Panama permanent residents through financial instruments are required to invest a minimum of US$500,000 in securities. All such investments should be made through one or more brokerage houses licensed by the Superintendency of the Securities Market.

Investments in Bank Deposits

The third way to obtain a permanent Panama residence as an investor is to make a bank deposit of at least US$750,000 for a term of at least five years. The foreign national may invest their money in the banking system of Panama with a fixed-term bank deposit.

Panama: An Extremely Competitive Destination for Global Investors

The new special passport is another example of Panama’s attempts to be one of the most competitive investment destinations in the region. Panama boasts world-class infrastructure, such as the Panama Canal, modern logistics and port capacities, and a wide network of free trade zones. In addition, Tocumen International Airport, often called the “Hub of the Americas,” has direct flights to more than 80 cities around the world, making Panama a convenient place to travel and live for foreign investors and their executives.

Panama’s tax system and legislation, which provides high predictability and investment security, also play an important role in Panama being an extremely attractive jurisdiction. The tax regime in Panama is a territorial one, which means that only income earned on the territory of Panama is taxed. Moreover, the American territory also stands out for its political and economic stability, being a “dollarized” economy, and providing high protection for private property. These features make Panama one of the most attractive countries in the western hemisphere for global investors.

Building Confidence

Panama’s new passport law for investors is another important step in building investor confidence. The amendment to the Immigration Law is an opportunity to create a more complete residency system that is more integrated with the current requirements of international mobility. The Panamanian authorities realized that a quality residence regime is not only low fees, a favorable tax system, and investment protection. For example, today’s professional investor needs additional incentives that will simplify their work on a day-to-day basis.

In order to help individuals and organizations make an informed decision and obtain Panama residency in a Qualified Investor Program, leading law firms, such as Dentons, offer professional services. Dentons Panama teams can help a Qualified Investor prepare a package of investment documents, have it verified, obtain a permanent residence permit, and complete all the procedures with the Panama Passport Authority.

The time of the new passport law in Panama is coming, and the country is becoming an increasingly attractive gateway for the international business community. For all those investors who are looking for a solid, prosperous, and safe place to park their money, Panama now also offers the world’s key to unlock doors.

Peru Guarantees US$700 Million Private Investment to Modernize Matarani Port and Strengthen the South

Peru Guarantees US$700 Million Private Investment to Modernize Matarani Port and Strengthen the South

The Government of Peru, through the National Port Authority (APN) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), signed an addendum to the concession contract of the Matarani Port Terminal (TPM), which guarantees the advance of the investment of approximately US$700 million by the concessionaire to modernize Matarani port.

It is a fully private investment that the private sector is willing to make, betting on the Peruvian economy to remain a stable and prosperous country.

The project that was presented by the private company, which was analyzed by PROINVERSIÓN and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), contemplates the expansion of the operating area of the port by approximately 50%, which will allow, among other things, to increase its cargo handling capacity. This will contribute to the development of the South through improved logistics and competitiveness.

With this project to modernize Matarani port, the aim is to strengthen its position as a logistical hub for the southern macro-region, with emphasis on the mining, agro-export, industry, and commerce sectors.

The signing represents a step towards regional development

The signing of the addendum, which guarantees the advance of private investment, shows the Peruvian State’s will to promote decentralized development, fostering growth in regions outside the capital.

“The investment to modernize Matarani port and strengthen the south is possible thanks to the state-private partnership that we have forged with clear guidelines for the benefit of the regions. This investment means new job opportunities for families in these regions and positions Matarani as an even more strategic logistics hub for the export and import of goods, “said José Jerí, President of the Republic.

Thanks to this project and the investment advanced by the private sector, the government is working to ensure that economic growth is also located in the southern macro-region.

The APN, in coordination with the MEF, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), and PROINVERSIÓN, advanced a payment guarantee to the concessionaire, who will advance the private investment for the modernization and expansion of the port to materialize and deliver the project as soon as possible.

The modernization investment represents the clear trust of the private sector in the government’s management of the Peruvian economy.

“This signing is proof of the strong signal that the private sector trusts our economy and sees in Peru a destination for its strategic investments. It is a tangible sign of our policy, which seeks to promote economic growth, generate formal employment, and improve the quality of life of families in the regions,” said Denisse Miralles, Minister of Economy and Finance.

