The Dominican Free Zones Association (ADOZONA) has projected a significant milestone for the country’s export sector. By 2025, exports from the free zones could exceed $9 billion, reaching an impressive $10 billion by 2026. This optimistic forecast highlights the growing importance of free zone exports from the Dominican Republic in the national and regional economy.
Perspectives and Leadership
This ambitious projection was shared during the event “Perspectives on Free Zones 2025–2026,” organized under the leadership of the newly appointed president of ADOZONA, Claudia Pellerano. Key figures, including the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and SMEs, Víctor Bisonó, attended the event alongside representatives from the government, trade unions, businesses, and multilateral organizations. This diverse participation underscored the collaborative efforts required to achieve the sector’s ambitious goals.
Pellerano used the occasion to emphasize free zones’ critical role in the Dominican Republic’s economic framework. She noted that the sector’s growth is a matter of increased exports and a catalyst for broader societal benefits, including job creation, community development, and improved living standards.
Economic Growth and Regional Leadership
The contributions of the free zones have had a transformative impact on the Dominican Republic’s economy. In 2024, the Caribbean nation recorded the highest economic growth in the region, a remarkable feat driven primarily by exports. Notably, 66.5% of these exports originated from free zones. This statistic highlights the pivotal role of free zone exports from the Dominican Republic in positioning the nation as an economic leader in the Caribbean.
Pellerano pointed out that the free zones have been instrumental in attracting foreign investment and promoting knowledge and technology transfer. This, in turn, has fueled the creation of formal jobs and generated significant export revenues. These resources have positively impacted thousands nationwide, enhancing community well-being and economic inclusion.
Study on Free Zone Competitiveness
During the event, Pellerano expressed her gratitude to Minister Bisonó and the company Analytica for their collaborative efforts in producing the study “Dominican Free Zones: Investing to Contribute in a Risk and Opportunity Environment.” She described the study as a comprehensive analysis of the free zones’ performance, showcasing their exceptional competitiveness and relevance. It provided concrete data reinforcing the sector’s essential role in driving economic growth and underscored the need for sustained investment.
Infrastructure and Workforce Development
The Dominican Republic is home to an impressive 92 free zone parks, which serve as hubs of opportunity for communities that might otherwise face limited prospects. These parks have played a crucial role in stemming emigration by creating local employment opportunities. Furthermore, the active participation of women in the sector has brought about profound changes in family and economic dynamics, significantly improving the quality of life in these communities.
Pellerano stressed the importance of focusing on strategic sectors, such as the production of medical devices, electronics, semiconductors, and technological services. These industries represent high-growth areas with the potential to elevate free zone exports from the Dominican Republic further. She also highlighted the need for sustainable and specialized infrastructure to support the sector’s expansion. She called for the training of skilled professionals to meet the growing demands of these industries.
Collaboration for Future Growth
The ADOZONA President emphasized the need for greater collaboration among various stakeholders to sustain the sector’s growth trajectory. She called for a united effort involving the government, universities, technical schools, trade unions, and multilateral organizations. By working together, these entities can help develop a new generation of professionals equipped to tackle future challenges and maintain the sector’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
The Dominican Republic’s free zones have already demonstrated their capacity to drive economic progress and create opportunities for its citizens. However, achieving the ambitious target of $10 billion in exports by 2026 will require a continued focus on innovation, infrastructure development, and workforce training. With the combined efforts of public and private stakeholders, the country is well-positioned to enhance the global competitiveness of free zone exports from the Dominican Republic.
As Pellerano noted, the success of the free zones is not merely about financial gains but about creating a lasting positive impact on the nation’s social and economic fabric. By fostering investment, innovation, and collaboration, the Dominican Republic can ensure that its free zones remain a cornerstone of its economic development for years to come.
In summary, free zone exports from the Dominican Republic are poised to play an even more significant role in the nation’s economic future. ADOZONA’s efforts, in partnership with other stakeholders, will be instrumental in reaching new heights and ensuring that the benefits of this growth are felt across all segments of society.