Special Report
DOMINICAN
This supplement is printed and distributed by the
KHALEEJ TIMES It does not involve the editorial
staff of KHALEEJ TIMES
January
2022
A booming recovery for one of the
region’s most powerful economies
Even during a pandemic, President Luis Abinader’s policies have brought unprecedented economic growth, reliable governance,
legal security, a boost in investments and international trust.
“I
am very proud to see that econom-
ic recovery is real and that sub-
stantial improvements in all areas
are already being observed”, says
president Luis Abinader, reflect-
ing about his time in office so far. Taking over the
country in the middle of a global pandemic has certainly
not been easy, but the country’s impressive economic indi-
cators show that the current Dominican government has
been doing a remarkable job. The Central Bank’s eco-
nomic growth projections have been revised upwards,
reaching 11% in 2021; the best performance in nearly
30 years, according to IMF’s Latinvex analysis. Similarly,
the IMF predicts the country’s GDP will expand by 5.5%
next year — making it the highest in the region. “One of
our main objectives has been to achieve economic recov-
ery, to reactivate all productive sectors, and to recover
and create new jobs, so these are forecasts that speak
very accurately about the robustness of our economy”,
assures president Abinader.
This has been felt in the manufacturing industry,
which registered a growth of 14.3% during the first half
of 2021, being the sector that has better managed to over-
come the challenges of the pandemic and keep the coun-
try active. Part of this success is owed to the public-pri-
vate strategic alliance which has been promoted by the
government since its early days. As president Abinader
explains, “the Dominican industrial sector is experiencing
an awakening never seen before. Not only have produc-
tion and exports increased, but jobs are recovering at a
very good pace. To ensure that there is a good climate of
stability that allows each Dominican to have a job, a stra-
tegic union with the business sector has been essential.”
Foreign direct investment has also benefited greatly
from the government’s business-friendly mentality. At
present, the Dominican Republic is the first destination
country for FDI in the Caribbean, with US $3 billion in
2021 and an expected 25% increase this year. Interest-
ingly, these numbers are related to the pandemic-in-
duced change of paradigm regarding the ways in which
goods and services are produced, distributed and con-
STAFF
Pablo Matosas
International Director
Gregoire Assellin
Project Director, Economic Researcher
Carlota Porta
Project Coordinator, Creative and Marketing Director
Maricruz Rojas Felix
Creative Director and Designer
Matias Godoy
Chief Editor
Giangina Orsini
Writer
Agustin Godoy
Lead Analyst
Judith Miguélez Díaz
Online Content Manager
Ayesha Alina
Copy Editor
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REPUBLIC
sumed. Since global value chains have been shortened, ulation and simplification of bureaucratic procedures.
bringing production centers closer to consumer markets, As president Abinader explains, with these programs they
what is now known as “nearshoring” has become the foresee “efficiency in all the processes with the consequent
preferred choice. In this context, the Dominican Repub- elimination of administrative obstacles, the increase of the
lic represents a very attractive “nearshore” alternative to productivity of the companies, the strengthening of the
Asia for U.S. manufacturers, who are now seeking to re- manufacturing sector and the safe generation of new jobs.”
structure their logistics and supply chains. “In this sense, On the other hand, tourism has also started to re-
our country is in a privileged position, enjoying a geo- cover at an impressive rate since president Abinader
graphic location in the center of the Caribbean, with very took over. In the first 11 months of 2021, the country
stable economic foundations and enviable comparative received over 4.2 million tourists, with September to No-
and competitive advantages”, states president Abinader. vember having record high numbers compared to 2019.
Furthermore, in order to implement this strategy The sector received US $550 million in investments last
and stay competitive, the Dominican government seeks year, and several projects were started or reactivated.
to eliminate obstacles to investment and trade. That is Among them, it is worth highlighting the start, after four
why, in close collaboration with national and foreign years of stagnation, of the second phase of the ‘Santo
private sectors, they have launched different mecha- Domingo Colonial Zone Revitalization Project’ which
nisms to ensure transparency and fight corruption. One was financed by the Inter-American Development Bank,
of them, the Zero Bureaucracy Program’, aims to pro- and the additional restoration of historic areas of Santi-
mote the efficiency of public administration through ago de los Caballeros and San Francisco de Macorís in
clear, timely and transparent regulatory frameworks for the northern part of the island. This gradual improve-
the simplification of procedures and services. Similarly, ment in tourism and tourism-related works has positively
the ‘National Competitiveness Strategy’ ensures the reg- influenced the labor market, which in turn, had a faster
A Regional Hub MAIN DATA
Capital: Santo Domingo
The Dominican Republic is a major regional hub Population: 11 million
with 8 international airports connecting the people (Worldometer 2021)
Dominican Republic with 60 international destina- Life expectancy: 74 years
old (World Bank 2019)
tions, 3 cruise ports and 12 cargo ports.
Gross Domestic Product Unemployment rate:
(GDP): US$ 91.56 million 8% (International Labour
(Central Bank of the Organization 2021)
RD 2021) 7th largest Foreign Direct
economy in Latam, Investment: +US$ 3 billion
Largest Economy in the (ProDominicana 2021)
Caribbean and Central Exports: US$ 11.9 billion
American Region (Adoexpo 2021)
GDP Growth 2021: 10.7% Currency: The Dominican
(Central Bank of the DR Peso (DOP)
2021) or 9.5% according Visitors’ arrival:
to the International Estimated at 4.8 million in
Monetary Fund (IMF) 2021 (Ministry of Tourism)
The Dominican Republic has Multilateral
Agreements with the United States, WTO members;
free trade agreements with CARICOM, CARIFORUM
- European Community, and Central America; a
Preferential Trade Agreement with Panama; and
Bilateral Investment Treaties with Chile, Finland,
France, Italy, Korea, Morocco, Netherlands, Panama,
Taiwan, Spain and Switzerland.
Carlota Porta Gregoire Asselin
Researcher and storyteller. Business journalist.
Always thrilled to discover the I am an adventurous
hidden traits that define a culture person always
and a specific way of living in each on the lookout for a
place I get to visit. hidden paradise.
carlota@oneworldmediacorp.com gregoire@oneworldmediacorp.com
This report was produced
in partnership with One World Media
COLLAGE BY MARICRUZ ROJAS FELIX
LUIS
ABINADER
PRESIDENT OF
THE DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC
« One of our main objectives has been
to achieve economic recovery, to
reactivate all productive sectors, and to
recover and create new jobs »
economic reactivation than expected. “Without a doubt,
we are leading the growth of tourism in the region. But
although I am happy to see the arrival of tourists, what
gives me the most satisfaction is the recovery of Domini-
can jobs”, states president Abinader.
The Dominican Republic had to face unprecedent-
ed challenges in 2020 and 2021, but unlike many other
countries its government’s timely and business-savvy
economic policies have guaranteed that the country
not only recovers but thrives. According to president
Abinader, “Despite having experienced times of great
stress, the Dominican Republic is one of the most pow-
erful economies in the region. We live in a climate of
enviable social peace and security and we work with the
business sector in our public-private strategy to create
the necessary conditions for foreign investment and sus-
tainable economic growth.”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Finance & Investment .............. | P2-P6 |
3. Agro-Industry ............................... | P7 |
4. Ports & Logistics ........................ | P8-P10 |
5. Construction ................................. | P10-12 |
6. Tourism ............................................ | P13-P15 |
7. Culture & Development ...........| P16 |
Pablo Matosas
International Director.
International relations specialist,
journalist, negotiator, dreamer,
father, husband and passionate
entrepreneur with over 15 years
of experience in worldwide
markets.
pablo@oneworldmediacorp.com
 2
COUNTRY
REPORT Special Report ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES

Finance & Investment 9.69%

active interest rate in October 2021
11%
expected growth for 2021 by the
Central Bank

A resilient institution
leading the way to economic
stability and growth
With timely measures and strategic management, they have managed to turn the country into one of the
region’s most attractive business destinations.
* Dominican peso coin

T
he fact that the Dominican Re-
public has one of the biggest,
most resilient growing econo-
mies in Latin America has a lot
to do with the leading role that
its Central Bank has played in the last two
decades. Behind the country’s average 6% yearly
growth, and its low and stable inflation, there is one
person who stands out: Hector Valdez Albizu, Central
Bank governor from 1994 to 2000 and again from
2004 until today. “I have been the Central Bank’s gov-
ernor for 23 years, and in some way that has helped
to create an environment of certainty for investors.
The main achievement of this institution, during my
mandates, has been the efforts oriented to preserve
the macroeconomic stability”, says Valdez, noting
nevertheless that it has been a long process with some
rocky patches.
While in the 1994-2000 period the bank managed
to overcome its liquidity management problems and
bring economic stability to the country, the main chal-
lenges arrived later, between 2003-2004, when a se-
ries of bankruptcies translated into a major economic
crisis that costed the country around 20% of its GDP.
“When I assumed once again the governorate of the
Central Bank in August 2004, we had to face the ef-
fects associated with the biggest bank fraud in the his-
tory of Dominican Republic. It derived into a systemic
financial crisis causing capital outflows, inflation, the
fall of GDP and negative international reserves”, re-
calls Valdez.
However, as a testament to its resilience, the Central HÉCTOR VALDEZ ALBIZU CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR
Bank managed not only to recover, but to achieve some
benefits from that crisis. Firstly, 18 regulations of the Fund, the Federal Reserve, the State Department of the
Monetary and Financial Law were approved, United States, as well as the State «In 2019 the Central Bank
strengthening the prudential norms in of Israel. implemented a Foreign Exchange
the financial system. Those standards Trading Platform that has allowed
allowed the country to reestab- Extraordinary an efficient and transparent
lish its financial position, and measures for management of its foreign
from 2004 onward the reg- extraordinary
ulation and supervision of times
exchange operations and of other
the Dominican financial financial intermediaries»
system was strengthened In order to mitigate
significantly. The econo- the effects of the
my returned to a path of COVID-19 crisis over
growth and stability, and households and pro- sectors and to preserve the greatest number of compa-
the trust in the economic ductive sectors, especial- ny and independent jobs possible.

agents and international
investors were key in
that process.
Subsequently, the Cen-
tral Bank created one of the
most efficient and dynamic pay-
ment systems in the region, the ‘Pay-
ment Interconnection System of
Central America and Dominican
Republic’ (SIPA), of which has
been the institutional manager
since 2011. Later, in January 2012,
the Central Bank implemented the
Inflation Targeting scheme, which
has allowed the Central Bank to
ly the micro-enterprises
and other businesses, the
Central Bank respond-
ed quickly with monetary
flexibilization measures that
have proven to be quite effec-
tive. The monetary policy rate was
reduced 150 basis points, reaching
a historic minimum of 3.00% year-
ly, thus lowering the active interest
rate from 13.28% in March 2021
to 9.69% in October 2021. Also, a
«I have been the Central liquidity provision program of ap-
Bank’s governor for proximately 5.0% of the GDP was
almost 24 years, and implemented, which allowed them
3.50%
As a result of the accelerated recovery of the economy,
supported by these monetary and fiscal measures, since
August 2021 a gradual return of the resources provided
through the liquidity programs is taking place as business-
es and households pay their loans at maturity. Now in a
second stage, the Central Bank has increased its mone-
tary policy rate by 50 basis points in November 2021; this
«After lowering the monetary pol-
ensures that inflation converges to its target range in the icy rate by 150 basis points at the
monetary policy horizon and that inflation expectations start of the pandemic, reaching
remain anchored. a historic minimum of 3.00%, the
Overall, despite the challenges posed by the pan- Central Bank recently increased
demic, the Dominican financial institutions have shown
the rate by 50 basis points to
their capacity for resilience against adverse shocks. The
multiple banks that represent more than the 85% of
maintain expectations anchored»
the assets of the financial system continue to present

reduce both the level and volatil-
ity of inflation, providing certainty
to the private sector.
Likewise, in 2019 the Cen-
tral Bank implemented a ‘Foreign
Exchange Trading Platform’ that
has allowed efficient and trans-
parent management of its foreign
exchange operations and other fi-
nancial intermediaries. Currently
the Central Bank is strengthening
its cybersecurity, and that of the fi-
nancial system as a whole, by cre-
ating a modern Sectorial Center of
Cybersecurity Incidents Response
(CSIRT) that is already in operation
and counts the support of the International Monetary the impact of the pandemic over the most vulnerable
in some way that to channel about 92 thousand loans
has helped to create and debt restructuring through fi-
nancial intermediaries.
an environment
Likewise, the Monetary Board
of certainty for arranged a temporary regulatory
investors. The main measure to moderate the impact
accomplishment of this over the financial system and
institution, during my incentivize access to financing,
mandates, has been including to keep the risk classifi-
cations for debtors and provisions
the effort to preserve
in levels prior to the pandemic
the macroeconomic
unchanged. Similarly, the Central
stability» Bank managed the disbursement
of US$650 million through the
VALDEZ ALBIZU International Monetary Fund’s
‘Rapid Credit Facility’ to mitigate
85%
high levels of solvency (19.6%), and a high profitabil-
ity (over capital, ROE of 21.2% and over assets, ROA
of 2.3% until October), as well as low non-perform-
ing loans coefficients (1.4% until October 2021). Such
data shows that this sector has actually outgrown its
numbers during the pandemic. “We have succeeded in
getting banks to reinvest their profits to strengthen the «The Dominican financial institu-
capital base”, says Valdez proudly. tions have shown their capacity for
Additionally, the private loans have kept their dyna- resilience towards adverse shocks.
mism by growing at around 10%, one of the highest The multiple banks that represent
expansions of the region. On the other hand, the de-
more than the 85% of the assets
posits are growing at around 12% year-on-year, as a
reflection of the liquidity expansion and increase of
of the financial system continue
private savings, which provides enough resourc- to present high levels of solvency
es to the financial system to continue satisfying (19.6%), and a high profitability»
the credit demand in the presence of the economic
reactivation process.

