We hope that some of the planned investments in road infrastructure will be allocated to the construction of concrete pavements, since in addition to fuel savings, they have lower conservation and maintenance costs throughout their useful life, among other benefits.” Félix González.
SANTO DOMINGO.- The cement industry in the Dominican Republic is responsible for generating more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing services in the production and marketing of this vital input for the construction sector.
The study “Impact of the cement industry on the Dominican economy”, released yesterday by ADOCEM, the Dominican Association of Portland Cement Producers, highlights the more than 1,976 direct jobs in that sector, with annual salaries exceeding RD$1.3 billion.
“When you add up the direct and indirect jobs created in the production and marketing of cement, the sector impacts more than 30,000 jobs,” explained economist Roberto Despradel, who was in charge of presenting the document.
The study highlighted the significant tax contribution the sector makes to the Dominican State, receiving approximately RD$8.149 billion directly each year. Indirectly, through its various supply chains, the cement industry contributes over RD$8 billion in tax revenue.
“In local purchases of goods and services, the cement industry invested RD$ 21,851.90 million pesos in 2021,” Despradel highlighted.
In total, the Dominican cement industry contributed RD$43 billion pesos to the local economy in 2021, representing 0.8% of its contribution to development in that year.
The president of ADOCEM, Félix González, stated that the industry is an essential part of progress in the construction sector, since cement is a basic intermediate good in construction activity and is an essential material in infrastructure works and other civil constructions. Therefore, with quality products, the industry supports the development of these large and small works that drive the country's progress, making it more competitive.
“You will hear us repeatedly mention the possible incorporation of cement and concrete in highways and rural roads. Despite all the environmental and economic benefits they offer, the Dominican Republic lags behind in concrete pavement construction, while in Europe and the United States this solution is highly developed. We hope that some of the planned investments in road infrastructure will be allocated to concrete pavements, since in addition to fuel savings, they have lower conservation and maintenance costs throughout their lifespan, among other advantages,” González emphasized.
The presentation included a presentation by the Minister of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), Deligne Ascención Burgos, who referred to the evolution and importance of construction in the history of humanity.
“Since time immemorial, construction has been a symbol of the progress of peoples. The evolution of construction has followed a long path to this day,” described engineer Ascención.
He referred to the role played by ADOCEM member companies in the development of new construction materials, becoming increasingly specialized and innovative.
“You are the pioneers of new, more resistant or more economical techniques, with which we must work together to align with the demands of the productive sectors, with tourism, or with the interconnections and urban development of modernity,” Ascención explained.
The Minister of Public Works and Communications highlighted the support that the Government offers to the private construction sector, especially that provided by ADOCEM, whom he reiterated "are undoubtedly the most advanced companies in the innovation of materials, equipment and construction techniques.".
