The Minister of Industry, Commerce, and SMEs (MICM), Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, stated that the Dominican Republic ranks among the countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region with the best maritime connectivity.
“In 2022, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development recognized us as the country with the sixth best performance in this area, among 36 countries in the region, and in the 50th position worldwide, out of a total of 187 countries,” he noted.
Regarding air connectivity, he mentioned that the country has eight international airports, which have experienced significant growth, registering over 132,500 commercial passenger flights just last year, representing a 12% increase compared to 2022.
“This historic milestone consolidates our position as a significant hub for connections to around 170 destinations worldwide,” stated the official at the conclusion of the first edition of the Dominican Republic Logistics Summit 2024 (DRLS2024).
Regarding port connectivity, he pointed out that we have several world-class ports that have managed to consolidate their position as significant operators of maritime terminals, playing a key role in the sustainability of global supply chains.
“The excellent air, maritime, and port connectivity of the Dominican Republic has been a key factor in the development of efficient logistics operations and in positioning the country as a leader in the region,” he stated.
Also participating in the closing ceremony were Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Director General of Customs (DGA), and Jaak Rannik, President of the Dominican Shipowners Association (ANRD).
“Together, we have laid the groundwork for new growth opportunities for the Dominican Republic, and we take with us not only knowledge and new relationships but also the renewed commitment to continue working together for the well-being and progress of our country,” Rannik stated.
He mentioned that in the short term, the pending Logistics Centers bill is up for approval in the Chamber of Deputies, which has garnered consensus among key stakeholders from both the private and public sectors.
“This piece is crucial for us to have a legal framework that represents a further competitive advantage in favor of consolidating our country as a regional hub,” he added.
Furthermore: “This is undoubtedly a necessary firm step towards making logistics the next economic axis of the country and turning our national vision into reality.”
On his part, Eduardo Sanz Lovatón affirmed, “The modernization of our Customs has been fundamental in transforming the Dominican Republic into the main logistics hub of the region.”
He stated that the approval of Customs Law 168-21 in record time demonstrates the country’s ability to adapt to modern demands in a globalized world, especially today with a technological cargo review increasing from 60% to 96%, strengthening the security of the logistics hub and attracting international investments.
He concluded that the country boasts the only high-connectivity port-airport in the hemisphere, positioning it as a key logistics center in the heart of the Americas, currently connecting with over 55 countries and 170 international destinations.
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