YEAR-ON-YEAR INFLATION RATE 2020-2021 IN %

12.0
10.48
10.0

8.0
7.72
6.0
4.17
4.0

2.0

0.0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dic Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

2020 2021
*Source: Central Bank of the Dominican Republic
 ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES Special Report COUNTRY
REPORT 3

Finance & Investment $93 Billion: $12.5B

GDP end of 2021 in reserves (or 13.4%
of GDP)

NATIONAL
EXPORTS AND
FREE ZONES
2019-2021 IN
MILLIONS OF US$
*Source: Central Bank of the Dominican Republic
5.0-5.5%
«In the upcoming years, the
National Free zone Dominican economy is projected
to remain as one of the leaders of
10,242.8 the region in terms of economic
6,460.7 7,039.9
9,241.5 growth, expanding around its
8,429.8
5,638.4 potential of 5.0-5.5%»

5,961.2
4,079.6 Central Bank of the Dominican Republic
5,257.9
3,615.9
4,839.3
3,167.4
Positive and exciting perspectives
3,983.6 3,590.5 4,281.6
2,844.8 2,471.0 2,960.3 The favorable monetary conditions, the efforts of the GROSS 16.0 %
13.4%
fiscal policy to preserve jobs and support the produc-
tive sectors, along with the extraordinary advances in INTER 14.0 %

12.0 %
Jan-Oct
Jan-Jul
20192019
Jan-Oct Jan-Jul
Jan-Jul
20202020
Jan-Oct
20212021
the vaccination plan, have all favored a faster than
expected recovery of the Dominican economy. In this NATIONAL 10.0 %
context the growth forecast has been revised upwards
from its initial 6.0% estimations in the monetary pro- RESERVES 8.0 %
7.5%

gram. It is expected to reach 11% during 2021, ac- 6.0 %

«You can count on that, in the
Dominican Republic, both the public
cording to the new projections by the Central Bank,
relying on the improvement in tourism, reporting
2004 – 2021 4.0 %

and the private sector will continue record numbers for September and October, and on AS % OF GDP 2.0 %
3.6%
the dynamics in the free trade zones which have in-
to give their best efforts to attract
creased 23.2% on a year-to-year basis during the Jan- 0.0 %
and preserve the foreign investment, uary-October 2021 period.
conscious of its benefits for the devel- *Source: Central Bank of

110-31
2021
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
1012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
the Dominican Republic

2
2
2
opment of strategic projects as well as

the transfer of technology and knowl-
edge that results in the improvement of
competitiveness and well-being of the
Dominican households»
Incentives and opportunities
for Foreign Direct Investment
The Dominican Republic is one of the
main receptors of FDI in the Caribbean
and Central America, with an FDI stock
that reached US $3 billion in 2019.
While the Central Bank estimated it lowered
to US $2,55 billion in 2020, this year’s accel-
erated economic recovery and the numerous
incentives for foreign investment available
have set the expectations back to pre-pandem-
ic levels. On the one hand, there are several
laws that hold tax incentives and provide legal
protection for investors, all in alignment with
Sustainable Development Goals towards 2030.
Among them we find the Direct Foreign Invest-
ment Law (No. 16-95), the Law for Promotion
of Tourism Development (No.158-01 and its
expansion with the 195-13 Law), The Law for
Promotion of Cinematographic Activity in the
Dominican Republic (No. 108-10) and the Pub-
lic Private Alliance Law (No. 47-20).
«There are several laws that
hold tax incentives and provide
legal protection for investors»
On the other hand, the country possesses a
wide variety of sectors with interesting
FDI opportunities; for example, tour-
ism, which is experiencing an extraordi-
nary and unique recovery in the region
after the COVID-19 pandemic; the free
trade zones, especially the ones with a
nearshoring strategy due to the incen-
tives in the sector and the advantageous
geographic position of the island; the
mining exploration, supported by the
incentives of public-private alliances;
and finally the cinematographic indus-
try, which involves skilled human capi-
tal, technological resources and unique
locations for its productions.
SECTORS WITH INTERESTING
FDI OPPORTUNITIES
TOURISM
FREE TRADE ZONES
2
2
«The growth forecast has been re-
vised upwards from its initial 6.0% es-
timations in the monetary program.
Nowadays it is expected to reach 11%
during 2021 according to the new pro- A lifetime’s work
jections of the Central Bank»
Throughout his career as Central Bank governor, Hector
GROSS
These positive perspectives will allow the nomi- Valdez Albizu has had to face many turbulent times and
nal Gross Domestic Product to reach around US$93 crises, but thanks to his timely decisions, a well-trained
INTERNATIONAL
billion by the end of 2021, situating the Dominican team and a capacity to adapt and evolve, both he and
Republic as one of the fastest countries in Latin the institution under his charge have always managed
RESERVES
America to surpass the nominal to come out stronger. It is therefore
production levels prior to the pan-
demic (by the close of 2019 and
no surprise that since taking of-
fice he and his team in the 2000 – 2021 IN
2020 the GDP was of US$88,906
million and US$78,829 mil-
Central Bank have managed
to take the country’s econo-
MILLIONS OF US$
lion, respectively). In upcoming my forward from debt and
years, the Dominican econ- zero reserves in 2003 to their 2000 818
omy is projected to remain «Since taking office, current US 12.5 billions in
as one of the leaders of the he and his team in the reserves (13.4% of GDP), an
region, in terms of economic Central Bank have achievement that was possi- 2001 1,341
growth, expanding around managed to take the ble thanks to the renegotia-
its potential of 5.0-5.5%. country’s economy tion of debt and through mul-
Furthermore, as the Domini- tilateral agreements. “One of 2002 829
can Republic starts broadening its
forward from debt the biggest accomplishments of my
horizons towards Middle Eastern and zero reserves in administration has been to preserve 2003 279
markets, new exciting business 2003 to their current macroeconomic and financial stabil-
opportunities are to be expected. US $12.5 billion in ity, and the relative stability of the
Some of those include opportuni- reserves (13.4% of exchange rate. I also feel very proud 2004 825
ties for the exports of agricultural GDP), an achievement of contributing to economic growth
products, especially tropical fruits with an autonomous Central Bank”,
and other edible goods, as well
made possible thanks assures Valdez. 2005 1,929
as consumer products like cigars to the renegotiation Valdez claims that, on a personal
which have been expanding their of debt and through level, such impressive results have cer- 2006 2,251
presence in this region. Business multilateral tainly come with its share of sacrifice,
figures in the Dominican Republic agreements» though in the end it has all been worth
are also exploring joint ventures the effort. “I have sacrificed family 2007 2,946
with companies in Dubai and the time in order to dedicate it to my posi-
Middle East countries. For example, there are current- tion. But when I see how the economy has grown over these
ly power plants using clean energy as well as port in- years, and all the things that can be done with that money like
2008 2,662
frastructure that is currently being developed in the improvements in schools, education, and even giving away
country following this model. scholarships to study higher degrees (Master’s and Ph.D.) 2009 3,307
in other countries, it makes me very proud of my job”,
says Valdez.
Nowadays, thanks to the leading role the Central 2010 3,765
Bank has played in the country’s economy, the Domin-
ican Republic is one of the region’s most attractive
business destinations. “This is a country you can bet
2011 4,098
on with security. The strength of the macroeconom-
ic fundamentals and the resilience of our economy 1012 3,559
constitute the main attractiveness for international
investors, along with the juridical certainty and social
peace”, assures Valdez, adding that it is an economy 2013 4,701
that has benefited from socio-economic stability, the
strategic geographic location of the region and the
2014 4,862
current trade agreements that allow preferential ac-
cess to global markets.
“You can count on that, in the Dominican Republic, 2015 5,266
both the public and the private sector will continue to
give their best efforts to attract and preserve the for-
eign investment, conscious of its benefits for the de- 2016 6,047
velopment of strategic projects as well as the transfer
of technology and knowledge that results in the im-
2017 6,781
provement of competitiveness and well-being of the
Dominican households”, affirms the Central Bank’s
most eminent governor. 2018 7,628

«This is a country you can bet on with 2019 8,782

security. The strength of the mac-
roeconomic fundamentals and the 2020 10,752
resilience of our economy constitute
the main attractiveness for interna- 10 - 12,505
MINING tional investors, along with the juridi- 2021
cal certainty and social peace»
CINEMATOGRAPHY
*Source: Central Bank of the Dominican Republic
Central Bank of the Dominican Republic VALDEZ ALBIZU
 4
COUNTRY
REPORT Special Report ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES

Finance & Investment 10% 4% Main Investors in the real estate sector of
annual ROI in the Dominicans of GDP, contribution of tourist Punta Cana: United States, Canada and
real estate sector real estate in the DR Spain

Offering the best touristic real estate

investment in the Caribbean
With the best locations, high quality building materials, complete property management and attractive
prices Noval Properties have become the top firm for real estate investment in the region. CESAR
LATRILLA
RODERO
CEO of NOVAL
«We only build in the best locations, al- PROPERTIES
ways with beach or golf course access
and provide innovation in the real state
model, with complete property man-
agement and furniture packages avail-
able, making our offer “hassle-free”
and thus giving added value to clients»
CESAR LATRILLA RODERO

ton, Sheraton, Hyatt, and other big brands”, explains will be extending its presence to Miches, Santo Domingo,
Latrilla. This new trend resulted in great benefits for Punta Cana, and Las Terrenas. In the next 18 months
the country, translated in an increase of around 4% alone, they will release an inventory valued at US $650M,
of its GDP in 2021; this is a significant amount if one almost 3,000 units. “The vision is to keep growing and
considers that between 2015 and 2019 take advantage of the momentum in the
annual GDP rose by an average of 6.1%. economy, the country’s reputation, and to
Such growth has also been felt by the keep innovating”, assures Latrilla.
company, which expects an increase in Nowadays, the Dominican Republic
revenues of $250M for 2022, with more has the highest economic growth in the
than 1,500 lodgings that will be built. «The Dominican region. The real estate and construction
“2021 was the best year in Noval’s histo- Republic has sector contributes 14% to the country’s
ry”, continues Latrilla. the highest GDP — investing in this market promises
This transformation goes in line with economic growth to be a safe and profitable choice. As La-
Coral Bay By Noval Properties , located on a Golf Lovers Dream Course the change they have experienced in trilla sees it, “we have several very good
in the region. The
terms of client origin. During the first years ahead of real estate development in

M
ore than a construction com- vision after realising the need for touristic real estate decade of the company, around 80% of real estate and all sectors: touristic, residential, and in-
pany, Noval Properties is a in Punta Cana long before others did. What started as a the clients were international, particu- construction sector frastructure”, and he invites international
world-class development in- tourist-oriented furniture and residential villa compa- larly from the United States, Canada and contributes 14% to investors to come and take advantage of
stitution with a real estate ny with time became a construction company, and later Spain. Nowadays, 60% of them are ei- the country’s GDP, all the opportunities available. For the
division, furnishing services transformed into a promoter. Latrilla explains that by ther local or expatriate Dominicans who investing in this time being, they will continue profit-
and property management. “Noval Properties has 2014 the company “focused its commercial and know- want to enjoy what their country has to ing from the sector’s great moment and
market promises
a 360-degree vision. We only build in the best loca- how efforts on promoting its buildings, because it was offer on a more regular basis, especially through their success keep contributing
tions, always with beach access or golf fields, and pro- there where the market was going.” Given the invest- now in these post-COVID times. to be a safe and to the country’s economy. “Our greatest
vide innovation in the real state model, with complete ment boom that followed, they were certainly going Furthermore, their latest project, profitable choice» satisfaction is pleasing our clients and
property management and furniture available, making in the right direction. In 2017 it started its expansion, ‘Morgan Capital by Noval’, is also fo- joining the collective effort of the Punta
our offer “hassle-free” and thus giving a lot of value to with revenues increasing from US $11M to $150M, cused on the local market, with the idea of building Cana brand. We also aim to be the main player in the
clients”, assures Cesar Latrilla Rodero, CEO of Noval and nowadays they are evolving again, going through real estate projects that give back to the Dominican development of our strong economy.”
Properties. Focusing on prime locations in Punta Cana, a digital transformation by changing their digital and society. This includes social housing, student residenc-
one of the most sought-after destinations promotional marketing techniques and es, urban hotels, and senior residences. Conceived as
in Latin America and the Caribbean, and bringing experts from abroad. “It could a parallel business model, the capital for this project
guaranteeing a 10% annual ROI, it is not be said that today Noval operates like was raised with private and public investors, and it is
suprising that their investment offer has a small multinational, with an interna- estimated to produce between 12% to 20% of profitabil-
become widely successful. tional marketing and sales team of 40 ity. Currently, there are 3 projects with US $50M in in-
Their real estate projects offer an
«Their real estate people, and more than 2,000 real estate vestment that are being developed: a student residence,
attractive combination of five-star ame- projects offer an companies with almost 10,000 brokers an urban hotel from the Radisson brand, and a co-living.
nities and a uniquely homelike comfort. attractive combi- that can be counted as part of the sales With this project, they expect to raise US $1,000M in 5
They are divided into three main groups nation of five star team”, assures Latrilla. years from national and international investors.
according to their location: beach, golf amenities and the This digitization process also proved And while this is a big
and downtown. Moreover, their cost is to be very effective in counteracting undertaking, their vision
unique comfort of
very affordable — Punta Cana offers some of the effects of the COVID crisis, goes even further. For
the lowest price in residential prop-
home, and are divid- like the global increase in prices and its the next few years, Noval
erties in the Caribbean. Starting at US ed into three main resulting inflation. As Latrilla explains, Properties has one of the
$199,000 and with a medium price of groups according they coped with those challenges “by most ambitious construc-
US $223,000, each square meter has an to their locations, adopting digital systems in the com- tion projects in The Do-
average value of US $1,800. Apart from beach, golf and pany, like Oracle or Microsoft 365, to minican Republic, and it Ocean Bay Luxury Beachfront Residences by Noval Properties
their excellent locations and prices, an- improve processes and better manage
downtown»
other asset of the residences is the high- the company’s finances. This manage-
end quality of their building materials ment helped us offer good prices to our
and finishes, with many imported products from the customers and be competitive, even when that meant
best international brands that add further value to the cutting our margins.”
properties. Additionally, investors who wish to rent or On the other hand, whenever there is a crisis there
resell their properties profit from other advantages Pun- is also an opportunity, and the pandemic brought an
ta Cana has to offer as an investment location, such as interesting and profitable turn in the country’s touris-
an annual appreciation of 15 to 20%, an average hotel tic real estate sector. Due to the low-interest rates in
occupancy of 87.7%, the low tax regime (including no the financial markets associated with COVID, investors
tax on foreign pension income), and the fact that more started buying touristic properties in Punta Cana with
than 3,000,000 passengers arrive every year through the idea of enjoying them later. “People now think it is
Punta Cana International Airport — around 65% of all as a good opportunity to buy, enjoy, and rent it later
foreign tourists the country receives annually. on platforms like Airbnb. We are doing the same, sell-
Noval Properties began in 2003 with a very clear ing the apartments and managing them through Hil-

OCEANA by Noval Properties In Punta Cana Dominican Republic

Ocean Bay Luxury Beach Residences by Noval Properties located on the last piece of beachfront in Punta Cana Cana Pearl Golf Residences By Noval Properties
ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES Special Report COUNTRY
REPORT 5

Finance & Investment $20M

invested in cybersecurity
1.5% 20% 2.29% 23.38%
default rate solvency rate ROA ROI
management in the Banking sector

Propelling innovation,
solvency and efficiency in
the Dominican Republic’s
banking industry
ABA’s focus on technology, efficiency and sustainable practices has actively contributed to the
country’s excellent financial indicators and macroeconomic stability.

“O BANK CREDIT CONFIDENCE INDEX

ur main goal is to have
a banking industry with CONTACT US |
solvency and strength, www.aba.org.do
one that is a pillar for 70 Weighted Balances Threshold
the economic stability of
the Dominican Republic”, says Rosanna Ruiz, 60
President of the Association of Multiple Banks
«The pandemic was a great oppor-
of the Dominican Republic (ABA). Founded in 50 tunity to demonstrate that we have
1979, ABA brings together all commercial and multi-ser- 40
strong macroeconomic fundamentals
vice banks operating in the country, seventeen institu- because of our stability and banking
tions that under its guidance have made the Dominican 30 solvency»
banking industry one of the strongest in the region. ROSANNA RUIZ
Their latest indicators do not lie. A default rate of 1.5%, 20
a solvency rate of 20% (10% more than the monetary 10
and financial legislation’s demand), ROA and ROE at re-
cord levels of 2.29% and 23.38% respectively, and over 0 MULTIPLE BANK
CREDITS TO THE
July-Sept
2019

