President Luis Abinader unveiled that a historic public-private investment of US$531.5 million has been invested recently in the Dominican Republic’s port infrastructure, describing it as a transformative step toward making the country a regional maritime and logistics hub.
Speaking during his weekly press briefing La Semanal con la Prensa held at the Presidential Palace under the theme “De Frente al Mar”, on 23 June 2025 Abinader detailed the government’s coordinated efforts with private stakeholders to modernize key ports, boost the fishing sector, and position the nation as a competitive player in international trade.
The President hailed the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) as a model of financial recovery and efficiency. Under his administration, the institution cleared debts totaling RD$1.3 billion, more than doubled its revenues (from RD$56 million to RD$140 million monthly), and now reports an annual surplus of RD$250 million.
The President also proudly announced that in a major legal and investment milestone, 60% of port land now has official titles, a historic achievement that boosts investor confidence and improves legal security around maritime assets.
Abinader said that to ensure future growth, in 2023, the government launched the Port Training Institute with an initial RD$10 million investment from Apordom and private partners, aiming to upskill workers in port operations and logistics. He also spoke of the Green Ports Program that promotes sustainable practices including LED lighting, recycling systems, and improved occupational health measures.
An estimated US$170 million investment is underway for modernizing of key ports. President Abinader explained that as the country pushes forward the country objective of becoming the key logistics center in the Caribbean and Central American region, some US$170 million have been allocated for modernizing ports in Azua, Barahona, Puerto Plata, Pedernales (Cabo Rojo) and Samaná.
In detailed breakdowns:
• Azua: RD$14 million invested in improvements to the Marginal West Dock.
• Barahona: RD$23 million for Dock 3, and RD$834 million for Dock 4, including cruise terminal upgrades in partnership with the Tourism Ministry.
• Cabo Rojo: RD$48 million invested in the new cruise terminal.
• Puerto Plata: USD$101 million for major port infrastructure upgrades.
• Samaná: RD$14 million for rehabilitation in Santa Bárbara.
The global tourism sector has responded with the Dominican Republic becoming a leading global cruise destination. Indeed, the cruise sector has seen rapid growth, with 1.27 million cruise passengers arriving by April 2025, and projections reaching 2.6 million tourists and 510 ships by the year’s end.
President Abinader highlighted several ongoing high-impact projects:
• Manzanillo Port: Over US$100 million to boost trade capacity.
• Arroyo Barril (Samaná): US$68 million for cargo expansion.
• Samaná Bayport: US$12 million cruise tender terminal.
• Boca de Yuma: US$204 million for key infrastructure upgrades.
• Ferry Link (San Pedro–Puerto Rico): US$12 million for tourism and commerce enhancement.
He spoke of the Puerto Duarte APP in Samana marks the country’s first public-private port investment, with US$68 million to revamp port facilities and spur local economic growth.
The President mentioned that the completed piers across the nation are:
Río San Juan (RD$177.8M), Cabrera (RD$65M), Sabana de la Mar -Cañita (RD$14M), Miches -La Yeguada (RD 65.8M), and others in Cabeza de Toro, Sánchez (Samaná), Palenque, Salinas, Catuano (Saona Island), Boca Chica, Pedernales, and Luperón.
Among the docks under construction to improve tourism and fishing logistics:
• Miches (El Asfalto): RD$17.8M for a tourism-fishing pier.
• Sabana de la Mar: RD$14M for expansion.
• Haina Occidental: RD$13M for logistics upgrades.
• Caño de Yuti: RD$42M in infrastructure improvements.
• Aguada (Samaná): RD$60M for coastal development.
Fishing industry reforms and growth
As part of a national plan, the government has invested RD$730 million in 25 fishing docks—19 completed and 6 underway—benefiting over 1,500 families.
The Dominican Council for Fisheries and Aquaculture (Codopesca) has formalized the industry by issuing 28,970 licenses to fishers and 5,640 to companies, and establishing 69 cooperatives nationwide.
Other achievements include:
• 430 aquaculture projects registered.
• 928,285 tilapia fingerlings distributed to fish farmers.
• 69,359 metric tons of fish produced, generating RD$3 billion in revenue.
A total of 4,749 fishers have been trained in sustainable techniques, and 291 pensions were granted to support economic security.
The President mentioned the Pescadería de Mi Barrio initiative helps local fishers sell directly in neighborhoods, while partnerships with the governmental Inespre helped distribute 86,040 pounds of fish, resulting in RD$15 million in sales.
In the growing eel sector, RD$700 million in investments have created jobs and energized coastal economies.
Read more in Spanish:
Presidency
24 June 2025