The investment will be financed through private capital

The approximately US$700 million investment will be 100% financed by the private concessionaire, without using public resources for its expansion. The addition of this amount of capital shows the confidence of the private sector in the country’s investment climate, where Peru is increasingly recognized as a safe haven for investment, in addition to showing the predictability of a government that is committed to encouraging private investment in the country and to putting in place the necessary tools to ensure that Peru remains competitive.

Matarani Port Expansion and Modernization Project

The investment will be used to improve the terminal’s infrastructure, including a new multipurpose berth that will have a breakwater that allows the handling of vessels up to 60,000 DWT; also, a mineral storage warehouse with a capacity of 40,000 metric tons will be built.

Likewise, there will be a modern 4.6-hectare container yard. In addition to the improvements to the multipurpose berth, the investment also includes an improvement to Muelle ABC. This improvement will increase the depth of the existing berthing to expand its offerings in the different types of cargo to be handled at Matarani port.

In total, the investment modernization, expansion, and improvement project to be executed by the private company reaches approximately US$700 million.

Signing for 30 years more in the operation of the port

The addendum was signed by the National Port Authority (APN), on behalf of the State, and by TISUR, of the Tramarsa Group, which generates a concession extension of 30 more years in the operation of the Matarani port.

With the signing of this addendum, the Government of Peru ensures the continuity and execution of the project, which includes the modernization of the Matarani port.

The mining sector can grow 39% in the south

Minister of Transport and Communications Aldo Prieto stated that “this investment, which allows expanding the Matarani port, will position this hub as a logistics point for southern Peru, given the intermodal character of the terminal that will also serve the mining sector of Arequipa and Moquegua.”

“The port of Matarani has a fundamental role in the shipping of fishmeal, and this additional investment will allow consolidating this bulk port as the main warehouse of the country and generating more trade integration in the south of the country, where we estimate mining activity could grow up to 30%, ” he added.

The private sector, stated by Renzo Grandchamp

According to Renzo Grandchamp, CEO of Transport and Warehousing Logistics, a system operator port of Peru, projects a 40% increase in cargo traffic, both national and international, at Matarani, compared to the levels registered during 2021.

“The greater growth will be expected in agricultural cargo, followed by minerals and vehicles. A sharp increase in the value of exports and imports will be experienced by 2025, influenced by the renewal of the Matarani concession. The estimated flows for the port terminal in 2025 are 12.79 million tons. On the other hand, a decrease in export ton-kilometers is expected in 2025 (-1%) compared to 2021, with a general decline in flows in the other ports,” he pointed out.

The Cargo Potential to be handled from Matarani Port

The main variable that determines the logistic potential in the different ports is the volume of cargo that can be handled each year.

In this sense, the amount of cargo that could be handled per year at the Matarani Terminal is close to US$11 billion, an investment in the south of the country. Of this figure, 73% corresponds to public investment that has already been materialized or has already been called, and the remaining 27% refers to private investment.

For the portfolio of transport concessions, the data shows a significant concentration in mining concessions, with 11 projects in this sector, followed by fisheries and cargo.

The execution portfolio is equivalent to US$2,742 million. In this scenario, the projections for 2025, considering the execution of concessions granted in the last four years (the portfolio includes a total of 24 concessions), indicate a significant increase in the amount of cargo being transported by road, expected to reach 13.69 million tons in 2025.

Rodrigo Paz Drives Bolivian Economic Opening and Promotes Foreign Investment with Legal Security

Rodrigo Paz Drives Bolivian Economic Opening and Promotes Foreign Investment with Legal Security

The president-elect will prioritize strategic legislation and promote “capitalism for all” to restore confidence and spur growth.

“A New Chapter in the Economic Opening of Bolivia”

President-elect Rodrigo Paz opened the Visión Bolivia 2025 business summit by announcing that the country will begin a new stage of economic opening, under a framework of legal certainty and respect for private property. In a speech full of optimism and conciliation, Paz said that Bolivia will be able to start a new relationship with the private sector and the international community based on trust, transparency, and institutional stability.

