- It is estimated that the free zone sector contributes five pesos to the national economy. for every tax-free peso in the DR.
The Dominican Republic already has more than 80 free trade zones, accounting for more than 200 thousand direct jobs and 90% of manufacturing exports, which represents an outstanding success story.
The remark was made by World Free Zones Organization CEO, Matthew Stephenson, when speaking at the 2026 Americas Investment Forum, where he spoke about the development of free zones and attracting foreign investment for this sector.
He emphasized that the country has been a model for the development of free zones, because the sector has shown its value and can continue to do so.
“Free zones create jobs, generate exports, attract FDI, develop capacities and capitalize on development in their regions,” he explained.
When talking about the commitment and investment in free zones, he assured that they cost less than what they return.
Stevenson said that in the DR, for every peso exempted, the free zone sector is estimated to generate an additional five for the national economy.
“The pattern is clear and consistent: the areas cost less than the returns they generate,” he stressed.
However, Stephenson indicated that to attract investment in free zones, there are decisive factors, such as location, connectivity, reliable and renewable energy, legal certainty, talent, and geoeconomics. He said one challenge is that governments want to locate these parks where they intend to generate development and employment for political reasons and therefore build them in remote, poorly connected areas.
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