SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic has achieved a landmark economic milestone as its free trade zone sector now employs over 200,000 workers directly, President Luis Abinader revealed. This record-breaking employment figure underscores a powerful economic resurgence and robust investor confidence in the Caribbean nation.
President Abinader attributed this achievement to the collective efforts of thousands of dedicated employees and the country’s strengthened reputation as a stable and trustworthy destination for international investment. Since taking office, his administration has prioritized economic revitalization, enhanced productivity, and the construction of a more resilient development framework.
The dramatic recovery is put into sharp relief by data from Industry Minister Ito Bisonó. He confirmed that the sector hit a devastating low in April 2020, with employment plummeting to just 119,974 jobs amid the global pandemic. In a remarkable turnaround over the subsequent five years, the industry has not only recovered but surged, generating more than 80,000 new positions. This represents a striking 67% growth rate, propelling the sector to its highest employment level in history.