20% of net worth growth in the last fourteen months

Oct-Dec
2019

Jan-March
2020

April-June
2020

July-Sept
2020

Oct-Dec
2020

Jan-March
2021

April-June
2021

are all sure indicators that the banking sector is on the
right track. Ruiz states, “it is amazing because it shows
that the banking industry has proper levels of liquidi-
ty, profitability, and solvency. It also brings to light
how this industry has played a key role in the post
pandemic recovery.”
In recent times, ABA’s stabilizing capacity was
certainly put to the test with the COVID pandemic.
Throughout 2020, the banking industry played a cru-
cial role in the economic stability of both the produc-
tive sectors and households, as it continued to operate
payments and financial services. Banks worked close-
ly with customers, restructuring and refinancing 50%
of their loan portfolio while offering lower rates (near
8%) and longer maturities, bringing relief to sectors that
were not able to generate revenue. As Ruiz explains,
the pandemic “was a great opportunity to demonstrate
that we have strong macroeconomic fundamentals be-
cause of our stability and banking solvency. It gave us
the chance to alleviate the effects of the most affected
sectors, contributing over US $80 million to help those
in debt overcome the effects of the crisis through various
fee reduction programs.”
And while those measures proved to be successful in
the short and mid-term, the majority of ABA’s programs
respond to a long-term vision. On the one hand, ABA
aims to have a banking industry that is completely digi-
tized. Apart from optimizing digital financial services for
loans and investments, they are currently working on
the virtualization of their passive accounts so clients can
open a new account without having to go to the bank.
They are also collaborating with the Superintendency of
Banks in order to further innovate their procedures and
make them more cost-efficient. One of their projects is
a website for the monetary authority that will allow the
banking industry to digitally send the corresponding re-
ports to a platform that works jointly with the Central
Bank and the Superintendency. Since this was a process
that used to be in person, it accounted for elevated costs.
“We are focused on assisting our banks from an efficien-
cy point of view, and to accomplish that we have a close
relationship with the Superintendency of Banks to dis-
cuss innovation and technology”, assures Ruiz.
In addition, ABA signed an agreement with the Do-
minican Fintech Association to determine how these
financial and technological solutions can allow commer-
cial banks to reduce costs and include the 44% of the
local population that does not have access to these fi-
nancial services. “It is a complimentary synergy that will
«We are open minded in educating
ourselves as banks take the leap
into the digital sector»
July-Sept
2021
PRIVATE SECTOR
*Source: ABA survey | Values a​​ bove 50 indicate a favorable outlook for credit (RD $): ANNUAL
VARIATION (%)
help us on our path towards digitalization, in order to Another important aspect of finan-
reach the population that has not been able cial inclusion is education. That is
to access the formal banking industry”, why ABA has reached agreements Consumption Mortgage Total Commercial
says Ruiz. They are also starting to with the Ministry of Education to
follow the evolution of crypto- create and provide different re- 0 5 10 15 20 25
currencies and new technol- sources that encourage a na-
ogies like blockchain, since tionwide culture of savings, sep-20
the most recent regulation “a financial culture that
published by the Central will give customers the oct-20
Bank on the country’s pay- information they need
ment system includes the to use their finances in a
nov-20
digital currencies and will more responsible way”,
later incorporate different assures Ruiz. One of these
methods that have not been resources is the online ABA
dic-20
accepted before. “We are classroom. Developed with
open minded in educating our- a Chilean Microsoft branch, ene-21
selves as banks take the leap into it is a platform designed to of-
the digital sector. That is the future”, fer different courses to financial feb-21
Ruiz attests. intermediaries where users will have
Furthermore, being aware that digitization access to top-of-the-line education, including mar-21
also carries emerging security risks, one of free webinars and lessons. The learning
their goals is to set a Comprehensive Risk material will be given by international
abr-21
Management System. So far, the banking facilitators and groups such as Visa,
industry has invested over US $20 million Mastercard and local universities, and
in cybersecurity management to dimin- it will be focused on five main topics:
may-21
ish cyberattacks and guarantee the re-
«We have corporate government, comprehensive
quired support. As part of these efforts, macroeconomic risk management, prevention of money jun-21
ABA launched the campaign ‘Yo navego stability in a laundering, digital transformation and
seguro’, with its corresponding platform time when the within the data architecture, it involves jul-21
yonavegoseguro.com.do, in order to whole world is (big data, science data, artificial intel-
teach customers how to secure their pass- unstable. That ligence, biometry and cyber-security). ago-21
words to help them reduce the possibility Additionally, they are currently work-
of frauds and scams on e-commerce sites
says a lot about ing with local universities on a subscrip-
our investment sep-21
and social media. tion group for financial education aimed at
On the other hand, ABA is also focus- potential and the students. As Ruiz explains, their goal is to
ing on legislation, as they strive to find strength of our create a job market that will focus on cru- oct-21
10.1
new ways to promote financial inclu- financial system» cial talents that are needed for the banking
sion as many of the existing laws have industry, “We will certificate those students
*Source: BCRD
become obsolete with the new digital and once they graduate, they will get their
agenda. Thus, they are working on different legislative first job in the banking industry. That will reduce staff Moreover, ABA has been part of the Sustainable Banking
initiatives and government policies to support SMEs. turnover because they will not need any training once Network since 2018. This organization is a forum led
One of them is the mutual loan guarantee association they get a new job.” by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), whose
law, which will work as an endorsement for SMEs so ABA is also focusing on inter-institutional agreements objective is to promote the adoption of the best environ-
they can have access to formal credit in better financial with the public sector to prevent money laundering. In mental practices by the actors of the Financial System,
conditions. This new law advances public-private efforts addition, given the fact hat, apart from commercial banks, and currently has the participation of 53 members — in-
towards economic and financial inclusion, a process that they also represent financial intermediaries and have a cluding banks and financial regulators in more than 40
according to Ruiz has been going on for over a decade. seat in the Economic and Social Council, a constitution- countries around the world.
“In the last ten years, the banking industry has tripled its al body where structural reforms are discussed, ABA is Within the framework of this agreement, with the
SMEs and housing portfolio, thanks to the mortgage mar- establishing an association of financial intermediaries in support of the IFC and its representation in the Domin-
ket and trust law that gave different incentives for low- order to consolidate its lead position regarding regulatory, ican Republic, a roadmap has been designed that cul-
cost housing.” fiscal, and public policies matters. minates with the adoption of the World Bank’s Green
Protocol that will serve as a guide for the adoption of en-
vironmentally sustainable practices by Dominican banks.

GROWTH PROJECTION 2021 Next year, ABA is holding several events that will
help attract investors and promote networking around
crucial topics like the role of digital transformation in
improving foreign trade, SMEs and e-commerce, or the
12.0 10.7 best practices to promote a circular, orange, and/or sus-
tainable economies. Among their various events, they
10.0
will host Felaban’s Latin American Foreign Trade Con-
gress (CLACE), an event that gathers over 1000 banks in
8.0 6.9 the region and will be held in Punta Cana. They expect
this edition to be especially versatile because they will
6.0 work with world-class experts, including the Interna-
tional Monetary Fund and Nobel laureates.
4.0 Given all the projects and programs they are current-
ly promoting, these are certainly busy and exciting times
2.0 for ABA. While there are still many challenges ahead,
particularly when it comes to disparities in the banks’
capacity to respond to the demands of the digital agen-
0.0
da, they are confident that their innovative efforts will
Mexico
Dom Rep.
Panama

Chile

Peru

El Salvador

Colombia

Argentina

Avg. LATAM

Guatemala

Brazil

Bolivia

Nicaragua

Paraguay

Uruguay

Ecuador

continue to bring positive results. As Ruiz proudly states,

“the Dominican Republic will close this year with US $3
billion in foreign investment, and that says a lot about
our investment potential and the strength of our finan-
cial system, because we have macroeconomic stability in
*Source: WEO Oct 2021-FMI
a time when the whole world is unstable.”
 6
COUNTRY
REPORT Special Report ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES

Investment $
Foreign Direct Investment: Exports: US$ 11.8 billion in 2021, Mining: 22% of exports / 10% Sound and image devices / 10% Optical
+US$ 3 billion in 2021, Top Foreign Direct (+20.0% compared to 2020 or and cinematographic devices / 5% Cast iron and steel / 5% Plastics /4%
Investment Destination in the Caribbean +17.2% compared to 2019) Pharmaceutical products/3% Textiles/ 3% Fruits / 2% Cocoa /2% Shoes/
2% Beverages / 1.3% Sugar / 1% Medical devices

An investment Internationally
haven that keeps experienced
on growing firm provides the
JOSÉ
IGNACIO LUIS RAFAEL

The Dominican Republic’s great socio-

PALIZA
MINISTER OF best value-added PELLERANO
MANAGING
economic indicators and market
resilience have made it the first
PRESIDENCY
legal advice and PARTNER AT
PELLERANO
investment destination in the region. representation NADAL

“O
ur economic growth, strategic geo- For more than 40 years they have been
graphical position and the trust the offering first-rate legal, regulatory and
government has forged are crucial
consulting services to multinationals and
local clients.
aspects when it comes to foreign direct invest-

“
ment”, states Minister of Presidency José Ig-
nacio Paliza, signaling some of the country’s From the very moment you step into
excellent conditions for private and public «The Dominican Republic has become our office you realize what our mot- «As lawyers, we can be excellent
investments. Indeed, the Dominican Republic is a leading example in the region when to is, we are in the business of adding strategic partners to our clients»
today the first country for foreign direct investment it comes to exports» value”, says Luis Rafael Pellerano, Managing
in the Caribbean, with a FDI increase of 35% from Partner at Pellerano Nadal Law & Consulting.
January to September, reaching US $2,484.9 billion. Working along with clients in the development of their some of the biggest landmark transactions in the country,
Undoubtedly, the new administration and their phi- announced an investment of over US $400 million business ventures, Pellerano Nadal offers them solutions such as the largest acquisition of a Dominican company
losophy have contributed significantly to this growth. in Punta Cana to build an amusement park and oth- in all aspects and stages of the process, from providing le- at the time, a brewing company valued at over US$2 bil-
As Minister Paliza says, “our government is very open er projects that will help consolidate this area. But gal and advisory services when investing in existing busi- lion; the largest foreign investment in the country, a gold
for business and wants to keep on generating new growth is not only limited to Punta Cana. Other des- nesses, setting up local operations or launching startups; investment project in the mines of Pueblo Viejo for over
jobs, eliminating bureaucracy, fighting against cor- tinations like Miches, Puerto Plata and Pedernales are to offering representation to negotiate the best contrac- US$6 billion; the only international IPO and listing of a
ruption and working on institutional strengthening also expected to receive important investments in the tual terms and secure governmental authorizations Dominican company on the New York Stock Exchange,
and transparency. These are all good indicators for coming years. Like Minister Paliza says, “the tourism and permits. Their lawyers have consistently been and the first ever issuance of debt in the internation-
the international markets.” sector has demonstrated it has everything in its power ranked among the most prominent in the Do- al capital markets by the Dominican government.
In terms of the manufacturing industry, there are to get through any challenging scenario.” minican Republic, and through their innovative “These projects can be complex because of their
many reasons to be hopeful. According to Central Bank To continue increasing the country’s competitive- approach have managed to solve complex cases dimension, but part of our success is to be able
data, this sector grew 14.3% during the ness and boosting investments, the gov- and become one of the leading firms in the country. to guide these clients. I do not participate in these
first half of 2021, overcoming the chal- ernment recently launched the “Zero “What makes us stand out in the industry is to be transactions just because it is part of my job, I do it
lenges of the pandemic and managing Bureaucracy” project. This aims to create able to achieve what no one else can, always within because I want to add value to it”, assures Pellerano.
to reinstate pre-COVID employment a simple system in which permits can be the legal framework”, assures Pellerano. During the pandemic, Pellerano Nadal in-
rates, or surpass them all together, by «Our growth granted in just one place and within a They have a vast experience advising for- vested on further improving their connectiv-
becoming more efficient and/or inno- rate allows us fixed period, to speed the process of busi- eign and multinational companies that enter ity, adding another competitive advantage to
vating their offer. The free-trade zones to be optimistic ness structuring and help investors use the Dominican market, which last year rep- «What makes us their already impressive portfolio, because as
are the perfect example. Thanks to their regarding future their resources more efficiently. “Our cur- resented 92% of their total client base. Their stand out in the Pellerano says, “the world has changed, and
tax incentives, the diversification into rent administration is breaking old bu- international and domestic customers work industry is to be businesses need to be prepared for that.” In
challenges we
the textile and pharmaceutical industry, reaucratic standards and offering a more in specialized industries such as mining, the next years, they expect to have a higher
as well as technological and procedural
might face» transparent government that goes along energy, emerging technologies, aviation,
able to achieve demand of tax and environmental services,
improvements, they grew over 30% and the lines of the international markets”, tourism, financial services and telecommu- what no one and above all to continue offering innovative
now hold over 180,000 direct jobs. “The Dominican explains Minister Paliza. Moreover, in a public-private nications, among many others. “These are else can, always solutions to the most complex and challeng-
Republic has become a leading example in the region synergy, they started promoting their “country brand” industries that are filled with challenges, so within the legal ing cases. Like Pellerano assures, “as lawyers,
when it comes to exports. to showcase what the country can offer to both visitors we have established good relationships with framework» we can be excellent strategic partners to our
The tourism sector has also shown great resilience and investors as well as the meaning of being Domin- the respective authorities to match the speed clients. Sometimes things are possible, other
in the face of recent global challenges. It has recov- ican. Throughout the challenges of the last couple of that the business requires”, says Pellerano, explaining times they are impossible, but sometimes the problem
ered significantly and continues to grow because of years, the Dominican Republic has demonstrated it has that part of their success resides precisely on having a can be that your project does not have the proper regu-
its good reputation and the timely measures taken by a diverse, resilient and stable market ready to welcome clear knowledge of how these industries operate. “We lations. Those are the kind of challenges that we like to
the government, like providing subsidies and exemp- a wide range of investments. In fact, as Minister Paliza care a lot about understanding the industries in which work on, the ones that seem impossible.”
tions to businesses or COVID medical insurance and highlights, “the pandemic has made us more efficient. our clients work and listening to what they think they
zero-tax financing to visitors. As an example, last year Our growth rate allows us to be optimistic regarding might need in the future”, states Pellerano. CONTACT US
Grupo Melia, one of the world’s biggest hotel chains, future challenges we might face”. Pellerano Nadal has an experienced team of lawyers www.pellerano.com
who throughout their careers have assisted in securing

Positioning
the Dominican Powerful

Republic as a
Large gold, nickel
BIVIANA and marble mines Communications Network
RIVEIRO DISLA

regional export
Invest Dominican
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR OF
PRODOMINICANA
and investment’s
hub in Republic
Through expert guidance, training
and/or inter-institutional cooperation, Excellent air and
maritime connections
ProDominicana helps national exporters Strategically located in
the heart of the Caribbean
and foreign investors find better ways to
do business.

B
ehind the country’s current economic to 100% in installation and operation’s processes. Conse- Excellent land for growing fruits
Main destination in the Caribbean
resilience, diversification and growth, quently, the sector grew 24% from January to November for tourism and investments and vegetables 365 days a year
there is one institution that has played 2021 with US $6.6 billion of exports, there are now over 75
a key role: the Center for Export and Invest- parks with more than 700 free zone companies installed in
ment of the Dominican Republic, ProDomini- the country. They also have the opportunity to start selling
cana. Certainly, ProDominicana’s comprehensive ser- to the domestic market without limitation. “Free zones are
vices to investors, exporters and buyers have actively an essential sector that has undergone a very profitable re-
contributed to the latest record numbers. From January vitalization process. We hope to grow to more than a thou-
to November 2021, the country’s exports reached his- sand companies in the coming years, thanks to the facilities
torical levels, with an accumulated US $10,814 million, that are being granted to them”, assures Riveiro.
a growth of over 21.05% compared to the same period Regarding investments, ProDominicana offers inves-
of 2020. Also, from January to September 2021, Foreign tors technical assistance, information and support in all
Direct Investment (FDI) increased 35%, the necessary steps and requirements for
going from US $1,835.9 million in 2020 the installation, development and/or ex-
to US $2,484.9 million in 2021, which pansion of their projects in the country.
confirms investors confidence in the In order to further facilitate this process
Dominican Republic. “There has been a «Our measures and favor investments, the government
resilience of the country’s industrial and have reduced has implemented the zero bureaucracy
export sectors, and at the same time, the impact of program, including the “One-Stop Shop”,
the measures taken have reduced the the pandemic, which as Riveiro explains, “has the pur-
impact of the pandemic, increased trust pose of simplifying procedures and saving
from investors, and opened doors to new
increased trust investors time and money by integrating
business opportunities in the Dominican from investors, all the necessary procedures in the same
Republic”, assures Biviana Riveiro Disla, and opened doors platform.” Moreover, ProDominicana
Executive Director of ProDominicana. to new business aims to keep promoting the public-pri-
On the export front, some of these opportunities in vate investment scheme to diversify into
measures include new platforms and ser- sectors such as renewable energies or
the Dominican
vices that have improved access to inter- other types of tourism. Like Riveiro proj-
national markets, like the Directory of Ex-
Republic» ects, “this will allow the development of
porters, the Export Guide, the offer of the major infrastructure projects with a high
FDI markets service and the training of more than 2,000 socioeconomic impact.”
people to create a digital ecosystem of services. As Riveiro Given the country’s outstanding economic markers,
explains, this digital platform integrates ProDominicana beneficial legal framework and the excellent services
Capacita and Data Market, with all the information re- and facilities offered to exporters and investors by Pro-
lated to exports and access to international markets; as Dominicana and other governmental offices, ProDomin-
well as ProDominicana Connect, a B2B platform that icana’s Executive Director has no doubts regarding the
connects international to local buyers. “We want to country’s potential. “With one of the best telecommu-
facilitate access to these platforms to micro, small and nications infrastructures in Latin America, more than
medium entrepreneurs as well”, says Riveiro. 19,000 km2 of roads, eight international airports, twelve
Furthermore, the Free Zone sector, which comprises seaports, and three cruise ports, we already are the lo-
around 60% of exports, has been positively influenced by gistics hub of the Caribbean. Now, we intend to be the
the new Customs Law’s significant tax exemptions of up export and logistics hub in the region.”
ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES Special Report COUNTRY
REPORT 7

