Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM) Eduardo (Yayo) Sanz Lovatón declared on Tuesday, 13 May 2026 in Panama City, that the Dominican Republic is entering a pivotal era for technology-driven free zones. Speaking at the Latin American Ministerial Round Table during the 12th World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) Congress (12 to 14 May 2026), Sanz Lovatón emphasized that the country is aggressively seeking high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) focused on innovation, tech transfer, and specialized employment.
The Dominican delegation was led by President Luis Abinader who was accompanied by Minister Sanz Lovaton, ProDominicana director Biviana Riveiro and the Dominican ambassador to Panama, Roberto Salcedo.
A Strategic shift toward advanced manufacturing
Addressing global trade shifts, Sanz Lovatón argued that the traditional model of free zones must be replaced by a more sophisticated operational framework. “Free zones can no longer be limited to tax regimes or traditional manufacturing spaces,” the Minister stated. “They must evolve into platforms for innovation, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and global services.”
Sanz Lovatón highlighted the Dominican Republic’s strategic advantages for nearshoring, specifically its proximity to both North and South American markets. He noted that the United States remains the region’s primary partner, accounting for approximately 38% of the FDI received by Latin America in 2024. This connection, he argued, reinforces the potential for deeper productive integration with North America.
The presentation followed President Luis Abinader’s keynote address at the opening of the World Free Trade Zones Organization Summit. During the speech, President Abinader highlighted that major global tech players are deepening their ties with the country. Tech giants Google and NVIDIA are new stakeholders in the Dominican Republic. The President stated that these partnerships validate the Dominican model and project it toward a digital future. He highlighted the development of a spaceport in Pedernales as evidence of a forward-thinking national vision aimed at capturing a share of the emerging global aerospace market.
Regional advantages and competitive drivers
The Minister outlined several key factors that position the region—and the Dominican Republic specifically—as a competitive hub for global trade:
• Energy and resources: Availability of clean energy and critical minerals.
• Demographics: A young, growing workforce capable of filling specialized roles.
• Environmental assets: Rich biodiversity and a focus on sustainable development.
• Public-private partnerships: Utilizing the synergy between government and the private sector to strengthen legal certainty and competitiveness.
About the World FZO Congress
The 12th World FZO Congress, themed “Free Zones in the New Global Operating Model: Challenges and Opportunities,” convened more than 1,000 participants from 70 countries. The gathering included heads of state, over 30 ministers, and leaders from multilateral organizations. The World FZO remains the preeminent international body representing special economic zones and free trade hubs globally.
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Ministry of Industry & Commerce
14 May 2026