Important strategic location
Located in the center of Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is a strategic point of commercial interconnection between Europe, North America and the rest of Latin America, which allows, according to estimates by the Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic ProDominicana, access to 1,000 million consumers from the treaties of free trade established with the United States and Central America.
Strong legal framework and incentives
In order to support and promote the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country, the Government has consolidated a legal framework that offers legal certainty, incentives and tax exemptions to investors, allowing them to achieve higher returns on their investments, while contributing to job creation, boost the economy and promote the development of the country.
According to the World Bank, this stable political and economic environment has made it easier for the Dominican Republic to position itself as a major recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) from the Caribbean in recent years.
Modern transport infrastructure
The country has an extensive, developed and efficient physical infrastructure that optimizes cargo shipping, thanks to its excellent road systems, 9 international airports, 12 modern shipping ports and several domestic terminals in important commercial locations.
Due to the above, it is recognized as the second best transport structure in all of Latin America, with one of the highest levels of asphalted airport runways and paved roads, according to the Global Competitiveness Report.
Free trade zone
The Dominican Republic has a developed system of industrial free zones and is a pioneer in the use of free zones internationally. Additionally, it offers a special Free Zone to exporters whose production is outside the existing zones.
Entities operating in these areas enjoy full exemption from taxes and duties related to production and export, including taxes on income, construction, and import duties on raw materials, equipment, and services for workers within of the zones.
Currently, there are 75 free zone parks in the country that house 695 companies that in turn generate a total of 176,555 jobs and represent an accumulated investment of US$5,136 million. These areas concentrate 50% of activities such as: Tobacco and its derivatives, medical and pharmaceutical products, clothing and textiles, and Services.
Good relationship with Central America and the United States
Thanks to the agreement CAFTA-DR signed with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and the US, establishes the expansion and diversification of trade between the signatory parties, eliminating barriers to trade and increasing investment opportunities.
Likewise, the member countries agree to progressively reduce and eliminate customs duties for the movement of originating goods in the area of commerce and to grant each other temporary, duty-free admission for professional equipment, merchandise destined for exhibition, commercial samples and merchandise for sports purposes.