Agro-industry 35% of GDP:

Industrial sector
5% of GDP:
Agricultural sector
733 companies
in free trade zones present in 25 of the
32 provinces

A long awaited boost Actively supporting Dominican

for one of the country’s productive sectors
key economic sectors Dominican
coffe cherries
The Ministry’s determined support has directly contributed to the outstanding
dynamism and growth of the country’s industry.
Following an ambitious seven-pillar strategy, the Dominican Republic is investing in a

T
more technological, cost-efficient, sustainable and export-oriented agricultural sector. he industrial sec-
tor has grown

“
Our main goal with this administration
is to produce more with less”, states
Minister of Agriculture Limber Cruz.
While the Dominican Republic is recognized for its world-
class agricultural products like tobacco, bananas, cane sug-
ar, cocoa and avocados, a special focus on the agricultural
sector was long overdue. The Ministry’s strategy is based on
seven lines of action: financing, water, local roads, training
and technical assistance, research, safety and commercial-
ization. “We worked hard to establish these fundamental
pillars to help the agricultural financial policies, because as
an industry it had been left behind”, recalls Minister Cruz.
The first step was securing government financing to
guarantee food security during the pandemic and counteract
the decrease in the tourism sector’s demand of rural prod-
ucts, the Ministry received over US $80 million at a zero tax
rate, in addition to credits at normal 6 to 8% rates, benefiting
thousands of small and medium-sized producers. “We had
to help our farmers and the government responded accord-
ingly. As a result, despite the global context there was never
a food shortage and we could set production programs for
the short, medium and long term”, assures Minister Cruz.
Another pillar is water. After the government created
the Commission on Water to prevent water scarcity and
fight drought in low rain areas, the Ministry of Agricul-
ture started implementing short-term projects like water
wells, reservoirs, and drip irrigation systems. On the other
hand, having adequate roads to transport rural products
has always been a key demand, so the Ministry is working
on the restoration and completion of over 1000 km of
roads. Regarding training and technical assistance, they
are offering thousands of virtual and on-
site courses in its eight regional offices.
These programs are supported by
a digital platform that connects
technical experts and produc-
ers with the Ministry.
As for research, the Minis-
try invests on recovering plant
and animal laboratories, in-
troducing new resources like
artificial insemination and
embryo transfer to repro-
duce the best genetic va-
rieties of milk and beef,
as well as expanding crop
varieties with pest-free
seedlings to boost production. Like Minister Cruz explains,
“research is crucial if we want to produce more goods of
better quality. We have already accomplished a boost in
productivity with the new varieties of crops like rice, of
which we had one of the best crops in fifteen years.”
Another fundamental pillar is commercialization, and the
Ministry has implemented a double approach by target-
ing the internal and external markets. For the internal
trade they work closely with platforms like the Price Sta-
bilization Institute (INESPRE) and Merca Santo Domin-
go to guarantee fair prices for both producers and con-
sumers. “When we started, there were a lot of products
at an all-time high. We visited farmers to gather these
products directly and avoid intermediaries, payed a little
more to motivate them, and brought these products to
the market at affordable prices”, assures Minister Cruz.
For the external markets, the government has placed
a strong focus on increasing agroexports by offering a
great price-quality ratio. Their strategy is two-fold. They
take advantage of the country’s free trade zones and trade
agreements, and they focus on producing high-quality,
internationally certified organic products that are highly
competitive globally. Consequently, agricultural exports
have grown, trade to the United States increased by 37%,
and new markets are opening with the exportation of ci-
gars, coffee and fruits to the Middle East. For instance, YSM
Capital recently became the first local company exporting
Dominican fruits to the UAE. Their pineapples, mangoes
and avocados are now being distributed in Emirati su-
permarkets, whilst dates being imported from the UAE.
With all these initiatives, the government’s plan to relaunch
agriculture as one of the main pillars for economic growth
is going in the right direction. Right now, as Minister
Cruz states, “the biggest challenge for the agricultural
sector is to penetrate large markets without forgetting
about local supply. We want agriculture to be a more ef-
ficient sector, and since
we have been here,
we have accom-
plished a lot.”
Minister Limber Cruz visiting the
Linda Group tomato plantation
14.3% year on
year, contributes 24%
of total government tax
revenues and has in-
creased sales by 25%
in 2021 making the
Dominican Republic, one
of the fastest growing
economies in the Ca-
ribbean and Latam
region. Behind those
numbers, the policies
and programs of the Ministry of Industry and
Commerce have played a crucial role.
In 2021, the Ministry enacted several laws aimed
at boosting productivity and foreign direct invest-
ment such as the Customs Law which adapts the leg-
islation to international trade agreements and gen-
erates greater legal security for foreign trade actors;
the Regulatory Improvement and Simplification of
Procedures (Zero Bureaucracy); or the Special Zone
for Comprehensive Border Development, which pro-
vides incentives to border provinces. They have also
launched the 2030 Digital Agenda to promote digi-
tal transformation in the country with projects such
as “Dispatch in 24 hours” which allows customs to
dispatch goods in 24 hours at the country’s ports, it
used to be up to 6 days. The Ministry has approved
71 free zone companies and 5 industrial parks, with
a projected investment of US $146.27 million for the
former and US $42.67 millions for the latter.
Moreover, the Ministry plans to boost free
trade zones by improving permissions for special
regimes, promoting productive chains and invest-
ment, strengthening infrastructure and access to
financing.The Dominican Republic is a pioneer in
implementing the free trade zone model; in the last
10 months these zones registered record export
numbers, representing 61% of the total exports,
and about 180,000 direct jobs. “For more than half
a century, this sector has contributed to the eco-
nomic and social development of the country and,
despite the pandemic, it continues to show ex-
traordinary results with a 30% growth, 77
free zone parks and more than 700 com-
panies”, states Minister of Industry and
Commerce Victor Bisonó.
The country has preferential access to the
main international markets as a result of its trade
agreements with 50 countries, potentially reach-
ing nearly 900 million consumers in the United
States, Europe, Central America and the Caribbe-
an. Furthermore, aligned with productive develop-
ment policies, the government will implement the
National Plan for the Promotion of Exports of the
Dominican Republic 2020-2030, to expand and im-
prove its exportable offer. They also launched the
National Strategy for the Export of Modern Services
to boost exports of the creative economy, like the
audiovisual industry.
The Ministry is also keen on improving the coun-
try’s position in the Doing Business and in the Glob-
al Competitiveness Index by implementing several
initiatives such as the Single Window for Formaliza-
tion launched in 2013 to facilitate the opening and
formalization of companies; the Single Investment
Window to simplify investment processes; the Sin-
gle Window for Construction Permits to reduce time,
costs and procedures; or the Electronic System of
Secured Transactions to promote the financial in-
clusion of MSMEs. It is also important to mention
the presidency led national dialogue to discuss key
reforms and the National Competitiveness Strategy
that is expected to be launched soon.
Without a doubt, through all these policies and
programs the Ministry has actively contributed to
the Dominican Republic’s excellent position as a po-
tential investment destination. As
Minister Bisonó says, “the Do-
minican Republic is synony-
mous with opportunities and
good investment.”

Modernizing cocoa industry

CACAO
PODS

in the Dominican Republic

Thanks to its new processing plant, Grupo CONACADO is paving the way for the future.

W
ith an annual production of
about 72.000 tons and rev-
enues of US $212 million,
there is no doubt cocoa is
one of the country’s main
exports. Even more, the Dominican Republic produces
about 60% of the world’s exported organic cocoa, making
it a global leader in this sector. However, behind those
impressive numbers lie some challenging facts: cocoa is
still a rather traditional industry that depends highly on
the weather, 80% of its producers are small farmers close
to retiring, and the younger generations do not seem
too keen to replace them. That is why Grupo CONAC-
ADO, the leading holding company in the production,
processing, and marketing of cocoa in the Dominican
Republic, is intent in modernizing the sector and mak-
ing it more attractive to the younger generations. Work-
ing under the guidelines of their star project “the farmer
of the future” or “Farmer 4.0”, the aim is “to
make this sector appealing for young
people. We want new farmers with
fresh ideas, to train them and provide
them with the required technology
to boost production and productivity
while also creating a comfortable and
economically sustainable living envi-
ronment”, says Isidoro de la Rosa,
president of Grupo CONACADO.
In order to achieve
this goal they have
partnered with
longtime asso-
ciates, Dutch
company
Royal
Duyvis
chocolate, with the pro-
motion of artisan
chocolate. This new
generation will develop
personal projects to pro-
mote purely Dominican
chocolate while increas-
ing chocolate tourism.”
In addition to the
plant, Grupo CONAC-
ADO currently has an
CONACADO Processing Plant, San Francisco de Macoris
agreement with the
Wiener, to open a state of-the-art cocoa processing plant French Development Agency to promote Cacao for- «This plant will be the most advanced
that will produce cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, cake, powder est, an agroforestry system based on the mix of cocoa
in the Dominican Republic, Central
and other by-products, as well as its first chocolate pro- and forests that has been historically implemented in the
duction. Being one of the world’s leading manufacturers Dominican Republic. Since past innovations like cocoa
America, and the Caribbean»
within the global cocoa, chocolate and nuts & seeds pro- mono-cropping gained popularity but lead to deforesta-
cessing industry, Royal Duyvis Wiener has manufactured tion and other risks to biodiversity, their project aims to to provide credit and technical assistance to small cocoa
and provided all major equipment and expertise return to traditional farming systems but supported with farmers so they could reach different markets and better
to facilitate the complete production process. modern technologies so it can foster real sustainable de- prices. Nowadays, CONACADO has become a world ex-
On the first phase of the velopment. “We are demonstrating that port leader and is further modernizing the cocoa industry
line, cocoa beans are broken traditional farming can be something ap- to provide younger generations the technology needed to
and pre-sieved, after which the pealing for the younger generations with continue growing, There is an exciting future ahead.
uniquely designed winnower the help of new technologies”, assures De As De la Rosa proudly
separates shells and nibs. Later la Rosa, explaining that this project’s success states, “this organization
comes the most prized piece of
«With the help of is crucial due to its high social impact, as is my greatest satisfac-
equipment and epicenter of the new technologies, some 42,000 families benefit from it and tion, the chocolate sector
processing plant, the alkalizer traditional farming there is an entire commercial and industri- had never been this orga-
and patented roaster combina- can be something al infrastructure that depends on it. nized, furthermore being
tion, a ground-breaking roaster appealing for In the future, De la Rosa expects Gru- a global leader in organic
that defines the flavour and po CONACADO will continue producing cacao, a sector that didn’t
the younger
colour of the end product. high-quality cocoa and expanding to new exist before makes us
The plant also counts with a
generations» by-products and new markets. Currently very proud.”
second grinding line to guar- 70% of their exports go to Europe, mainly
antee the adequate separation DE LA ROSA to Italy, England, Bel-
of alkalized and natural prod- gium, and the Neth-
ucts, three Royal Duyvis Wiener presses, with an erlands; and the remaining 30% go
option to extend as production increases in the to the United States, a historically
future, as well as a classic state-of-the-art Classifier low-price market that is changing
Mill with stabilizing silos to grind the cocoa cake. favorably as the high-quality organic
This combination of a new and efficient pro- niche prospers. Furthermore, once
cessing line and the premium natural cocoa har- the new plant starts producing, they
vested by CONACADO not only guarantees the expect to add the China and Arab
fineness, colour and stability of the end product markets into the equation, as well as
but allows them to further expand such quality to expanding their presence in Japan.
a wide range of new alkalized products. As De la Rosa Long gone are the days, back in
explains, this plant “will be the most advanced in the Do- 1985, when the German and Do-
minican Republic, Central America, and the Caribbean. minican governments cooperated to
It will guarantee an added value for the generations we create the Confederation of Domin-
want to draw in, along with the promotion of artisan ican Cacao Farmers. Their idea was Verificación de cacao
 8
COUNTRY
REPORT
Ports & Logistics
An exciting new adventure
for Dominican Republic’s
top tourism pioneers
In a joint venture with DP World, they will develop the biggest free trade zone and logistical park in the Caribbean.
A
desire to innovate and open new
paths is one of Grupo Puntacana’s
trademarks. For the last 52 years, they
have been a leading force in the sustain-
able development of Dominican Repub-
lic’s eastern region. What began as a small hotel in a
secluded area of virgin jungle and pristine beaches lat-
er joined the first hotel chain operating there, Club Med
Punta Cana. Grupo Puntacana transformed the region by
opening the first private international airport in the world
and thus propelling its touristic development. Nowadays,
they are a successful business group with more than 12
companies covering five different areas, International Air-
port, Real Estate, Hospitality, Services and Social Respon-
sibility, all sharing the same pioneering ethos.
Their latest project, the construction of Punta Cana
Free Trade Zone, the first air, maritime and land logis-
tics center and free zone park in America, is certainly
a huge step further in that direction. “The mission we
have pursued is to conquer different markets. We are
always looking for new opportunities. We currently
have a new project in Punta Cana to continue growing
and keep being the pioneers”, assures Frank Elías
Rainieri, President and CEO of Grupo
Puntacana, explaining that they plan to
operate air traffic from Europe and the FRANK
United States to Punta Cana, so cargo ELÍAS
can leave by sea or air to other desti- RAINIERI
PRESIDENT
nations, achieving efficiency, cost re-
CEO GRUPO
ductions and allowing the products PUNTACANA
to arrive with better quality in less
time to their final destination.
Overall, the project will create
more than 15,000 new jobs and is ex-
pected to occupy an area of 546,617.45
m2. It will house an Air, Maritime and Land
Logistics Center to handle import, export,
transshipment and parcel cargo logistics
operations with more than 8000 project-
ed jobs; a Fuel Center designed to supply
heavy duty aircraft with a 2 million gallons
capacity; a Maintenance, Repair and Over-
Special Report
Punta Cana International Airport
ahaul area that will accommodate 8 positions to carry
out cargo, commercial and private aircraft maintenance
processes requiring over 1800 new employees; a Free
Trade Zone that will facilitate the creation of different
businesses, such as manufacturing and service indus-
tries, projected to generate more than 9,700 direct and
indirect jobs; and administrative offic-
es that will include the operations
of the General Directorate of Cus-
toms (DGA), DP World and the
Free Trade Zone. “It is a huge proj-
ect that we are starting to develop
in Punta Cana. It will contribute
to the sustained economic growth
of the area, creating thousands of
jobs and positioning Punta Cana
and the Dominican Republic as
a leader in international
trade and foreign invest-
ment”, explains Rainieri.
Moreover, Grupo
Puntacana is also in-
vesting in the devel-
opment of Miches
a new and unique
tourist destination.
ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES
Handling of about 90 weekly ships with direct routes to North
America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and South America
Loading Process - Punta Cana International Airport
passengers’ category in Latin America and the Caribbean
by the Airport Service Quality (ASQ). Behind such an
achievement is the same pioneering mentality that char-
acterizes all Grupo Puntacana’s business ventures. In-
vesting in top notch technology at the e-gates or kiosks,
passengers now spend as little time as possible being
able to self-check-in, go through customs and have fast-
speed Wi-Fi. Furthermore, in what certainly is a stroke
of genius that will bring a competitive advantage to the
country, they will implement a pre-authorization process
so that passengers flying into the United States can go
through American migration services in the Dominican
Republic and be able to enter the United States as locals,
allowing them to travel to over 50 American cities that
do not have immigration services. “At the Punta Cana
International Airport, we do not handle business as
Being an authentic Dominican fishing town located in El if it was an airport. We handle it as a hotel, a place
Seibo province, an ecotourism hotspot of mountains and of service, with a first-world class passenger experi-
beaches only 45 minutes away from the airport, they ex- ence”, assures Rainieri.
pected it to become a different touristic product with a On the other hand, they are also expanding their cor-
much lower density than Punta Cana, more focused on porate social responsibility projects. Apart from the three
the environment and local ways of living. As Rainieri ex- educational centers and four free clinics they sponsor,
plains, the hotel resorts that will be built they now work on major environmental
in the area “will have a strong interac- projects like transforming their energy
tion with the town, in contrast to what matrix, restoring more than 10km of the
happened in Punta Cana, where there coral bar and fostering the reproduction of
was no town, it was created around the «This project will native fish and birds. “A business cannot
hotels. In Miches, there is culture, there position Punta Cana be successful if its community is not suc-
is an opportunity for tourists to come and and the Dominican cessful. We have to push our community
enjoy the Dominican culture and gastron- Republic as a leader in to prepare and adapt to the times”, says
omy. ” While they have recently started international trade and Rainieri, showing once again how their
building a 540-room hotel in the area
foreign investment» company’s ethos permeates all their activi-
and two more are on the way, they ex- ties. In the end, it is this mentality that has
FRANK ELÍAS RAINIERI
pect that within the next five to ten years allowed them to both grow as a compa-
it will have more than 8 to 10 thousand hotel rooms, ny and promote the country’s development. “We are the
making it the second biggest tourist region in the Singapore of America. We have a socially and politically
Dominican Republic. stable country, with very strong legal security, where long-
Another project is to maintain Punta Cana Inter- term insured investments are possible. Being so close to
national Airport’s top quality and further improve its the United States and with so many flight connections to
services. Not only it is the biggest and most important Europe, Russia and the Middle East, we enjoy an enviable
airport in the country, it has been ranked for the 5th geographic location that makes us a suitable place for in-
consecutive year as the best airport in the 5-15 million vestment in free trade zones.”
ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES Special Report COUNTRY
REPORT 9

