SANTO DOMINGO. – President Luis Abinader declared yesterday, Monday, that the Government , together with the private sector , has made an investment of USD 531.5 million in port infrastructure.
In offering details about the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), the president explained that this government has paid off debts of RD$1.3 billion , an increase in income of 2.5 times more , with a monthly growth from RD$56 million to RD$140 million , with an annual surplus of RD$250 million of income over expenses.
During the weekly press conference, held every Monday in the Las Cariátides Hall of the National Palace , the president presented "Facing the Sea ," highlighting the progress made in the livestock and port sectors during his administration.
The head of state said that 60% of the port lands already have legal titles , thus improving legal security and investment.
Port Training Institute was inaugurated in 2023 , with an investment of RD$10 million by Apordom and the private sector.
He specified that work has been done to make the country a regional hub key logistics center USD 170 million for this purpose .
In this section on port modernization, Azua, Barahona, Puerto Plata, Pedernales (Cabo Rojo) and Samaná are mentioned
Details of modernization south, north and east
This group includes, in Azua, the West Marginal Dock , with an investment of RD 14 million for improvements.
In Barahona, dock 3: RD 23 million in repairs, and dock 4: RD 834 million (RD 132 million in conditioning by Apordom and RD 712 million by Mitur for cruise reception).
Meanwhile, the Cabo Rojo had an investment of RD 48 million.
North and East
Likewise, USD 101 million in the new port infrastructure of Puerto Plata, and in Santa Bárbara, in Samaná, RD14 million in the rehabilitation.
Growth in cruise tourism
1.27 million cruise passengers 510 cruises are projected for this year. The total number of cruise passengers for that same year is projected to be 2,626,529.
In 2023 there were 1,325,442 cruise passengers and in 2024, 2,258,941 cruise passengers.
Strategic projects underway
These include: the port of Manzanillo , with an investment of over USD 100 million, which will strengthen trade; likewise, Samaná Port Arroyo Barril , with an investment of USD 68 million , which will increase cargo capacity.
In the same vein are: Samaná Bayport , which will be a cruise tender and will have an investment of USD 12 million ; Boca de Yuma, with an expansion of key infrastructure and an investment of USD 204 million ; and the San Pedro-Puerto Rico Ferry, which will have a vital connection for the Caribbean that will boost tourism and trade and will have an investment of USD 12 million.
Port alliance and sustainability
The following are mentioned: Puerto Duarte (APP): first public-private investment of USD 68 million , to modernize and make the port more efficient and boost the local economy .
Green Ports Program: will include recycling and energy efficiency with LEDs, improvements for workplace health and environmental commitment.
Docks completed
Subsequently, the president detailed the completed docks and their costs, starting with Río San Juan (RD 177.8M); Cabrera (RD 65M); Cañita -Sabana de la Mar- (RD 14M); La Yeguada -Miches- (RD 65.8M); Cabeza de Toro (RD 16M); Sánchez -Samaná- (RD 59M); Palenque (RD 17.8M), and Salinas (RD 21.7M).
These are in addition to those of Puerto Plata (RD 56M); Catuano -Isla Saona – (RD 5.4M); Luperón -Veleros – (RD 12M); Luperón -Pescadores – (RD 11M); Boca Chica (RD 2.3M); Pedernales (RD 36M), and Boca de Yuma (RD 22M).
Dock projects under development
The State is also investing in other dock projects still under development that seek to guarantee growth and efficiency.
These are the ones for: Miches (El Asfalto), for tourist-fishing use at a cost of RD 17.8M; Sabana de la Mar, which will be rehabilitated and expanded with RD 14M; Haina Occidental , which will experience a logistical optimization with RD 13M; Caño de Yuti , which will have an improvement of local infrastructure for RD 42M, and Aguada (Samaná), for RD 60M, for a strategic coastal development.
Investment in fisheries development
In this respect, through the National Fishing Docks Plan , the Government is investing RD 730 million , providing vital infrastructure for 19 fishing docks already completed and another 6 under construction positively impacting some 1,500 families
Formalization of the fishing sector
For these purposes, President Abinader reported that 28,970 licenses have been granted to fishermen, noting that previously there were no records of legalized fishermen.
Additionally, 5,640 licenses were issued to companies, regulating and strengthening the sector, and 69 cooperatives were created, thus promoting organization and development.
Boosting aquaculture and fisheries production
To date, there are 430 aquaculture projects registered nationwide; 928,285 tilapia fingerlings donated to aquaculture producers; and partnerships are being promoted with the Dominican Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Research (IDIAF).
Fish production
National production currently stands at 69,359 metric tons and RD 3 billion in revenue.
Meanwhile, the ban for the period 2023-2025 for species protected by Decree 281-23 is extended to 2027 by Decree 266-25. Likewise, there are 19,928 import processes and 2,024 export processes managed.
Fisherman's welfare and training
Another achievement of the fishing sector has been the training of 4,749 fishermen through continuing education programs, allowing for the improvement of sustainable fishing and promoting safety.
The "My Neighborhood Fish Market" promotes local marketing, generates direct income , and shortens the value chain.
Additionally, 291 pensions have been granted , guaranteeing economic security and recognition of their work, as well as inclusion in SeNaSa.
Regarding the eel sector, RD 700MM , boosting the economy and generating employment opportunities.
Community programs and the future
Thanks to the 86,040 pounds of fish distributed by the fishermen through Inespre RD 15MM were generated , directly benefiting families.
With these measures, the Government's vision is to create a strong and sustainable fishing sector, the head of state concluded, assuring that investments in infrastructure, support for communities and the promotion of inclusive growth will continue.
