President Luis Abinader was present for the start of the expansion of the La Romana Free Zone on 14 January 2021. As reported, Central Romana Agroindustrial is investing RD$600 million in the development.
President Abinader said the expansion reflects the confidence in the future of the Dominican Republic. He said the free zone is experiencing increased demand for more space by companies, including some that already operate in the park.
The expansion includes new space for Tabacalera de Garcia operations. Tabacalera de García is the world’s largest producer of cigars, with 5,500 employees. Tabacalera de García manufacturers cigars for many well-known brands and supplies nearly 30% of global demand. Cigar exports are 10% of total Dominican exports.
Luis Emilio Rodriguez, director of the La Romana Free Zone Operator, said that the company pioneered the export free zone business model in the Dominican Republic more than five decades ago.
He said that foreign companies have trusted in the future of the country and continue to contribute to the economy. He explained that in October and November of last year, the government presented plans for the re-launching of the free zones and the tobacco industry. Private and public sector are working on converting the DR into an industrial hub in the Caribbean and consolidating the country’s position as a world leader in the export of tobacco.
Present for the event were the ministers, José Ignacio Paliza, Administrative of the Presidency and Luis Miguel de Camps, of Labor, and Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, general director of the Customs Agency.
The hosts for Central Romana were Eduardo Martínez Lima, executive vice president of Central Romana; Regine Wolfgramm, general manager of Tabacalera de García; Leo Matos García and Eduardo Martínez-Lima Gonzalvo, administrative vice presidents for Central Romana. Also participating were Julio López, administrator of Operadora Zona Franca Romana and Daniel Liranzo, executive director of the National Council of Free Zones.
The La Romana manufacturing zone began operations in 1969.
Read more in Spanish:
Presidency
15 January 2021