Ports & Logistics 8 320 12 3

International Daily flights Cargo Cruise
airports ports ports

A pioneering and progressive

company leading the TEDDY
HEINSEN

logistics industry in the

CEO of E.T.
HEINSEN

Dominican Republic
Steering the shipping industry since 1924, E.T. Heinsen continue to offer efficient and reliable sea, air and land transportation services.

company “Transporte Impala”, which provides contain-

er transportation services all around the country with
its GPS-controlled trucks. «We also ship a significant amount
Moreover, they have expanded into air transpor- of air cargo from Europe to Santo
tation services, being representatives of Lufthansa Cargo Domingo, so our business involves
and Condor Airlines, as well as offering handling services cargo and passengers»
and sales in air operations, including quoting cargo ser-
vices from any airport in the world, thus maximizing the
efficiency and speed of the logistics chain. “Many passen- be able to work on the customs paperwork before the
gers arrive at Punta Cana and Puerto Plata Airport, and cargo arrives. That is something the law did not allow
soon we will have direct flights from Frankfurt to Santo before, and it simplifies imports and exports process-
Domingo. We also ship a significant amount of air cargo es”, says Heinsen.
from Europe to Santo Domingo, so our business involves In the future, all these improvements will not only
cargo and passengers”, explains Heinsen. make their business more profitable, they will continue
They have also invested heavily in air procedures to serve the country’s economic interests, just as they did
and X-ray machines, especially in Punta Cana Interna- 90 years ago. Since current overcapacity in ports will al-
International shipping line Hapag-LLoyd in Puerto Caucedo
tional Airport, where customs used to check, resulting low a smooth expansion during the next 5 to 10 years,

I
f the shipping industry is one of the they represent various international shipping lines, in undue time delays and expenses. New customs proce- and international shipping lines are analyzing how they
pillars holding Dominican Republic’s such as Hapag-Lloyd, they also move consolidated car- dures such as the new system for authorized economic can change lines locally to other minor ports, there are
economy, E.T. Heinsen is certainly one go from anywhere in the world and deconsolidate it operators (AEO) accredits some importers in order to certainly many reasons to be optimistic. “I see great po-
of its founding members. Throughout the in their own warehouses in the Dominican Republic. save time. “When you are an importer with that certifi- tential in the Dominican Republic becoming an interna-
last years, it has consistently worked to ex- With more than 36.000 m2 of storage in their private cate, there is no need to go through the typical time-con- tional hub, not only by offering storage opportunities
pand and improve how cargo transportation is done, terminals in Rio Haina and Caucedo, they specialize in suming process. You just have to pay your taxes, and you and adequate laws, but also by attracting international
efficiently connecting the country with cargo consolidation (LCL), Full Contain- will be able to unload your containers. It is crucial to firms to the country”, says Heinsen confidently.
the rest of the world. A family business ers (FCL), Full Consolidated Containers ease the commerce processes”, assures Heinsen.
since its inception, it started as a ship- (CFCL) and Loose Cargo (B/B). “The E.T. Heinsen is focusing on innovation by further CONTACT US
www.etheinsen.com
ping company and stevedore agency business as we knew it has changed sig- improving the transparency of the logistics process
for a few European lines. As commerce «Our nificantly, it is now focused on logistics. for their clients. As Heisen
with Europe increased considerably in diversification The entire process requires an invest- explains, “the client needs to
be able to track their cargo
the next decades, so did the number of
was mainly toward ment in trucks, warehouses, and refriger-
lines they represented, reaching up to ated warehouses, we have grown greatly during the whole transpor-
ten lines in the 1970s. Later on, when
ports because we in that aspect”, says Heinsen. tation process”. In line with
lines started facing shortages due to glob- saw a considerable Indeed, one of their most exciting new this, the new customs law ex-
al financial constraints, they decided to di- expansion projects is Frio Box Logistics S.A.S, a 10m pects to ease the relationship
versify investing in port development and capacity» high and 19,200m2 refrigerated ware- between customs, importers
logistics in Rio Haina. “Our diversification house dedicated to cold chain storage, and exporters by giving clear,
was mainly toward ports because we saw logistics and conservation. Using state-of concise and updated. It estab-
a considerable expansion capacity” says Teddy Heinsen, the art technology, it has been designed to comply with lishes that containers need to
Director of E.T. Heinsen and president of the Shippers As- the highest international standards, managing all logistics be picked up during the first
sociation of the Dominican Republic. and allowing clients 24/7 visibility, its third phase will be three months and updated
Just as they predicted, in the last 15 years the port completed in 2022. guidance on the upcoming
sector has grown considerably, receiving over US $900 Furthermore, E.T. Heinsen not only specializes in cargo manifests with two
million in investments, and shaping the evolution of maritime transport and logistics. They also have their days notice before ship arriv-
the company in turn. Serving as cargo intermediaries, own land transportation system through their sister al. “That way, the client will Port terminal aerial view

A technology-savvy and
forward looking logistics
company
Investing on technological development to become the logistics
platform of choice in the Dominican Republic.

“
Technology is the future of logistics”, will soon start a project with stakeholders to promote
assures Miguel Melo, CEO of M.C. electronic data exchange so they can communicate
Logistics. Being one of the country’s top with the shipping agents in real-time. In this way, while
companies in the management of logistics the stakeholder works on the ships, they can transmit
Busy cargo port Photo by Chuttersnap on Unsplash
services, they are keenly aware of the im- the data required by the authorities. “We are copying,
portance of using technology to maintain a good flow or rather, learning from what airlines do. Nowadays, sion towards technology has given us a competitive In the future, backing the government’s vision, M.C.
of information with clients and guarantee an efficient immigration is handled with passports containing the lead in the logistics sector in the Dominican Republic”, Logistics wants to turn the Dominican Republic into
supply chain. Since its beginnings in 2005, the company information of the airport of origin. We are working says Melo proudly. a regional platform that connects Latin America, the
identified the need to bring on something like that: elec- However, as it is usually Caribbean and the rest of
information to the market in tronic data exchange with the case, even more so in the the world, taking advantage
a time when logistics were a our partner companies on a past year, these achievements of the country’s unbeatable
traditionally manual sector global scale”, says Melo. Fur- have also been accompanied geographical position and
and those in charge were thermore, as they document by particular challenges. On well developed infrastruc-
acting passively. “We started every step of the chain, they an international level, the ture. “Thanks to our location
to make things happen in- are meeting and exceeding challenge has been related to and a group of visionary lead-
stead of just being receptive the requirements that regula- the supply chain breakage of ers, 20 years ago our country
agents”, says Melo. tory bodies ask for, and at the ships and airplanes in Europe began investing and expanding
This innovative spirit has same time and Asia, and of its logistics infrastructure. Oth-
led them far. Today, they are offering their land transport in er countries in the region have
the first logistics company clients the the United States. fallen behind. Right now, and
in the Dominican Republic tools that they As Melo explains, during the next 20 years, it is
offering clients a native App usually lack. there is a problem our turn”, assures Melo, add-
that not only tracks their or- Additionally, «Logistics, for with ships and air- ing that to continue having this
ders but allows them see the they will start planes: with the competitive edge the Domin-
us, is where
entire cycle from its placing implement- maritime industry ican companies need to build
to its dispatch. Clients can ing electronic technology meets the demand has a united front to attract inves-
request services digitally and payments us- infrastructure» exceeded the of- tors and profit from the ide-
deal with different require- ing platforms fer, while the air al scenario they have today:
ments, from customs to risk that will allow industry is facing ports and airports that have
management levels, without clients to place their orders on- an international pause with not met their capacity yet,
going to a warehouse, port, line directly from the App. tourism, which has caused a warehouses that only have
or airport. “Our added val- Given all these facilities, shortfall on air freight carriers. 60% of their volume occu-
ue is that we understand it is no surprise that so far “When a chain component pied. “That is what infra-
supply chain flows and pro- they have a diverse and satis- breaks, even if it is just one, structure means. If you ask
cesses. We think the client fied customer portfolio, most it causes a domino effect in me how we define logistics,
must see the order’s status of it small and medium-sized the entire chain. All these fac- I would say it is the blend of
because of how unstable the enterprises (SMEs). “The cli- tors have created the perfect technology and infrastruc-
supply chain has been lately. ents that are now part of our storm that we have today”, ture”. Given the company’s
A conscious client can make portfolio have grown with us assures Melo. Fortunately, on line of business, they seem
the right decisions on time. That is why information is during these past 16 years”, says Melo. Moreover, giv- the local level, past challenges are now opportunities to be not only in the best possible location, but also in
one of our pillars; it has given us a competitive edge”, en the global supply crisis brought by COVID-19, they that the government is seizing to improve the inte- the most capable hands.
assures Melo. have not only managed to keep their clients by contin- gration processes between the international and local
This is the initial phase of the supply chain. The ue working during the pandemic, but recover quickly, chains, and currently they do not face other challenges
next step, as Melo explains, is to digitally integrate
their suppliers and stakeholders. In this regard, they
and even improve their performance: “We have a team than those normally associated with the daily manage-
of motivated and energetic professionals, and our vi- ment of their companies.
* CONTACT US
www.mclogs.com
 10
COUNTRY
REPORT
Ports & Logistics
Several projects of Nodo
“O
ur strategy is based on
providing world-class ser-
vices, all in one place”,
highlights Guillermo Alba,
Founder of Nodo and CEO
of Alba Sánchez. Whether it is services related to
customs, transport, storage, added value for the
transformation of relabeled and re-
packaged products,
and/or the distribu-
tion of these prod-
ucts locally and
regionally, Nodo
is ready to sup-
ply tailor-made
solutions. Stra-
Construction
Advancing urban development
in the Dominican Republic
Always working with the highest standards and on the front foot in terms of innovation, Albá
Sanchez has built some of the country’s most important road and horizontal construction works.
F
or almost four decades, Alba Sán-
chez has gained its place among the
most important companies of the
Dominican Republic’s construction
sector. The company has grown great-
ly due to the professionalism of its workforce and its
continuous evolution and innovation, advancing hand
in hand with the country. “One of our main values is
that we are always innovating, and this has contrib-
uted to the country’s own development. For instance,
the Dominican Republic has developed cutting-edge
technology for the construction of infrastructures, as
a consequence it is not necessary to bring trained peo-
ple to work in construction projects”, assures Guiller-
mo Alba, CEO of Alba Sánchez and founder of Nodo.
Alba Sánchez was founded in 1984 by engineer
Alfredo Alba Sánchez, one of the most prominent fig-
ures in the construction of infrastructure works since
the 1950s. After a few years working on successful
road construction tenders, Alba Sánchez began pro-
ducing controlled quality aggregates, construction
materials and hot asphalt concrete to supply its own
projects. In the late 1980s, the success of its produc-
tion led them to new investments in the aggregates
industry to supply other clients, thus creating their
first division, Aggregates.
Later, when the Dominican Republic became world
headquarters of the Fifth Centennial of the Discovery
of America, the renovation of the city that ensued from
these celebrations stimulated new growth in the asphalt
sector, further consolidating Alba Sánchez with new
production plants to provide to the market’s increasing
needs. This eventually led them to create two new divi-
sions, Asphalt and Transportation, their services cover
the principal needs of the horizontal construction mar-
ket. According to Alba, “we are focused on all things re-
lated to urban development. We have paved the main
roads of Santo Domingo and our country, and we are
located all across the Dominican Republic.”
Indeed, throughout this period, Alba Sánchez has
developed some of the most important horizontal con-
struction works of the Dominican Republic. Among
their extensive project portfolio, they have built main
public roads like the Duarte Highway and the Santo
Domingo bypass, as well as private sector projects like
Special Report
World-class logistic solutions
adding value to local and
multinational clients
First-class facilities, digital traceability, all-in-one services and internationally experienced
personnel make Nodo one of the best Dominican logistic companies.
tegically located in Santo Domingo, only 8.4 km from
Rio Haina Port, their state of the art 43.000 m2 storage
facilities were purposely designed to meet all their cli-
ents needs. “Every little detail was taken into account.
We have first-class facilities with fire protection and
digital traceability systems that allow our clients to
know the status of their merchandise from anywhere
«Our strategy is based
on providing world-class
services, all in one place»
«One of our main values is that we
are always innovating, and this has
contributed to the country’s own
development»
the rebuilding of Port Caucedo’s pavements, currently
owned by Dubai Ports, the main runway of Punta Cana
Airport, and the Urbanización Lagos, both owned by
Grupo Puntacana. They have also built the runways of
María Montez Airport (Barahona), San Isidro Airport
and Las Américas Airport, and lately they have start-
ed international projects with the construction of Pont
Sondé Mirebalais, one of Haiti’s main new roads.
The success of these projects reflects a key aspect of
Alba Sánchez’s philosophy, recognizing their clients as
one of their fundamental pillars. As Alba explains, “the
trust that our clients give to our services is very import-
ant for us. Port Caucedo is an example, we have become
Construction
in the world. These systems have been integrated from
the beginning to provide our clients a traceability that
not many agencies can offer”, assures Alba.
Nodo was born out of Alba Sánchez’s vision to
diversify into logistics services when the government
issued new legislation “reassuring local and interna-
tional business people that the sector is supported by
a legal framework, so their transactions with us are
guaranteed”, says Alba. Moreover, despite being a fair-
ly recent company, a key factor to Nodo’s success is the
international experience of its personnel, especially in
the management area, which qualifies them to pro-
vide agile responses and assistance to their clients. As
Alba explains, “we have specialists with international
training and experience with many big multinational
companies, so if we were to gather all these years, we
have more than sixty years of experience among our
management positions.”
Nowadays, when the Dominican Re-
public strives to become the new re-
gional logistics hub, thanks
to its privileged geo-
their favorite supplier to build infrastructures and pro-
vide asphalt concrete services as well as pavement to all
their roads. This serves to consolidate Alba Sánchez as an
internationally recognized firm.”
Furthermore, since Alba Sánchez is a company that
is always growing and looking for new niche markets,
a few years ago they decided to diversify into logistics
and created Nodo, a world-class, all in one logistic
solutions provider. “The Dominican Republic is focus-
ing on the logistics sector, and at Alba Sánchez we are
determined to contribute to this growth, while also
providing solutions to companies on a global scale”,
says Alba.
In the future, they look forward to new opportu-
nities which are expected to arrive as the Dominican
Republic becomes a strategic business partner to the
United Arab Emirates, a relationship that has had a sol-
id start with the presence of companies like DP World,
which has invested in facilities such as ports and free-
trade zones in the country. “The Dominican Republic
can act as a meeting point for any company that exists
ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES
«We have first-class facilities
with fire protection and digital
traceability systems that allow
our clients to know the status of
their merchandise from anywhere
in the world»
graphical position and excellent sea, air and land
connectivity, the need for companies offering world-
class logistic services like Nodo becomes all the more
important. That is why, as Alba proudly says, “we
serve both local and multinational companies that
wish to profit from this marvelous location to dis-
tribute their products on a regional and global scale.
Our company contributes to the economic develop-
ment of the country and to its trustworthiness on an
international level by providing first rate services
in logistics.”
CONTACT US
www.nodo.global
Several projects of
Contemega in Santo
Domingo
«You do not have to be a politician
to contribute to your country. You
can do so privately through your
businesses, creating projects that
will grow and give more visibility to
the Dominican Republic»
in Dubai to provide its services to the Americas. We
have the advantages of near-shoring, communications
and time zones that will make transactions easier”, as-
sures Alba.
For the time being, Alba Sánchez is proud of their
growth and diversification, the great projects they have
developed over the years and the role they have played
supporting the economic development of the Domini-
can Republic. After all, as Alba says, “you do not have
to be a politician to contribute to your country. You
can also do so privately through your businesses, cre-
ating projects that will grow
and give more visibility to the
Dominican Republic. I am
very proud of all our achieve-
ments, and this feeling is
shared by everyone in our
company Alba Sánchez.”
ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES Special Report COUNTRY
REPORT 11

Construction
Torre
24.9% growth in 2021
(January-October 2021) 14% of GDP Terrazas del
Mediterráneo /
Residential

Modernizing the Dominican

Republic’s construction sector
For more than 30 years, Hageco has been developing innovative projects with the highest standards in the
commercial, turistic, industrial and residential sectors.