The president-elect indicated that Bolivia closes a stage of history in which the entry of foreign capital and the development of businesses were limited, in reference to the regulatory uncertainty and economic centralism experienced in recent years. “We are starting a new era of development in which the State will not be an obstacle but an ally of entrepreneurs, investors, and workers,” said Paz before more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, ambassadors, and international delegations who met in La Paz to learn about the new opportunities offered by Bolivia’s productive sectors.

Focus on Strategic Laws to Boost Investment and Stability

The president-elect explained that his new government will work on the approval of strategic laws in strategic areas such as mining, hydrocarbons, evaporitic resources (lithium, among others), investment, infrastructure, and technology. These regulations will simplify procedures, update existing regulations, and issue “effective guarantees” for national and foreign companies that want to invest in Bolivia. In this sense, Paz assured that economic stability and legal predictability will be the main pillars of his new administration, two indispensable elements to attract long-term investment.

“To those who have come to visit us from other latitudes, this is Bolivia for the world, but today the message is the world in Bolivia. Welcome; this is your house, you can invest with confidence,” he said to applause. He added that this new stage will also require an effective public administration, responsible management, and the participation of productive sectors in the formulation of economic policy.

Capitalism for All: A Proposal for Growth and Social Justice

The president-elect reiterated his commitment to his government model of “capitalism for all,” a concept that he has taken up to redefine the relationship between the State, businesses, and citizens. This proposal seeks to combine the promotion of free-market principles with social responsibility and the strengthening of the pillars of public services. “True progress does not consist only in generating wealth, but in generating opportunities for all Bolivians,” he stated.

Paz detailed that his government will promote a competitive business environment with incentives for innovation, renewable energy, and the formalization of small and medium-sized enterprises. He said that foreign investment will have the institutional support of the government, contracts that will be respected by law, and “legal guarantees at all times.” “We want national and international entrepreneurs to feel that they can invest in Bolivia without fear of arbitrary changes or expropriations. Trust will be our most valuable currency,” he affirmed.

Bolivian Economic Opening and Foreign Investment

The president-elect also indicated that in recent years, Bolivia has received lower foreign investment than other countries in the region, such as Chile, Peru, or Colombia, which has constrained industrial development and modern infrastructure. “Now is the time to ensure investments that create jobs, dignity, and economic growth, under clear rules and without privileges,” he added.

With respect to international cooperation, Rodrigo Paz specified that his foreign policy will be based on building strategic and commercial alliances rather than on dependence on aid. “Bolivia will not ask for aid; Bolivia will offer projects. We want partners, not donors,” he said. In this regard, he also announced that talks have already begun with other governments in South America, Europe, and Asia, as well as with multilateral organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) or the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) to promote joint projects in areas such as energy, transportation, digitalization, and environmental sustainability.

Productive Diversification, the Engine of Bolivian Economic Opening

Another of the axes of Paz’s economic plan is productive diversification. His government aims to reduce dependence on natural resources and promote new sectors with high value added, such as sustainable agribusiness, ecological tourism, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. To this end, the government will create special economic zones, technological parks, and mixed financing mechanisms that incentivize private investment in innovation.

Paz also highlighted the need to improve logistical and energy infrastructure in the country, a factor that will be key in attracting foreign investment. In this way, he mentioned priority projects such as the paving of trunk highways, the expansion of bioceanic corridors, the digitalization of customs procedures, and the transition to clean energy. All this, he explained, will not only be designed to increase the competitiveness of the country but also to ensure a balanced development among Bolivia’s regions.

Transparency and Efficiency to Strengthen the Bolivian Economic Opening

In his speech, Paz was also emphatic in indicating that corruption will not be tolerated under his government. He added that his administration will implement stricter controls in the public administration, perform permanent audits, and impose exemplary sanctions on any official found guilty of irregularities. “Transparency will be a requirement, not an option. Investment is built on trust, and trust is built on honesty,” he declared.

Finally, the president-elect also assured that the logistics and distribution of strategic inputs, especially fuels, will be guaranteed under an efficient and decentralized model that will avoid losses due to inefficiency or corruption. “There can be no development if the energy basis of the nation is not guaranteed. That is why we will give legal and logistical protection to the distribution chain and ensure that every liter of fuel that leaves the refinery arrives at its final destination without suffering any type of diversion or abuse,” he concluded.

