President Luis Abinader presented the Dominican Republic as the ideal destination for textile and footwear industry investments during his participation in the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) Executive Summit on 6 March 2025 in Washington, D.C. He emphasized the country’s competitive advantages in infrastructure, connectivity, and political stability, the Ministry of Foreign Relations reported.
Speaking at the AAFA’s “Global Supply Chain and Trade” conference, Abinader highlighted the Dominican Republic’s thriving industrial and logistics platform, which is leading the way in Latin America and the Caribbean. He noted the country’s market-friendly policies, transparency, and stability, making it an ideal partner for any US business seeking sustainable growth.
“Not only is the Dominican Republic breaking records as a premier tourist destination, but its growth as a manufacturing hub is reinforcing secure and stable supply chains in North America while fostering domestic prosperity and social progress,” the President said.
Abinader added that one of the key lessons learned in recent years is the importance of resilient supply chains in the face of global disruptions, which have impacted various sectors, including the apparel and footwear industries. He explained that businesses are now reevaluating their strategies, with nearshoring emerging as a competitive solution to reduce logistics costs and minimize risks while providing markets with greater security and efficiency.
Strategic location and connectivity as key advantages
The Dominican Republic’s geo-strategic location in the heart of the Americas—just two hours by air and three days by sea from the US—provides undeniable advantages for companies in sectors like apparel and footwear that need to meet tight delivery deadlines. Abinader emphasized that the country’s proximity to key markets ensures quicker deliveries at competitive logistics costs.
“In addition to this enviable location, the connectivity we offer is exceptional. We are among the region’s leaders in both maritime and air connectivity, with major multinational corporations, airlines, and logistics companies establishing operations here,” he said.
The President also pointed out that the Dominican Republic boasts eight international airports with more than 182 daily flights connecting to nearly 170 international destinations. Recent Open Skies agreements with the US and Canada are expected to make air travel even more affordable.
“Our maritime connectivity was recognized last year by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development as the seventh-best in the region, out of 40 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Abinader noted.
The country also has world-class port infrastructure, with leading terminals like DP World Dominican Republic and the HIT Puerto Río Haina playing a vital role in maintaining global supply chains.
Abinader stressed that these logistical advantages open doors to more than 900 million consumers in regions covered by the country’s free trade agreements, including with the United States and the European Union.
Human capital and industry growth
The President further highlighted the Dominican Republic’s strong human capital as a major asset. The country’s young, skilled, and competitive workforce, combined with legal security and clear regulations, provides an ideal environment for international companies in the textile and apparel industries.
Abinader pointed to the country’s free zone regime as an example of this synergy, which has been operating efficiently for over five decades. It offers exemptions from income taxes and import duties, fostering investor confidence and stability. More than 850 companies operate in the country’s free zones, generating over US$8.6 billion in exports—accounting for 67% of the nation’s total exports—and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The textile and footwear industries, he said, have demonstrated remarkable resilience, with the country transitioning from light manufacturing to fully integrated production—from design and component manufacturing to finished products. This model has been a key factor in the Dominican Republic’s competitive edge in the global market.
Global supply chain
The President pointed out that the Dominican Republic is a leading exporter of footwear and women’s wool coats to the United States, and the country’s textile and footwear industries have contributed significantly to global supply chains. “Today, we are the leading exporter in Latin America of rubber or plastic-soled shoes and women’s wool coats to the US,” he said.
Abinader also acknowledged the significant contributions of major companies such as Hanes, which has been operating in the country for 50 years, adapting to global challenges while maintaining strong export performance under the free zones regime. He praised Hanes for its commitment to sustainability, with nearly 100% of its energy coming from renewable sources, including solar power and biomass energy generation.
Other notable textile companies in the country, including Gildan, Boomba, and Spirit Apparel, as well as footwear brands like Keen and Five Star, have established successful operations catering primarily to the U.S. market.
These companies and hundreds of others, Abinader said, have found the Dominican Republic to be an ideal location to compete and thrive. “These brands have become our best ambassadors, promoting the strengths and advantages of the Dominican Republic,” he added.
Looking to the future
The President concluded by emphasizing that the Dominican Republic is a safe and reliable destination, ready to welcome investments from the companies represented at the conference. He assured that the government will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen the country’s industrial and logistical infrastructure, positioning it as a world-class hub for nearshoring and a key player in global supply chains.
Abinader invited attendees to visit the Dominican Republic, experience the warmth and energy of its people, and explore the many opportunities the country offers. “The Dominican Republic is ready, willing, and capable of being your strategic partner as we build a safer and more resilient future together,” he concluded.
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Ministry of Foreign Relations
10 March 2025