Investment

With the largest economy in Central America and the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is known for its positive attitude towards foreign investments. According to the World Bank, the Dominican Republic was ranked as the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) recipient in the Caribbean in 2012. In 2012, FDI flows into the Dominican Republic grew 59% on the back of the acquisition by Anheuser-Busch InBev of Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, the country’s largest brewer, for more than US$1.23 billion. Even without this acquisition, however, FDI in the Dominican Republic would have been up on 2011, driven by increased investments in electricity, manufacturing and mining. Investment was also up in manufacturing in export processing zones, tourism and real estate.

The Dominican Republic has a strong consolidated financial sector and a well-organized business community. This provides newcomers with networks for rapidly inserting themselves into industry and commerce. Geographically located near major markets, the Dominican Republic is at the center of the Americas. As such, it has signed trade agreements that provide privileged market access to and from the United States, Europe, Central America and the Caribbean.

The Dominican Republic has the most flights from most countries in the Caribbean and is served by eight international airports. Expressways and roads make it easy to travel to all three coasts of the country, the south, east and north.

Other pluses for doing business in the country include its abundant work force, including both non-skilled and highly skilled staff. There is a young and talented population, including a large number of bilingual workers.

Making matters even better, the country has a 10 million domestic market.

Outside economic reasons, the weather, natural and cultural attractions of the Dominican Republic make it an attractive place to live and raise a family. A leading world tourism destination, the country has more than 65,000 hotel rooms and 26 golf courses at beach, city and mountain destinations. There is excellent shopping with goods from all around the world, sophisticated restaurants and nightlife.

For a general overview on investing in tourism in the Dominican Republic, see http://www.godominicanrepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DR-guia-inversiones-ENG-LR.pdf

For updated economic reports on the Dominican Republic, see www.bancentral.gov.do/english/index-e.asp

The Center for Export and Investments (CEI-RD) is the Dominican government organization that assists investors.

www.investinthedr.com

www.cei-rd.gov.do/ceird/pdf/brochures/investment_brochure.pdf

For questions and answers contact the Department for Investment Promotion and Development of the Ministry of Tourism: invest@godominicanrepublic.com

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