With this speech, Rodrigo Paz sent a clear message to the business community and international investors: Bolivia reopens to the world with legal certainty, political stability, and a renewed vision of economic development. His proposal of “capitalism for all” seeks to reconcile the search for growth with social equity, and to mark the beginning of a new stage that could redefine Bolivia’s place in the regional economy. This new stage of Bolivian economic opening symbolizes a historic opportunity to rebuild confidence and project the country as a destination for sustainable and responsible investment.

Guatemalan Gaming Industry Regulation: New Law Targets Illegal Slot Machines and Games of Chance

Guatemalan Gaming Industry Regulation: New Law Targets Illegal Slot Machines and Games of Chance

The Legislative Governance Commission of the Congress of the Republic, chaired by Congressman Fidencio Lima, has given a favorable opinion to a bill for the prevention, regulation, and sanctioning of slot machines and other games of chance in Guatemala. This move aims to address a legal gray area and bring transparency and accountability to the operation of games of chance, known to have wide penetration in the country. The proposed regulation seeks to prevent illegal slot machines and games of chance from operating in places other than those authorized by the state. This bill is a significant step toward safeguarding public order and consumer welfare and re-establishing the government’s right to tax an increasingly unregulated sector within the Guatemalan gaming industry.

Illegal Slot Machines and Games of Chance: A Problem on a National Scale

Illegal slot machines and other games of chance are considered a massive problem by Guatemalan authorities. The vast majority of such machines can be found operating in small businesses and convenience stores. There are said to be thousands of slot machines and other types of machines in stores or without a defined structure, such as stalls or kiosks. Operating completely illegally, none of the owners pays taxes or duties to the state, and the machines are in no way controlled or taxed by the authorities. This widespread illegal activity has deeply affected the Guatemalan gaming industry, making it difficult for legitimate businesses to operate on a level playing field.

Slot Machines and Games of Chance Proliferate in Guatemala

Illegal slot machines and other games of chance have also long been operating freely in Guatemala without proper regulation. Illegal slot machine and game of chance venues have exploited a legal loophole that has allowed them to expand, using laws that have even required them to cease such operations. In Guatemala, some unscrupulous operators have taken to calling their slot machines “toys” or “games” to distance themselves from the sale or placement of “slot machines,” such as those in casinos. As a result, the Guatemalan gaming industry has struggled to maintain fair standards and protect both consumers and investors from the negative effects of unregulated operations.

Slot Machines and Games of Chance Regulation Bill Approved

The current proposal, which has been approved by the Governance Commission of the Congress of the Republic and is awaiting approval by Congress, sets out several measures that ban slot machines and other games of chance and states that the authorities will be obliged to shut down any premises found operating them.

Commission’s Verdict: Bill Aligns with Political Constitution of Guatemala

As part of their evaluation of the approved initiative, the members of the Legislative Governance Commission analyzed all the provisions and announced that they do not contradict the Political Constitution of the Republic. On the contrary, they represent additional support for the legal system and the fight against fiscal fraud and tax evasion, as well as the defense of society.

Lawmakers’ Take on Regulation of Slot Machines and Games of Chance in Guatemala

Legislators have pointed out that regulating slot machines and other games of chance in Guatemala, on the one hand, would ensure transparency and honesty in such operations, protecting users. At the same time, the state would have an opportunity to increase its fiscal income by taxing a more significant part of the country’s budget. However, at this time, illegal operations have been allowed to expand completely outside of the control of local authorities and without any contribution to state coffers.

