The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Doctor Jose Ramón González Pérez, has announced the approval of five new industrial free zone companies, bringing a total investment of RD$51.5 million. The new industries are in the parks in Las Americas, Bani, Santiago and La Vega. The companies are Gta International (medical items), Gaeir Industries (textiles), InterCaribbean Connection (textiles), Mantis International (boxes for cigars), and the USM Company of Puerto Rico (footwear).