CONTACT US | www.hageco.com

Tienda Garrido / Commercial

Downtown Center / Commercial

“W
e build structures as faction. That is how we measure success”, assures El-
if they were for our- Hage, emphasizing the importance of building trust to
selves”, says Michel maintain a solid reputation.
El-Hage, CEO of Another reason behind Hageco’s achievements
Hageco Engineers is their diversification. Their varied portfolio in-
and Architects, when asked about the reason cludes shopping centers, corporate buildings, hotels,
behind their success. From the design, construc- housing departments and industrial warehouses,
tion, and promotion, Hageco offers their among others.
clients a complete experience adapted On the other hand, having a clear busi-
to each project’s specific needs, with ness vision has also been a key factor
the latest technologies and high- in the company’s success.
est quality standards. As Hageco’s CEO explains,
Being leaders in the this vision is related to
sector, they have built “Vertical Integration”. Supermercado Nacional / Commercial
throughout the years That is, being capable
some of the most mod- of developing projects
ern and versatile build- with their own equip- «Technology and digitalization is
ings in the Dominican ment and resources, helping us be at the forefront of the
Republic, contribut- keeping outsourcing industry and will continue to be a
ing not only to their to the minimum. In
cornerstone of our sustained growth»
growth as a company order to develop this
but to the development strategy, they acquired MICHEL EL-HAGE
of the country’s thriving a large fleet of heavy
construction sector. equipment and machinery own equipment and a metal factory to manufacture our
Their excellence is not that is managed by special- structures, so we depend less on others”, says El-Hage.
only confirmed by their cli- ized employees, and entered a In the next ten years, Hageco aims to keep grow-
ents´ satisfaction but also by strategic alliance with Steeltec, a ing at a planning and industrial level. They know that
the relevance and importance of the company specialized in the develop- industrializing the business will make them more ef-
developed projects, some of which ment, manufacture and commercializa- ficient, allowing them to reinvest the earnings in the
have obtained several awards from tion of metallic structures. company and keep growing. In the same line, they are
the Dominican Chamber of Construc- Having control of these resources also promoting digitalization in all stages of the build-
tion (Residential and Commercial sec- has allowed them to improve execution ing process. “Technology and digitalization are helping
tor) and the Cemex Building Award. times and increase technical develop- us be at the forefront of the industry and will continue
These have highlighted Hageco’s in-
«The key to ments, thus adding value to their proj- to be a cornerstone of our sustained growth”, assures
novation, relevance, and outstanding remaining strong ects. “At high-level projects, you cannot El-Hage. Furthermore, as part of their growth strategy,
Triatec Este / Residential
building standards. in a competitive rely heavily on third parties. And if you they plan to continue investing in their human capital. 1.2M indirect ones, investing in the sector’s human
Coming from a family of Lebanese world, with a high outsource, keep the activities under It is a matter of pride that their 120 direct collaborators capital becomes a crucial element. As El-Hage explains,
merchants, El-Hage learned from an professional level, your control. At Hageco, we have our and associates have been working with them for an av- “construction is a “multiplier industry.” It impacts all
early age the values of hard work, disci- erage of 15 years, and as Hageco keeps growing with the activities that revolve around it from the beginning
is to prioritize
pline, and responsibility. “I also learned more than 800 indirect workers at present, they want to the end of the project: material suppliers, services,
to make sure that everything you do is
client satisfaction. them to thrive in their professional careers too. “These wholesalers. They all benefit and create jobs in turn.”
made with excellence, and to treat cli- That is how we people are the key to delivering exceptional customer Given the steady growth both Hageco and the con-
ents the right way, no matter your job measure success» service, making us stand out in this business”, assures struction sector have seen in the last decades, there
or industry”. This same philosophy has El-Hage. is no doubt they will continue to play a key role in
accompanied him all along his profes- MICHEL EL-HAGE Since the construction sector is at the forefront increasing the country’s prosperity. Like El-Hage con-
sional life, since his early days when of the country’s economy, repre- fidently says, “numbers sustain that the Dominican
he was a recently graduated civil senting 14% of the GDP Republic is a good place for foreign investors to do
engineer who started building his and generating over business. They can trust to have the support
first projects, until today being one 400,000 direct of developed construction companies
of the most accomplished busi- jobs and to fulfill their needs.”
nessman in the country..
“The key to remain-
ing strong in a competi-
tive world, with a high
professional level, is to
prioritize client satis-
 12
COUNTRY
REPORT Special Report ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES

Construction

Luxurious and client-based

construction services with the highest
quality in the market RAFAEL AYBAR
PRESIDENT AT
CONSTRUCTORA
AYBAR
Constructora Aybar specializes on large tourist, commercial and
industrial projects built with the highest standards and service.

Bay, some of the most important tourist complexes in made by artists, corporate towers and more than 700
the Dominican Republic. So far, Constructora Aybar apartments. “We love what we do, and that shows”,
has executed more than 30 construction projects states Aybar proudly.
in the country, comprising over 50.000 m2 of civil, In the future, they expect to continue evolving
electrical and sanitary works, with an approximate and improving as they have been doing in the past
cost of US $30 million. “One of our decades. According to Aybar, “before
main goals is to keep being relevant thinking about growth, we should

“
45 Park Tribeca
We are proud to have a long-term
relationship with our clients,
which we have built through ex-
cellent client service”, says Rafa-
el Aybar Medrano, President of Constructora
Aybar. Indeed, since Constructora Aybar’s founda-
tion in 1987, one of the keys of their success has
been the relationship they build with their clients. As
Aybar recalls, it all began while offering private tour-
istic residences to high-level clients, who liked their
services so much they started recommending them
within their social circles. With time, this word-of-
mouth clientele opened up new business horizons:
“we started offering luxury residential services, and
they ended up wanting us to work with them in their
enterprise projects too”, assures Aybar.
Being both constructors and developers, Construc-
tora Aybar has fully expanded into commercial and in-
dustrial building, working with clients like Banco Pop-
ular, Marítima Dominicana and MercaSID, plus several
banks, stores and clubs, among many others. Simul-
taneously, they continued developing projects for the
tourism sector, building hotels such as the Colonial
Zone and Casas del XVI, as well as touristic residences
in Casa de Campo, Punta Cana, Cap Cana and Cana
in all segments, without disregarding think about being able to keep deliv-
any of them”, says Aybar, showing ering quality, it is our main concern.
another reason behind their long- «Before thinking We also believe offering good custom-
term success. about growth, we er service to our clients is crucial.” The
Currently, Constructora Aybar is quality aspect is achieved by always
developing hotels such as the Hyatt,
should think about choosing the leading architects, interi- LUIS AYBAR
the Club Med, Iberostar and Playa being able to keep or designers, suppliers and materials, VICE-PRESIDENT
Serena, as well as 15 touristic villas in delivering quality» all according to the type of project and AT CONSTRUCTORA
AYBAR
Casa de Campo and 7 villas in Punta the client’s preference.
Cana. They are also developing inno- This commitment to the highest
vative mix-use projects like Distrito standards is particularly important in
Piantini, which combines offices, restaurants, apart- these uncertain times, when price variation has af-
ments and open spaces all in one single building; and fected businesses worldwide, forcing many to sacri- satisfaction first is an imperative they are not willing
Murales, a 41,500 m2 project that aims to renew the fice quality in order to lower costs and make margins. to leave aside. “We don’t want to lower the quality
pier by making it a Wynwood-like park with murals But for Constructora Aybar, putting quality and client of our materials. The mission of the company speaks
about delivering the best product, and we do our best
to accomplish that. Even when we are challenged to
find specialized workforce, we endure it by training
our personal”, assures Aybar.
Given Constructora Aybar’s priorities, it is no won-
der their clients keep coming back. As Aybar says,
“what makes me feel proud is seeing our clients’
satisfaction with the projects that we deliver. Also,
developing relationships with our clients is really ful-
filling, since at the end of the projects they end up
being friends.”

«We are proud to have a long-term «Developing relationships with our

relationship with our clients, which clients is really fulfilling, since at the
we have built through excellent client end of the projects they end up being
service» www.grupoaybar.com friends»
Playa Serena

Innovative and refined real state

solutions for the most demanding clients ERNESTO
MEJÍA
CEO of
CONTEMEGA
With original concepts, high-quality materials and exquisite finishes, Contemega are recognized as one of the best
construction, investment and project development companies in the country.

also dreaming of house while hav-

new projects.” ing the comforts
For instance, the of a building, we
new governmental have mixed those
directives for Land two elements in
ROBERTO Use Planning aims one tower”, assures
LAMARCHE to create a more Lamarche. room service through their own channel managers.
COO of organized urban Furthermore, al- “There is a lot you can do besides Airbnb. It is like
CONTEMEGA housing system and though all Con- buying an iPhone to make calls, you can make calls
improve land use temega’s projects with it, but it can also do so much more! So logically,
in populated areas; are treated with anyone renting an apartment will prefer to have the com-
Contemega has al- the same level of modities of a hotel and we can assist you with that”, says
ready taken the ini- detail and dedica- Mejía. Currently they are developing Central, their latest
tiative and started developing mix-use buildings that tion, their investment project is one they feel particu- investment project located in downtown Santo Domingo,
combine apartments, hotels, restaurants and offices all larly proud about. They build apartments intend- and given the success these hotel apartments have had so

“
in one place. “You can have entertainment, go to work ed to be used as hotels and offer investors all the far they are confident it will not be their last. As Conteme-
and do your daily activities in a single required management services from ga’s Head of Operations states, “this project is close to our
Everyone is waiting to see what we building. That is the trend right now in the moment they buy them until they hearts because it is way more than just selling apartments
do next”, says Roberto Lamarche, dense cities, we are one of the first com- are ready to move in or resell them. to clients. We are involved, and we stay with them so they
Head of Operations at Conteme- panies working on it”, says Ernesto Me- “These projects aim to maximize in- can make the most of their profits, that is our goal. We do
ga. For the last 20 years, Contemega has jía, President of Contemega. They are vestors’ profitability because we sell not want to finish the project. We want to make sure that
recognized the changing needs of the real estate market also developing progressive residential
«We are always you the apartment and help you make it keeps working.”
and turned them into innovative and successful projects. units such as their Attico Project, which one step ahead. it into a business, as it will comple- In the future, Contemega plans to bring their housing
Combining construction and promotion, they have devel- combines the latest technology such as This has allowed ment the hotel supply in Santo Do- projects to some of the most important touristic spots in the
oped more than thirty projects, around 600 apartments, digital sensors, green energy solutions us to achieve good mingo, , it also includes a restaurant country, such as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Las Terrenas,
with investments of US $250 million. Their innovations like solar panels and a two-level de- results while also and rooftop bar”, explains Conteme- so they can reach a more foreign market. “Right now, we are
go from design elements, like building materials and use sign. “The Attico Project is innovative ga’s President. looking for projects like these to sell to the world. That is one
dreaming of new
of new technologies, to developing new concepts like because it is one of the first projects in Compared to oth- of the reasons why we are going to the United Arab Emirates,
mix-use buildings or hotel apartments with complete the city where every apartment
projects» er renting platforms, to find the investors that will help us develop them. In San-
management services. As Lamarche explains, “one of is a penthouse. For clients LAMARCHE Contemega adds to Domingo, visitors go to the city to work, and maybe never
our strengths has been identifying which niche mar- that want to live in a value to their come back compared to beach visitors which have a high re-
kets needed attention Regatta Altos offer by supply- peat rate, the world is our market”, assures Mejía.
and then working del Parque Distrito Regatta ing all manage- For the time being, they are satisfied with what they
Piantini Attico
on that niche. We ment services, in- have built in the last two decades. As Lamarche confi-
are constantly in- cluding booking, dently states, ‘Contemega has had a careful and firm
novating because housekeeping and growth. We have a good reputation, we are successful
it is a competi- on every project we start, and we stay there for our cli-
tive sector. We are Central By ents to assist them even after the project finishes. That
REGATTA
always one step evolution has put us among the top-trusted companies
ahead. This has al- REGATTA in the country and if clients feel certain about investing
Del Sol
lowed us to achieve with us, then they will not need anyone else.”
good results while

