According to the executive director of the Consejo Nacional de Zonas Francas de Exportación, Gabriel Castro, exports of free zones will reach US$3,000 million in 1998, generating foreign exchange for US$800 million. Exports are up 15% compared to last year’s total US$2,600 million. This is a 52% increase over year 1996, when exports were US$1,900 million. There are 492 free zone companies in the DR that generate employment for 191 ,000 persons, up from 182,000 employees in 1997. Estimates are that by the end of this year some 500 companies will be in operation generating 200,000 jobs.