Proposal Will Legalize and Regulate Slot Machines and Games of Chance in Guatemala

In addition, the document, prepared by the members of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala and approved by the Legislative Governance Commission, says that it also amends the Penal Code, in the sense that tax fraud on slot machines and other games of chance is now recognized as an independent type of crime. This means that anyone or any legal entity involved in the sale, purchase, importation, or possession of such a machine or its structural elements, disguised as a toy, will be punished with a custodial sentence of no less than 5 years and no more than 10 years. An amount equal to twice the amount of the tax fraud committed will be imposed as a fine on the violator. The fine for such a violation will also be applicable to the machine and equipment that, at the time of commission of the crime, were in the possession of the criminal or were subject to his ownership in any form. All confiscated or detained equipment will be destroyed at the site of their discovery and under the supervision of a representative of the authority who will execute the corresponding requirements, and information about it will be entered into the computer system of the same. The decision to close the establishment due to the use of machines with monetary games other than those provided for by the state has been approved with immediate effect. The owner, administrator, or manager of such an institution and the people who were directly on duty will be sentenced to no more than 2 years and no less than 5 years, and they will pay a fine in the amount of twice the total value of the detained machines. Repeat offenders will be given a prison sentence of up to 7 years and will pay a fine of 3 times the total value of the machines and equipment found on their property. The document also points out the protection of minors and the prohibition of children and adolescents from being in gambling establishments.

On the other hand, the immediate closure of the enterprise is approved, within the framework of the operation of slot machines or other games of chance, in the event of the discovery of persons under the age of 18 on their territory, and if the company’s owner, administrator, or manager and other people on duty on the day of the approval of the order allow the minor to gamble. Sanctioned in the amount of not more than 5 years and no less than 3 years, and in an amount equal to 3 times the value of the equipment held by the criminal on the day of commission of the crime. The new bill also states that if a public official commits the crime of allowing slot machines and other games of chance to be in operation, he will be sentenced to 3 to 5 years in prison. In addition, the individual will be prohibited from holding public office for 5 years after the expiration of the prison term.

An attempt was also made to indicate the most optimal scenario for the legalization and regulation of the slot machine and game of chance business in the country. The issue of legalization, or at least regulation, of such a section of the entertainment industry as slot machines and other games of chance has long been an acute one. As practice shows, the state in such cases suffers most of all, as it does not have an opportunity to collect the necessary taxes from gaming companies. However, the criminal environment also rejoices in such an unfortunate scenario, as it is precisely these opportunities that are exploited by many criminals who violate the law. For its part, local government bodies, such as the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, cannot help but take such factors as the control of criminal organizations and the provision of tax revenues to the state budget into account. The most practical solution to this issue would be to legalize the operation of such venues. In addition, only companies with the appropriate licenses should be allowed to open a slot machine or any other game of chance. This is an especially important factor as, for example, a company can acquire a license for slot machines and other games of chance. This can help solve the issues of funding state needs, restoring transparency, and supporting the responsible growth of the Guatemalan gaming industry.

The Dominican Republic and Spain Deepen Synergies to Advance in Advanced Manufacturing and Global Services

The Dominican Republic and Spain Deepen Synergies to Advance in Advanced Manufacturing and Global Services

Adozona Positions Dominican Free Zones as the Ideal Platform to Promote Interaction and Industrial Cooperation Between Both Countries

The Dominican Association of Free Zones (Adozona) reiterated the country’s growing capability to position itself as a regional benchmark for advanced manufacturing and global services and the multiple opportunities that are opening up for strategic cooperation between the Dominican Republic and Spain to strengthen their value chains, generate technological innovation, and make the economies of both countries more competitive.

Forging a Common Perspective for the Industrial Transformation

During the panel entitled “Dominican Republic: A Reliable Ecosystem for Advanced Manufacturing and Global Services,” which took place at the headquarters of the Mapfre Foundation in Madrid, Adozona president Claudia Pellerano pointed out that Dominican Free Zones are the ideal platform to capitalize on the complementarity between both countries. She also said that the Dominican Republic and Spain have long historical, cultural, and economic ties that enable them to “lead a new era of industrial cooperation centered on the transfer of technologies, sustainable production processes, and investment with greater added value.” “The Dominican Republic has a strong, competitive, and consolidated ecosystem, with talent, infrastructure, and an institutional framework that is very innovation-friendly. The Free Zones are the vehicle that allows us to connect capabilities, generate synergies, and build a common future of advanced manufacturing and global services,” said Pellerano, according to the press release. In this sense, she also noted that the country’s strategic location, which connects North America, Latin America, and Europe, gives it an attractive competitive advantage in global trade routes, which would allow for companies from both countries to cooperate in supply chain management, logistics, and export diversification in a more fluid and efficient manner.