«Logically, anyone renting an

apartment will prefer to have the
commodities of a hotel, and we can
assist you with that»
www.contemega.com.do
ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES
Energy & Mining
Working towards a more efficient,
diversified and sustainable energy sector
To promote diversification with renewable energies, expand the country’s electricity supply and reduce
losses in the distribution network are some of the government’s main goals.
ANTONIO
ALMONTE
REYNOSO
MINISTER
OF ENERGY
AND MINES
T
he Dominican Republic is deter-
mined to have an energy trans-
formation. To start, the country has
committed to reduce its carbon dioxide
emissions by a third in accordance to UN’s
2030 development goals, since more than 71% of the
electrical power generation depends on coal and nat-
ural gas. Those goals are in line with president Luis
Abidaner’s diversification of the country’s energy ma-
trix with cleaner technologies, a strategy that aims to
increase the sector’s competitiveness and that is being
implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
“The government will bet on renewable energies to
stop resorting to unstable, expensive and polluting
power plants”, assures Antonio Almonte Reynoso, Min-
ister of Energy and Mines.
In order to achieve this, the government is sup-
porting a new law project that will modify the appli-
cation of the 2007 Renewable Energy Incentives Law,
restoring to the original 75% the level of fiscal cred-
it for investments in renewable energies. “This new
regulation will allow the energy trading contracts to
be bid for competitively, hiring just the ones that will
benefit the country”, says Minister Almonte. With this
adjustment, they expect to reach their goal of increas-
ing the contribution of renewable energy sources in
electricity generation to at least 25% by 2030.
Cooperativa Agropecuaria (COOPYUNA)
“G
oing from a maintenance
status to where we are
today is something that
makes us all proud”, says
Ionnis Moutafis, Presi-
dent and General Manager of Falconbridge
Dominicana, also called Falcondo, when re-
flecting about the outstanding evolution the
company has gone through in the last decade.
Since its acquisition by Americano Nickel in 2015, Fal-
condo has managed to evolve from a 120 employee
maintenance operation to being one of the country’s big-
gest exporters and employers thanks to its precise man-
agement, strict costs control, innovations in the mining
and metallurgic methods, and cooperation between em-
ployees, stakeholders, government and local population.
Their success is currently demonstrated by their two ful-
ly operative production lines, 2000 employees, and over
US $400 million in exports coming from their operations
in Bonao, where Falcondo manages one of the largest
and most efficiently produced nickel deposits world-
wide. “Our results and numbers, plus the atmosphere
among our people and the surrounding communities, is
what makes Falcondo successful”, assures Moutafis.
Behind those achievements, several innovating tech-
niques developed by Falcondo in the last 11 years have
contributed to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. One
innovation is the application of selective mining in the
first phase of operations. Instead of us-
ing the traditional big
tracks, they hire
contractors with
smaller excava-
tors and experts
trained in por-
table analyzers,
allowing them to
go deeper with-
out extracting
large amounts
of material that
« Our results and numbers, plus the
atmosphere among our people and
the surrounding communities, is what
makes Falcondo successful »
Special Report COUNTRY
REPORT 13
21.7%
of exports in the DR
comes from Mining
25%
of renewable energies
by 2025
1413 MGW,
installed capacity in
renewable energies
Similarly, as part of its “Zero Bureaucracy” program, of energy distributors and improve competitiveness
the government is committed to increasing transpar- and quality of life. They are also working on the ex-
ency and speed in the process of granting permits for pansion of the electric power system, which is expect-
renewable energy investments. According to Minister ed to be ready by 2023, and on the installation of new
Almonte, “wind and solar projects have to go through energy generating plants fueled by natural gas. “These
several people to be approved, generating delays, projects will help reduce stress in the country’s energy
losses and uncertainty to investors. supply”, states Minister Almonte.
With this in mind, the government is So far, most sustainable energy
making paperwork easy for renewable projects have come from the private
investments.” So far, since the Ministry sector or from private-public partner-
started handing facilities to national «The government ships. Among them, it is worth high-
and foreign investors for the installation lighting those run by CEPM, the Con-
will bet on
of solar parks and wind farms, seven en- sorcio Energético Punta Cana–Macao,
ergy trading contracts have been signed, renewable a privately owned utility company that
with five more wind power energy deals energies to provides energy to more than 65% of
to be closed in the coming weeks. “We stop resorting the country’s touristic sector, and to Evergo electric car charger
are on the way of substituting fossil fu- to unstable, over 47.000 residential customers. In
els for power generation and reducing expensive and 2011, CEPM inaugurated the first 8.25 adding an extra contribution to the country’s transi-
our dependence on electricity”, assures MW wind farm in the country, and two tion to cleaner energies.
polluting plants»
Minister Almonte. years later their international parent CEPM is also committed to sustainable mobility.
On the other hand, several efforts company InterEnergy Holdings (IEH) They have installed over 300 units of state-of-the-
have been made to increase the efficiency and cover- obtained a US $100 million equity investment from art electric vehicle charging stations nationwide and
age of the country’s electric power system. On Febru- World Bank Group’s IFC to develop cleaner and more started converting their own fleet to electric vehicles,
ary 2021, the government signed the Electricity Pact, efficient energy sources in the Caribbean and Latin which they expect to be 100% electric by the end of
a structural reform that aims to reduce losses in the America. Last year, they also converted three major the year. The company installing the chargers is Ever-
distribution network, promote the financial reliability 730 MW electric plants fueled by diesel to natural gas, go, a sister company of CEPM as they are both part of
the InterEnergy Group. “The private sector has played
a pivotal role in helping the country reduce its carbon
emissions by supporting renewable energy generation
with solar, wind and biomass projects”, assures Ro-
berto Herrera, Country Director of InterEnergy Group
and Executive Director of CEPM.
In order to guarantee the continuity of this pro-
cess of energy transformation, the Dominican govern-
ment is actively seeking private investors interested
by renewable energy initiatives, electrical power gen-
eration and distribution, and/or system maintenance
projects. As Minister Almonte states, “the only way to
move forward and continue strengthening the ener-
gy sector is through capital investment by the private
sector. Investments that promote technological chang-
es will lead to the generation of electricity and the use
of renewable resources for the production of electric
energy. Because of the country’s potential, there are
great opportunities for everyone to win.”
CEPM Power Plant
Innovative and efficient mining adding
shared value to the Dominican Republic
Groundbreaking techniques and an active participation of locals have made their ferronickel production more
cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable.
later has to be disposed. “Starting with a lot less volume, favorable conditions of the metal markets, particularly
you end up with the same nickel units, and have a great the increase in the demand of nickel and zinc, that are
reduction of excavation, transportation, fuel and ener- now used to produce electric car batteries. As Moutaf-
gy costs in the later stage of the process”, is explains, “it is the first time we have
states Moutafis. a direct interaction between the car
Another innovation is replacing naph- industry and the metal producers. We
tha, the traditionally used fuel, which has have identified this opportunity, and the
translated in reduced energy costs in the «Since we live here company today is on track of an invest-
process plant as well as gas emissions in
and have an everyday ment of more than US $80 million in
their chimney. Moreover, Falcondo aims this particular field of production.”
to take this process even further by ap- presence in the area, On the other hand, one of Falcon-
plying the new technology of electrostat- we identify the real do’s trademarks and another key to their
ic precipitators, that so far has only been needs of the people, success is the emphasis they place on
used by three companies in the world, to and through targeted working and creating shared values with
minimize the visual impact of their chim- social investment, local communities. Firstly, by integrating
ney and thus reduce emissions. A third the local population who have worked at
innovation is their granulation system.
we build a beneficial the plant for years and combining their
Before, the company used to produce relationship between knowledge of ferronickel production with
ferrocenes, but they replaced them with the foundation, the the expertise of foreign employees who IONNIS MOUTAFIS PRESIDENT AND GENERAL
ferronickel granules, proven to be more company, and the also reside in the Bonao area. Secondly, MANAGER OF FALCONDO
commercial and easier to handle. “With people» their local content policy includes hiring
this system, we have a reduction in our people from the surrounding communi- communities by identifying the most relevant local
costs because it is a lot less demand- ties without demanding conditions they issues and investing on them through their Social Re-
ing in mechanical maintenance and consumables, so cannot meet, such as university degrees for certain jobs, sponsibility Department and the Falcondo Foundation.
eventually it is more environmentally friendly too”, as such they can improve their livelihoods, and strengthen Their focus has always been on high impact projects,
explains Moutafis. the ties between them by becoming part of the company. such as the remodeling of a primary school center, the
Falcondo’s success is also supported by the current Furthermore, Falcondo actively engages with the construction of a bridge linking two communities in the
area, aqueducts and irrigation canals and tennis courts
and sports stadiums, as well as the repair and main-
tenance of roads and the sponsorship of sports tour-
naments in several disciplines. According to Moutafis,
“since we live here and have an everyday presence
in the area, we identify the real needs of the people,
and through targeted social investment, we build a
beneficial relationship between the foundation, the
company, and the people.”
In the future, Falcondo aims to continue researching
and developing the mining industry in the country, partic-
ularly the raw materials associated with car batteries, as
well as securing their energy needs by diversifying their
supply. Being a company that privileges an innovative
and efficiency-oriented approach to business, as well as a
long-term commitment to their employees, stakeholders,
management and local communities, Falcondo’s success
in all its future endeavours is to be expected. As Moutafis
confidently anticipates, “we feel very satisfied with how
our investment has evolved up to now, and I believe our
Tomato Producer Apiary success will continue in the future.”
 14
COUNTRY
REPORT
Tourism
DAVID
COLLADO
MINISTER
OF TOURISM
T
ourism has always been a staple of the
Dominican Republic’s economy. Even in the
post-COVID era, tourism industry accounted for
over 11% of the country’s GDP. It is the main channel for at-
tracting foreign investment, employs one out of five people
in the country and brought more than 4.5 million visitors
last year alone. What is new, however, is the Ministry of
Tourism’s new direction.
First, the Ministry began strengthening the existing regu- Kitesurf in Cabarete | Photo by Ministry of Tourism ©
latory framework and implementing a public-private invest- ing sports tourism in northern Cabarete Beach, one of the
ment plan to diversify tourism and make it more sustainable world’s best water sports destinations, as well as nauti-
and inclusive. In the next 10 years, they ex-
pect strong investments in different tour-
istic locations, including new zones, with
projects for all kinds of tourism, from ad-
venture, sports and ecotourism to cultur- «Tourism awaits
al, gastronomic and luxury offerings. As the best decade in
Minister of Tourism David Collado states, history, and we are
“our goal is to exceed 10 million tourists, working tirelessly
diversifying our offer, welcoming visitors to create more and
from new countries and consolidating
ourselves as a sustainable destination.”
better jobs and
One of the main projects being devel- strengthen our
oped is the revitalization of the Colonial relationship with the
City of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World rest of the world»
Heritage Site, projected as a new space for
investment, promotion of culture and integration with the and our national brand”, assures Minister Collado.
community. Another project is the relaunching of the North
Coast, with a plan that seeks to combine tourism, innova- portant objective is to recover 100% of employment
tion and the film industry. Similarly, the Ministry is support- throughout the value chain, by increasing the average oc-
Laguna de Oviedo | Photo by Ministry of Tourism ©
Building high quality and innovative
integral solutions for the tourism sector
For over three decades, Cinter Construccion have been leaders in the construction, supervision and
management of top quality, cost-efficient and green engineering building projects.
C
inter Construcción is one of the
leading and most progressive con-
struction companies of the Domin-
ican Republic. Covering all phases in
the development of their projects, from the
design and construction to the supervision and manage-
ment, Cinter Construcción offers their clients the best
quality projects in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
Their competitive advantage is based on working with
the best specialized and professional teams, following
strict ISO 9001 standards, and constantly incorporat-
ing new techniques and processes that allow projects
to be developed in a more efficient and environmen-
tally friendly way. They are pioneers in the application
of the LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) in the Dominican Republic.
Since its foundation in 1988, Cinter Construcción
has worked on a wide range of projects all over the
country, from hospitals and schools to corporate of-
fices and residential units. However, their main focus
has always been hotels and tourism related projects
such as bars and restaurants, currently 70% of their
clients are international hotel chains. Cinter has been
in the market for 33 years and has remodeled more
CARLOS VÁSQUEZ
PRESIDENT CINTER
CONSTRUCCIÓN
Special Report
Visitors’ arrival:
Estimated at 4.8 million in 2021 (Ministry
of Tourism)
Working
towards a
more diversified,
inclusive and
sustainable
tourism offering
With different types of tourism, unexplored
areas, and closer relationships with local
communities, Dominican tourism is opening
up to fresh and exciting options.
cal tourism with ongoing fishing tourna-
ments. They also promote the country as
the main golf destination in the Caribbe-
an, with 28 first class golf courses.
In addition, the Ministry is supporting
sustainable tourism in Miches with its vir-
gin beaches, and together with the Japa-
nese Cooperation Agency, JICA, they began
implementing their Community Tourism
strategy, which so far has certified several
businesses in the northern area. “We are de-
veloping a more inclusive tourism, closer to
the community, to strengthen the relation-
ship between tourism, export, culture and citi-
zenship, as well as promoting all our products
Above all, as Minister Collado states, “the most im-
cupancy rate above 75% and attracting new investments.”
In order to achieve this, one of the Ministry’s long-term
strategies is to develop the Middle Eastern tourism mar-
ket. So far, major airlines like Turkish Airways will start
flying regularly to the country, and others from Qatar and
Israel are expected to follow soon.
Given all the projects that are taking place, Minis-
ter Collado has many reasons to be optimistic “tourism
awaits the best decade in history, and we are working
tirelessly to be ready to lift more Dominicans out of
poverty, create more and better jobs and strengthen
our relationship with the rest of the world.”
Dominicus Residences
«Cinter has been in the market for 33
years and has remodeled more than
6,500 hotel units»
than 6,500 hotel units. We can say the company has
significantly collaborated in increasing the hotel of-
fer in the Dominican Republic”, says Carlos Vásquez,
President of Cinter Construcción.
Despite the decrease in projects that came with
COVID related restrictions, 2021 saw an important re-
covery for Cinter Construcción. Among the numerous
projects they developed this year are the construc-
tion of the Costa Caribe Hotel and 223 apartments
in Boca Chica, as well as completing ongoing proj-
ects for Marriott Hotel and other private sector works
such as offices. Moreover, they expect 2022 will be a
take-off year, as they have several confirmed projects
set to begin. Among them, Cinter Construcción has
signed contracts for 129 Villas in Puerto Plata, 117
apartments in Garden Residences, 200 apartments
for sale within a hotel, 253 apartments in Dominico’s
Residence, 160 villas of 180m2 in Mountain View,
Wave apartments in Puerto Plata and the construc-
ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES
28 30
83.934 Hotel Rooms (Ministry of Tourism
Golf Sports 2021), largest number of hotel rooms in the
courses Marinas Caribbean region
Dominican tourism
pioneers keep moving
the industry forward
Always open to new approaches, Grupo Puntacana sees a
more environmentally sustainable and diversified tourism
offering in the future.
I
t is all about persistence. 52 years ago, energies with their pilot program at Punta Cana Inter-
when Frank Rainieri first arrived to Punta national Airport, reducing their solid waste loss and
Cana, there were only fifty-three families improving the treatment of corals. In addition, with
there, and the tourism industry believed this their new CEO Frank Elías Rainieri, they are ready to
area was too far away and not worth invest- try a more diversified approach focused on ecotourism
ing in. “It took a lot of persistence from us, but it and sports in new locations. “Lately, tourists seem more
also opened the debate for creativity and innovation”, interested in non-conventional activities that make
says Simón Bolívar Suárez, Vice-president of Institutional their experiences unique. This allows us to explore di-
Relations and Special Projects of Grupo Puntacana, recall- verse areas of the country that have not been seen as
ing how they designed, built and ran the first internation- tourist zones before”, explains Bolívar.
al private airport in the world. “That was the first step for Just like in the past, Grupo Puntacana is ready
touristic development, because we had an airport before to face a new tourism reality. Only now, as Bolívar
we had proper roads”, says Bolívar. As the airport started says, “it will require better technology and a sense of
attracting European hotel companies to the country, both environmental self-awareness. We must offer a more
the company and the tourism sector grew considerably. diverse product and profit from the forgotten tour-
“We reached 22% of total foreign investment, and we istic resources we have.” Given Grupo Puntacana’s
have kept on growing”, assures Bolívar. long history of creativity and persistence, we expect
Nowadays, Grupo Puntacana is improving their exciting new projects that will keep innovating the
carbon footprint by gradually moving into renewable tourism industry.
Samaná, frontón beach | Photo by Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism ©
Boulevard del Atlántico Cave, Samaná | Photo by Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism ©
Waves Tower
«Part of our growth strategy is to
continue working with high quality
while maintaining cost control. To
achieve this, we want to develop the
technological side of the business»
all the modifications, visits, and plans to be together in
a real-time platform to improve communication be-
tween areas and productivity.”
In the future, Cinter Construcción knows that
in order to continue being leaders in the sector, they
must keep making significant investments in the con-
tion of the W Hotel with 201 rooms and 65 suites. struction and renovation of hotels, as well as in the
And if that wasn’t enough, in the next six years they sustained qualification of its workforce. According to
will work with the Dominican government to develop Vásquez, “the biggest challenge is to efficiently man-
9,125 affordable housing apartments for low-income age resources and projects while maintaining ade-
residents in the northeast of Santo Domingo. quate quality and productivity standards. For this, it
Furthermore, as they continue to grow steadily, is necessary to have qualified personnel, and to focus
Cinter Construcción aims to implement new technolo- towards innovation, quality, and growth, which is pre-
gies that will allow them to maintain high construction cisely what we are working on.”
standards without
increasing their
operation costs.
As Vásquez
explains, “part of
our growth strat-
egy is to contin-
ue working with
high quality while
maintaining cost
control. To achieve
this, we want to
develop the tech-
nological side of
the business, so
we will implement
the PROCOR sys-
tem, which allows
ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES
Tourism
Casas del XVI Bedroom Detail Orchid
B
eing the only one-of-its-kind in San-
to Domingo, Casas del XVI has ac-
complished what few hotels around
the world have: to offer its guests
not just a luxurious environment
but a truly singular experience. “It is more than
a boutique hotel of special status; it is a project in Ciu-
dad Colonial that has set a precedent with the restoration
of the Dominican architectural heritage”, says the hotel’s
manager director, Ignacio Peñalver, explaining that the ho-
tel consists of individual houses –some dating as far back as
the 16th century- that have been meticulously restored and
combined into one inviting hotel experience, where stays
can be arranged in the exclusivity of a complete house or in
a traditional manner of a single room within the house, as
is best suited to solo travelers or couples.
Part of their success as a luxury boutique hotel has a
lot to do with how they understand luxury. As Peñalver
explains, “for us, luxury is an experience to be felt, not
Casas del XVI - Casa del Diseñador and Courtyard
Reinventing the hotel sector in the Dominican Republic
Focusing on experience-based tourism and combining real estate administration, boutique hotel operations, and
rental programs, HMS and its brand Mint Hotels and Residences, have created a new niche in the market.
“ It is not about staying in a hotel
room with a pretty view and air
conditioner. Any hotel can offer
that. It is about diving into the cul-
ture, the taste, the community. You leave sat-
isfied because you live an interesting experi-
ence, that is what Mint Hotels is about”, says
Miguelina Butron, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
at Mint Hotels and Residences, when asked about the
philosophy of their brand. They specialize in boutique
hotels where high-quality services, exquisite cuisine
and spectacular natural or cultural settings are a prior-
ity. As Mint Hotels and Residences’ CEO and founder,
Abelardo Melgen Acra explains, “we realized that in
the Dominican Republic the mainstream was the all-in-
clusive, so independent hotels could not add them-
selves to the market on their own, nor had the capital
to do so. As a company, we gave them the opportunity
to make themselves known internationally and began
to pave the way for independent and experi-
ence-hotels.”
Mint’s hotels are located all around the
Dominican Republic, surrounded by virgin
beaches, mountains, rivers or city life, and
guests can choose two or more destina-
tions within one visit to create a truly
unique experience. Their country-cir-
cuits include “Mint Retreat”, where
guests stay at the exclusive Bannister
Yacht Club hotel in Samaná, a coast-
al city in the northeast of the island,
and experience days of relaxation
at Mee Spa, yacht trips through
beautiful Samaná Bay, and hiking
to Salto del Limón, one of the coun-
try’s most scenic waterfalls.
Another circuit, “Three Des-
tinations One Culture”, takes
visitors to Regatta, an apartment
condominium with hotel services
in central Santo Domingo, to ex-
perience the cultural and gastro-
nomic offer of the Capital and the
«HMS is a group that is on
the lookout for trends, that
is not afraid of being the
first in something and getting
involved in that niche»
Special Report COUNTRY
REPORT 15
9.000 hotel rooms to be built in 2022
(Presidency of the DR)
36.1% growth in 2021 (January-October
2021) Hotels, Bars and Restaurants
US$ 559M in investments in 2021
(Asonahores)
One-of-its-kind luxury
experience in Ciudad Colonial
A unique collection of carefully restored historic houses offers its visitors private, safe and personalized
accommodation in the heart of the city.
«We can do much more than offer
beautiful beaches. We have more
attractions that will appeal to
different visitors»
IGNACIO PEÑALVER
seen.” This singular approach is based on three main
axes: privacy, uniqueness, and personalized service.
Guests have full exclusivity of the historic houses, and
therefore are free to use them as they will, while en-
joying personalized services of private butler, concierge,
chef and housekeeping. Unlike big hotel properties, the
houses are only accessible to registered guests, who can
enjoy a sense of serenity and privacy in exquisitely dec-
orated surroundings. Similarly, regarding their outreach
strategy, they privilege a more direct and purposeful
approach. As Peñalver explains, “even during the pan-
demic we continued to work with a low-key profile.” All
these peculiarities allow guests to “fully enjoy personal-
ized treatment and tailor-made experiences during their
visit”, assures Peñalver. Casas del XVI - Casa de los Mapas -Bedroom CONTACT US | www.casasdelxvi.net
Moreover, the hotel’s special configuration has prov-
en particularly attractive during these times of global ing tours, or visiting the booming offer of museums and
pandemic, as guests enjoy a safe hotel alternative thanks exhibitions. “We support these high-valued initiatives; I
to the complete and exclusive access to the villas. This get goosebumps from the idea of offering those oppor-
feeling of safety is also reinforced by the country’s ef- tunities to our guests”, assures Peñalver. Such initiatives
ficient management of the COVID-19 are certainly in line with current public
crisis, which was done allowing the pri- and private efforts to strengthen and di-
vate sector to take an active part in the versify the tourism sector in order to go
decision-making process. As of today, beyond the image of a sun and beach
the Dominican Republic has achieved «It is more than all-inclusive destination and attract a
a very high rate of vaccination, soon to a boutique hotel wider variety of visitors.
reach a 70% mark. “We have been able As Peñalver states, investing in the
to apply safety and precaution measures,
of special status, development and promotion of different
which have made possible a continuous it is a project in types of tourism like cultural, adventure
and successful reopening with results Ciudad Colonial and congress tourism, as well as ecotour- Casas-del-XVI-Casa-Macoris-Sala
that keep getting better. Other countries based on restoring ism, has become a more active approach, decision harmonizes with our purpose: to offer unique
have not acted as fast as we have”, says the Dominican as it certainly is the case for Casas del XVI high-end accommodations while restoring the architec-
Peñalver. and other projects being undertaken by tural heritage of this historical city”, assures Peñalver. By
architectural
In the future, Casas del XVI plans to the Terra República Dominicana Real Es- developing a unique business concept that profits from
integrate even more activities in Ciudad
heritage» tate Investment Fund, that is co-managed the country’s solid economic trajectory, this luxury bou-
Colonial by offering guests the chance to by its parent company Terra RD Partners tique hotel has demonstrated that it is possible to stay
take part in traditional cultural enterprises such as taking and INICIA. “We have a long-term vision, we are cau- true to your values and offer a one-of-a-kind luxurious
pottery lessons in Casa Alfarera, joining espadrille-mak- tious with every step we take. We make sure that every experience to its well discerned guests.
“Ciudad Colonial”, the
first city in the Ameri-
cas, and then brings them
north to Natura Cabana
ecolodge, a nature lov-
er’s paradise facing the
Atlantic Ocean and sur-
2008 global financial crisis,
which in the Dominican
Republic left a large num-
ber of prime properties that
couldn’t be easily sold. Tak-
ing advantage of this situa-
tion, they came up with the
rounded by mountains. idea to manage them as ho-
There guests can relish in tels, bringing the hospitality
the exquisite and locally services into the real estate
harvested organic cuisine, product. “We saw an oppor-
have a relaxing spa expe- tunity to profit from all the
Mint Experience at Haitises National Park, Samaná
rience, practice surfing or unsold properties and came
kitesurfing, go hiking, or up with a concept of luxury
enjoy yoga classes in the hotels, so we reinvented the «We are a regional brand with
extraordinary sea-facing, sector”, recalls Butron, who presence in Dominican Republic
tree covered YayaGym. “We have been able to come up is also partner at HMS. Nowadays, HMS functions as their and Panama, planning to keep on
with four combinations under Mint’s philosophy, to give holding company, offering a variety of services like hotel growing»
visitors some insight into what this country is, a coun- operations and rental programs, consultancy, condomini- MELGEN
try that surprises you”, assures Butron. um administration, project conceptualizations, sales and
As a brand, Mint Hotels and Residenc- marketing. Republic and Panama. In 2013, HMS opened a branch
es is part of HMS, Hospitality Manage- As time went by they saw the need to specialize, in Panama located in the most important building in
ment Solutions. HMS was created as so they kept HMS as their holding and developed sev- the city, and they currently manage 25 projects there.
an integral company, so both hoteliers eral brands for the different business they operated. “We are now a regional brand and we plan to keep on
and real estate developers could re- That is how Mint Hotels and Residences was born, but growing”, states Melgen.
ceive operational assistance to start also United Brookers, a real
a hospitality project. estate brand, and Mee Their latest project, Homebelike, is another ex-
CABARETE It was born Spa, a spa brand work- ample of that pioneering mentality. Launched a year
out of the ing in the Dominican ago, it is an exclusive vacation home rental platform
that offers additional services that are not available in
LAS TERRENAS common rentals, such as 24/7 customized concierge
services provided by highly-qualified “experience spe-
SAMANÁ cialists”. Homebelike counts with a unique collection
of vetted and verified rental homes, apartments and
PUERTO BAHÍA townhouses in six destinations in the Dominican Re-
BANNISTER public and two more in Panama and Colombia. They
also offer a wide selection of experiences guests can
enjoy, from zip-line line adventures in Punta Cana to
a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Punta Espada.
PUNTA Homelike is a vacation rental that provides you with
CANA a personalized service before, during, and after your
SANTO DOMINGO stay”, explains Melgen.
In the next couple of years, HMS plans to continue
expanding their brands regionally, adding new prop-
erties, and taking new trends such as vacation rentals
CASA DE CAMPO
CAP CANA and experience hotels to the spots they already man-
age. After all, as Helgen highlights, “HMS identifies as
CONTACT US www.hms.do a group that is on the lookout for trends, that is not
www.minthotelsresidences.com afraid of being the first in something and getting in-
www.homebelike.com
REGATTA volved in that niche.”
 16
COUNTRY
REPORT Special Report ONE WORLD MEDIA INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT
FOR KHALEEJ TIMES

