The Dominican Republic has taken a significant step toward transforming its logistics and trade infrastructure with a landmark agreement between the Dominican Government and DP World Dominicana. This partnership, centered around a planned US$760 million investment, reflects the country’s bold vision to become the leading logistics hub in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Strengthening the National Logistics Ecosystem
In a recent high-profile visit to the DP World Dominicana facilities in the Caucedo Peninsula, the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM), led by Executive Director Jean Luis Rodríguez, reaffirmed the government’s full support for the development of the national logistics ecosystem. The purpose of the visit was to gain firsthand insight into the progress made in expansion projects and to discuss future collaboration that aligns with President Luis Abinader’s agenda to boost the country’s productive sectors.
“We must continue contributing and reinforcing the vision that the Dominican Republic should establish itself as the logistics and cruise hub of the region,” Rodríguez stated during the visit. “You have the full support of the Port Authority, in line with the mandate of the President to continue supporting the country’s productive sectors.”
The visit served not only as a show of government backing but also as a platform to share DP World Dominicana’s expansion roadmap and its contribution to the Dominican Republic’s global trade ambitions.
A Groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding
Central to the partnership between DP World Dominicana and the Dominican Government is the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which lays the foundation for negotiations surrounding the creation of the DP World Economic Zones. These zones aim to integrate a wide array of logistics services, including port operations, manufacturing facilities, and free trade zones, into a single, highly efficient ecosystem.
If fully realized, this development would position the Dominican Republic as the first country in the Americas to feature a logistics platform that brings together industrial parks and free zones with a state-of-the-art port terminal. The high level of integration between these facilities is expected to streamline operations, reduce costs, and elevate the country’s status as a competitive logistics and trade destination.
A US$760 Million Vision for the Future
DP World Dominicana has committed to investing a staggering US$760 million into the realization of this project. This substantial capital injection will cover the expansion of the Caucedo port terminal, the development of new free trade zone infrastructure, and the integration of advanced systems and security technologies to support efficient and secure international trade.
The initiative is not just about physical expansion—it is about reimagining how trade flows through the Dominican Republic. With this project, DP World Dominicana envisions a future where manufacturers, logistics providers, and global traders can all operate from one strategic location, benefiting from seamless integration and world-class infrastructure.
Early Investments Already Underway
In addition to the long-term vision, DP World Dominicana has already made considerable investments to enhance existing operations. From 2024 to date, the company has invested approximately US$66.6 million in a series of initiatives aimed at boosting port performance and security.
These include:
- Upgrades to operational infrastructure to support increased cargo volumes.
- Capacity expansions that allow the terminal to manage more TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).
- Advanced security systems to ensure safe trade and compliance with international standards.
- Digitalization of port processes, which enables better tracking, transparency, and coordination across logistics chains.
These enhancements not only elevate the port’s current capacity but also demonstrate DP World Dominicana’s commitment to long-term, sustainable development.
A Model for Sustainable, Integrated Growth
“At DP World Dominicana, we are committed to a vision of sustainable growth to strengthen the position of the Caucedo port as a leading logistics hub in Latin America,” said Manuel Martínez, CEO of DP World Dominicana. “We are investing in the development of an innovative model that integrates services such as free trade zones, manufacturing, and logistics, all in one location, to boost the country’s connectivity and competitiveness. We value the support and collaboration of APORDOM, which plays a key role in consolidating the Dominican Republic as a critical player in regional trade.”
This vision aligns with broader global trends, where modern logistics hubs are increasingly adopting integrated models that combine physical infrastructure with digital solutions, creating environments where goods can move more quickly, securely, and with greater efficiency.
Port Capacity and Capabilities
Currently, the DP World Dominicana terminal boasts an operational capacity of 2.5 million TEUs per year. It is equipped with a modern fleet of port machinery, including:
Eleven gantry cranes are used for loading and unloading large containers from cargo ships.
Thirty-two rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) enable efficient container stacking and yard management.
These capabilities position the Caucedo port among the most modern and competitive in the region, enabling it to handle high volumes of cargo traffic while maintaining rapid turnaround times.
The DP World Economic Zones: A Unique Model in the Americas
DP World Dominicana is also spearheading the development of the DP World Economic Zones, which aims to integrate industrial activities, logistics services, and port operations in one cohesive space. This model is unique in the Americas and offers substantial advantages for businesses looking to establish operations in the Dominican Republic.
To date, 150,000 square meters of space have already been developed within the economic zones. Plans are underway to expand this to 220,000 square meters by 2027, further enhancing the country’s ability to attract and support global manufacturers, logistics firms, and exporters.
By centralizing operations within a single geographic area, the DP World Economic Zones reduce logistical complexity and create opportunities for businesses to scale efficiently while enjoying the benefits of tax incentives, modern infrastructure, and proximity to a global port.
Government Commitment to Oversight and Collaboration
Executive Director Jean Luis Rodríguez emphasized the importance of government oversight and active engagement with key logistics stakeholders, such as DP World Dominicana. “This visit reinforces our commitment to the oversight and support of key stakeholders in the national port system. The initiatives being carried out by DP World position the Dominican Republic as a regional benchmark in integrated logistics and secure trade,” he said.
His remarks reflect the Dominican Government’s broader economic development strategy, which includes creating world-class infrastructure and attracting foreign direct investment to strategic sectors such as logistics, trade, and manufacturing.
A Collaborative and Forward-Thinking Delegation
The APORDOM delegation during the visit was composed of high-level representatives from various branches of the Port Authority, including:
- Alan Checo, Deputy Director
- Rolando Martínez, Advisor
- Adonis Modesto, Chief of Staff
- Indhira Corte, Logistics Director
- Moisés Richardson, Head of Access to Public Information
This robust participation underscores the government’s commitment to deep collaboration and transparent oversight in the execution of large-scale infrastructure projects.
On the side of DP World Dominicana, key figures included:
- Manuel Martínez, CEO
- Arlina Peña, Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications
- Roberto Muñiz, Commercial Director
- Paola Firpo, Legal Director
- Héctor Incháustegui, representing Terra RD Partners
Together, these representatives discussed the future of port development, trade facilitation, and national competitiveness.
Looking Ahead: A Logistics Hub for the Hemisphere
The collaboration between the Dominican Government and DP World Dominicana is more than just a port expansion project—it is a bold move to position the Dominican Republic as a gateway for hemispheric trade. The integration of free trade zones, manufacturing capabilities, and digital logistics into a single ecosystem is a model that could set the standard for other countries in the region.
With continued investment, government support, and private-sector innovation, the Dominican Republic is well on its way to becoming the preeminent logistics and trade hub of the Caribbean and Latin America.
This US$760 million investment not only signals confidence in the country’s strategic location and stable business environment but also promises significant long-term economic benefits, including job creation, increased exports, and enhanced global competitiveness.
As the Dominican Republic moves forward with this ambitious plan, the world will be watching—and many may soon follow its example.