Event Boosted by Strategic Institutions

The event was led by the Executive President of Banco BHD, Fidelio Despradel; the CEO of Mapfre, Antonio Huertas, and the Dominican Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Víctor Bisonó. The officials emphasized that the public-private collaboration is key to promoting competitiveness and positioning both markets to attract high-value-added investments. “The strengthening of the collaboration between both economies is key to reinforcing trade and commercial integration and establishing a new alliance between two nations that share history and a future that we can write together and look at with optimism and hope,” said Despradel. In the same vein, the Executive President of Banco BHD said that bilateral cooperation could serve as a multiplier for investment in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and digital services. Huertas, in turn, highlighted the great opportunity that Spanish companies have to leverage the Dominican Republic’s stable economy and its network of trade agreements to increase their footprint in the Caribbean and the Americas. “The articulation of financial institutions, insurance, and industry agents will be key to generating the next generation of industrial projects that prioritize innovation, sustainability, and inclusion,” Huertas added.

Logistics, a Key Component for Industrial Connectivity

On the other hand, Erik Alma, CEO of HIT Puerto Río Haina and a member of the board of directors of Adozona, highlighted the strategic advantage represented by the Dominican logistics ecosystem. He said that it has a key role in improving connectivity, efficiency, and the expansion of industrial operations throughout the region. He explained that the country’s port infrastructure, airports, highway system, among others, and its proximity to the largest markets of the United States and Latin America, make it an ideal location for companies looking to optimize operations. The increasing integration between both countries could open up investment opportunities in port modernization, intelligent logistics technologies, and green infrastructure to further consolidate the region’s connectivity.

A Free Zone Model with Multiple Opportunities

Today, the Free Zones in the Dominican Republic house 843 companies in operation, distributed in 94 industrial parks. These receive investment of more than USD 7.7 billion, generate over 198,000 direct jobs, and have exported goods for USD 8.426 billion in 2024, which represents more than 60% of total exports of the national economy. These figures not only reflect the scale and maturity of the Free Zone model in the country, but also its constant evolution towards more sophisticated and sustainable production processes. Sectors such as life sciences, medical devices, electronics, textiles, and business process outsourcing (BPO) are still gaining strength and consolidating the country as one of the main industrial and services platforms in the Caribbean. In this sense, Pellerano stressed that its growth has been fueled by the permanent alignment between the private sector and public institutions such as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, as well as the National Free Zones Council. “The public-private synergy that we are forging between industry and key institutions is giving us very good results. It has been key to giving companies agility in management, stability, and trust. The opportunity to work in strategic sectors such as life sciences, logistics, and advanced manufacturing generates dynamism that we want to multiply,” she explained.

Generating Learning Networks and New Innovations

The forum also featured Spanish investors and entrepreneurs who shared their experience in the Dominican Republic. Participants pointed out that the Dominican Republic is a country committed to industrial development with a business-friendly regulatory framework and an increasingly qualified talent pool in areas such as engineering, IT, and manufacturing. Participants discussed how Spain’s technology and industrial know-how could complement the Dominican Republic’s capabilities in manufacturing and its competitive labor costs. Both countries could strengthen joint efforts in research and development projects, promote joint ventures, and create training programs to nurture a new generation of skilled professionals.

Spain and the Dominican Republic are closer to a shared future of industrial competitiveness

This meeting was another milestone in the increasingly deepening economic relationship between the Dominican Republic and Spain. The event reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and mutual development. Spain’s and the Dominican Republic’s cooperation is expected to continue reaping future achievements in other strategic areas such as renewable energy, smart manufacturing, digital transformation, and modernization of logistics. The alliance is betting on adding value to Spain’s technological sophistication and combining it with the Dominican Republic’s industrial strength and its location. They are laying the foundations for a future of greater strength and connection between both sides of the Atlantic. This successful venture once again proved that when public and private sectors combine efforts, the result is capable of redefining the competitiveness of the region and generating lasting opportunities for both economies. The Dominican Free Zones continue to be the bridge that unites talent, technology, and investment, and it is the lever that drives the transformation of the Caribbean into a hub for advanced manufacturing and global services that serve the most demanding markets in the world.