Culture & Development 1

The Colonial City 1496, foundation First university, cathedral,
is a UNESCO World of the city of Santo castle, monastery, and
Heritage Site Domingo fortress in the New World

Calle Arzobispo Meriño, Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo |

Photo by Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism ©

Building a more inclusive, green and

safe city where people take center stage
Her office aims to recover public spaces, promote alternative and collective mobility, improve accessibility and safety.

“W
e want to guarantee
that once I finish my
term, those who live
here can say they
have a better liv-
ing standard”, says Carolina Mejía, Mayor of CAROLINA
Santo Domingo and General Secretary of the MEJÍA
Modern Revolutionary Party. Mayor Mejía is the MAYOR OF
first woman to run the city, and for over a year she has SANTO
been working on several programs oriented towards DOMINGO
that vision, to make Santo Domingo a healthier, safer
and friendlier place for all.
Her first challenge came soon after she took office,
when she was confronted with the COVID pandem-
ic. Having to deal with the uncertainty of those first
months, her office immediately took action and adapted
to the new reality. “The government plan designed for of its key work goals to address street harassment. “Every-
Carnaval Dominicano, Santo Domingo | Photo by Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism ©
the city had to be postponed and what mattered was the thing we do is directed towards these objectives, that no
safety of the people, their health. Therefore, from the be- So far, more than forty parks have been rebuilt and uses of public space, Mayor Mejía and her team have matter who you are, you feel good, safe and comfortable
ginning, we changed our strategy”, recalls Mayor Mejía. are now being enjoyed by citizens of all ages and con- been applying diverse strategies that involve relocating in your city”, says Mayor Mejía.
The first measures were aimed at cleaning the city and ditions, including those with disabilities. Similarly, May- street vendors to other places of the city, renovating Given the special attention Mayoress Mejía has placed
exhorting the population to stay at home, keeping their oress Mejía’s office has been working on “linear parks”, spaces so they can be better adapted to new uses, as on promoting social inclusion since the beginning of her
distance, using masks and even gloves as well as mak- sidewalk extensions that are being planted with trees well as educating citizens on cleaner and healthier ways mandate, it is no surprise her office has started being rec-
ing PPE suits mandatory for government employees. “All to create shade and adapted so people can walk, bicy- to use and maintain public spaces. As Mayor Mejía ex- ognized for it. Last December, the Mayor’s Authority of
our efforts focused on keeping the citizens safe, to make cle and practice other types of exercise, thus promoting plains, “the works that we’ve carried out have revolved the National District (ADN) received the gold seal at the
them understand that they should stay at home and fol- alternative forms of mobility beyond the use of private around the recovery of public spaces so they are clean, RD Incluye 2021 Award Ceremony, an event organized
low government measures”, assures Mayoress Mejía. cars. According to Mayor Mejía, “we have a beautiful painted, filled with trees, illuminated and well kept. by the National Council on Disability (CONADIS) and
As time went by, Mayor Mejía and program called “Plant your city” because With that, we wanted to transmit the the United Nations Development Program
her team incorporated cultural initia- it is essential to promote walking in San- idea that citizens deserve and should be (UNDP), which recognizes public and
tives, developed with local and mul- to Domingo. As we have hot tempera- treated with dignity.” private entities for their good inclusive
tilateral international organizations, tures here, we’re making sure the linear Another important element in this practices. Apart from her aforementioned
to stimulate creativity from home and «We want to parks are shaded by our endemic trees.” process of citizen empowerment have «With our works efforts, the prize highlights Mayor Mejía’s
help citizens cope with the exception- guarantee that They have also been promoting the been the efforts Mayor Mejía’s office has we wanted to initiative of creating the first Department
al situation. Fifteen months later, with once I finished my use of collective transportation, and placed into inclusion practices. One the transmit the of Inclusion in the country, as well as being
the city’s population almost fully vac- re-routing cargo vehicles out of the city one hand, they have been adapting parks, a pioneer in employing an official munic-
cinated and life resembling normality,
term, those who after the success of their pilot program squares and other public spaces so they
idea that citizens ipal sign language interpreter.
they were able to resume the execu- live here can say “Ponte en Ruta DN”, a joint public-pri- can be used by people with disabilities, for deserve and Throughout her time in office, May-
tion of pending works in the city. One they have a better vate effort aimed at reducing traffic con- whom access ramps and other special fea- should be treated or Mejía has demonstrated the citizens
of Mayor Mejía’s main focus has been life standard» gestion and its resulting air and noise tures have been installed. They have also with dignity» of Santo Domingo that with the right
on recovering and redeveloping pub- pollution in urban areas. These measures trained governmental employees on dis- investments and through common ef-
lic spaces. As it was stated in the 2030 resulted in a reduction of around 60% ability sensitization programs, and have forts, it is possible to have a cleaner,
strategic plan, a lot of efforts have been directed to- in traffic of cargo vehicles inside Santo Domingo, the promoted a historic agreement between INDOTEL, the greener, more human and inclusive city. No matter
wards rebuilding parks and squares, improving green equivalent of 4,000 fewer lorries. “There has been a Dominican Telecommunication Institute and the country’s what challenges await, we expect they will be handle
areas and children playgrounds, as well as installing positive response on the part of the business commu- telecom companies, to support access to their services to with the same combination of efficiency, transparency
new energy saving street lighting, in order for peo- nity, which together with the public sector, is willing to people with disabilities. One the other hand, Mayor Me- and humanity, always putting people needs first. After
ple to access public spaces where they can recreate embrace these changes with us”, assures Mayor Mejía. jía and her team have fully backed up the creation of the all, according to Mayor Mejía, “I have embraced pub-
healthily and safely. “The vision is that Santo Domin- In addition, they have been working on recovering first Support and Protection Unit for Women, Minors, the lic service from the heart, without particular interests,
go becomes a more walkable city, closer to the citi- public areas that were being used inadequately for eco- Elderly and the Disabled of the Municipal Police, whose and with the sole objective of improving the quality of
zen”, states Mayor Mejía. nomic activities. In order to transform such traditional purpose is to support and protect these groups, being one life of my people.”

Pabellón de las Naciones, an emblematic public space recovered by the mayor of Santo Domingo

Parque Mirador Sur - Av Anacaona, Santo Domingo | Photo by Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism © Alcazar de Colon, Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo | Photo by Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism ©