Growth + Air Connectivity (DR Update)
Three signals are converging for Dominican free zones: (1) logistics infrastructure is being expanded to
support more resilient, near-market supply chains; (2) manufacturing activity tied to free zones
continues to show measurable growth and sector diversification; and (3) improved air connectivity in
the Cibao strengthens executive access, supplier travel, and commercial momentum. For U.S.
manufacturers, this combination reduces time-to-launch risk more than any single cost advantage.
1) Logistics resilience is becoming a board-level priority
A DP World global survey report notes that disruption is no longer episodic — it’s frequent,
multi-causal, and expensive. The report emphasizes that companies are shifting from reactive
firefighting to proactive investments in reliability, infrastructure quality, and integrated logistics. Notably
for the Dominican Republic, DP World references berth/terminal expansion at its port in Caucedo as
part of the infrastructure response.
Why this matters for free zones: nearshoring works when inbound materials and outbound finished
goods can move predictably. Port reliability and inland connectivity become a competitive differentiator
— not a background utility.
2) Free-zone-linked manufacturing continues to expand and diversify
Recent reporting highlighted measurable year-over-year growth in Dominican manufacturing through
late 2025, with the expansion concentrated in free zones. The narrative reinforces an operational point:
the Dominican Republic isn’t only a labor story — it’s an industrial platform that keeps adding
capabilities (electronics, medical devices, tobacco, textiles, etc.) and expanding the number of
industrial parks.
Why this matters for PIZFN prospects: diversification increases the density of suppliers, technicians,
and support services — lowering the friction of scaling operations and improving time-to-recovery when
disruptions happen.
3) Cibao connectivity improves for executives and technical teams
Copa Airlines has resumed Santiago (Cibao) operations, increasing connectivity between the north of
the Dominican Republic and major markets across the Americas via Panama’s hub. For free zonetenants, this is not a convenience — it impacts the cadence of problem-solving: faster travel for
engineering, quality, supply chain, and leadership teams.
Why this matters: the fastest plants win. When travel is easier, issues get resolved in days, not weeks.
What this means for U.S. manufacturers evaluating nearshoring
If you are choosing a location for a North America supply chain footprint, weigh: (a) reliability of
logistics and energy; (b) labor availability and scalability; (c) speed-to-launch; and (d) ecosystem
density (suppliers, compliance, specialized services). The Dominican Republic continues to strengthen
on the resilience + ecosystem axis — which often matters more than marginal wage differences.
PIZFN angle: execution > promises
At Parque Zona Franca Navarrete, the operating model is built for predictability: practical coordination,
clear utilities management, and a speed-first approach to getting tenants running. In a world where
disruption is normal, the park that can launch reliably — and recover quickly — becomes the strategic
choice.
Sources
• DP World report highlights supply chain disruption + near-market logistics; mentions berth/terminal expansion at
Caucedo (Dominican Republic): https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/01/27/3226541/0/en/DP-World-Re
port-Highlights-Rising-Cost-of-Disruption-and-Supply-Chain-Realignment-Across-the-Americas.html
• Infobae summary on Dominican manufacturing growth and the role of free zones; references 49 new companies
approved in 2025 and expansion of industrial parks: https://www.infobae.com/republica-dominicana/2026/01/28/industri
as-manufactureras-dominicanas-encabezan-el-crecimiento-economico-del-pais/
• Copa Airlines restarts Santiago (STI) route; improves business connectivity for the Cibao region with strong
industrial/free zone base: https://robertocavada.com/nacionales/2026/01/30/copa-airlines-consolida-su-presencia-en-la-
republica-dominicana-con-el-reinicio-de-operaciones-a-santiago-de-los-caballerosThree signals are converging for Dominican free zones: (1) logistics infrastructure is being expanded to
support more resilient, near-market supply chains; (2) manufacturing activity tied to free zones
continues to show measurable growth and sector diversification; and (3) improved air connectivity in
the Cibao strengthens executive access, supplier travel, and commercial momentum. For U.S.
manufacturers, this combination reduces time-to-launch risk more than any single cost advantage.
1) Logistics resilience is becoming a board-level priority
A DP World global survey report notes that disruption is no longer episodic — it’s frequent,
multi-causal, and expensive. The report emphasizes that companies are shifting from reactive
firefighting to proactive investments in reliability, infrastructure quality, and integrated logistics. Notably
for the Dominican Republic, DP World references berth/terminal expansion at its port in Caucedo as
part of the infrastructure response.
Why this matters for free zones: nearshoring works when inbound materials and outbound finished
goods can move predictably. Port reliability and inland connectivity become a competitive differentiator
— not a background utility.
2) Free-zone-linked manufacturing continues to expand and diversify
Recent reporting highlighted measurable year-over-year growth in Dominican manufacturing through
late 2025, with the expansion concentrated in free zones. The narrative reinforces an operational point:
the Dominican Republic isn’t only a labor story — it’s an industrial platform that keeps adding
capabilities (electronics, medical devices, tobacco, textiles, etc.) and expanding the number of
industrial parks.
Why this matters for PIZFN prospects: diversification increases the density of suppliers, technicians,
and support services — lowering the friction of scaling operations and improving time-to-recovery when
disruptions happen.
3) Cibao connectivity improves for executives and technical teams
Copa Airlines has resumed Santiago (Cibao) operations, increasing connectivity between the north of
the Dominican Republic and major markets across the Americas via Panama’s hub. For free zonetenants, this is not a convenience — it impacts the cadence of problem-solving: faster travel for
engineering, quality, supply chain, and leadership teams.
Why this matters: the fastest plants win. When travel is easier, issues get resolved in days, not weeks.
What this means for U.S. manufacturers evaluating nearshoring
If you are choosing a location for a North America supply chain footprint, weigh: (a) reliability of
logistics and energy; (b) labor availability and scalability; (c) speed-to-launch; and (d) ecosystem
density (suppliers, compliance, specialized services). The Dominican Republic continues to strengthen
on the resilience + ecosystem axis — which often matters more than marginal wage differences.
PIZFN angle: execution > promises
At Parque Zona Franca Navarrete, the operating model is built for predictability: practical coordination,
clear utilities management, and a speed-first approach to getting tenants running. In a world where
disruption is normal, the park that can launch reliably — and recover quickly — becomes the strategic
choice.
Sources
• DP World report highlights supply chain disruption + near-market logistics; mentions berth/terminal expansion at
Caucedo (Dominican Republic): https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/01/27/3226541/0/en/DP-World-Re
port-Highlights-Rising-Cost-of-Disruption-and-Supply-Chain-Realignment-Across-the-Americas.html
• Infobae summary on Dominican manufacturing growth and the role of free zones; references 49 new companies
approved in 2025 and expansion of industrial parks: https://www.infobae.com/republica-dominicana/2026/01/28/industri
as-manufactureras-dominicanas-encabezan-el-crecimiento-economico-del-pais/
• Copa Airlines restarts Santiago (STI) route; improves business connectivity for the Cibao region with strong
industrial/free zone base: https://robertocavada.com/nacionales/2026/01/30/copa-airlines-consolida-su-presencia-en-la-
republica-dominicana-con-el-reinicio-de-operaciones-a-santiago-de-los-caballeros