The Listín Diario newspaper reports that Dominican apparel exports grew 7.3% in value and 4% in volume during the first four months of the year. This rate of increase is similar to the world average for the period. This is a faster pace of growth than that achieved during the same period last year, when exports (volume) increased 3%. Forecasts are for a 10% increase this year, more than last year’s 7% increase. Statistics provided by the Consejo Nacional de Zonas Francas, the government organization that oversees the operation of free zones in the DR, show that up to the first week of June, 33 new free zone plants have been approved representing an investment of RD$687.3 million. These will employ 6,128 persons. Of the 33 new companies, 17 are not apparel industries, continuing with the diversification trend of the national free zone sector. The new plants include footwear, cigar production, plastics and services industries. Textile exports, nevertheless, continue to make up the greater share of Dominican free zone exports. This year they are expected to reach US$2,800-US$3,000 million, up from US$2,400 million in 1998. Despite being affected by the NAFTA agreement that allows quota free exports from Mexico to the United States and Canada, the DR has kept its own. The DR is the fifth largest exporter of apparel to the US behind Mexico, Korea, India and Canada. Mexican exports grew 20.64% during the first four months of the year.
