This Thursday the first edition of the Dominican Republic Logistics Summit 2024 (DRLS2024), a summit whose main objective was to make the world aware that the Dominican Republic is a world-class logistics hub.
The closing ceremony was presided over by Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Director General of Customs (DGA), Jaak Rannik, President of the Dominican Republic Shipping Association (ANRD), and the Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, Victor (Ito) Bisonó.
During his speech, Jaak Rannik thanked the national and international attendees and highlighted the achievements of DRLS2024, while emphasizing the need for approval of the project. Law on Logistics Centers and Operators, pending approval in the Chamber of Deputies and which has the consensus of the main actors in the public and private sectors.
On your side Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, stated that: “The modernization of our Customs has been fundamental to convert the Dominican Republic into the main hub logistics of the region.”
He said that the approval of Customs Law 168-21 in record time demonstrates the country's ability to adapt to modern demands in a globalized world, especially today with a technological review of the cargo that went from 60% to 96%, strengthening the security of the Hub logistics and attracting international investment.
He concluded that the country has the only highly connected port-airport in the hemisphere, positioning it as a key logistics hub in the heart of the Americas, currently serving more than 55 countries and 170 international destinations.
Ito Bisonó stated that "The Dominican Republic's excellent air, sea, and port connectivity has been a key factor in developing efficient logistics operations and positioning the country as a leader in the region."
"Also important was the creation, in 2023, of the Logistics Development Office, which we are chairing from the Ministry together with the coordination of the General Directorate of Customs, and from where we will continue to promote the growth of this key sector of the economy," he added.
He also highlighted the discussion of the Bill on Logistics Centers, Logistics Center Operating Companies, and Logistics Operating Companies, which, once approved, is expected to strengthen the Dominican Republic's competitive position in the dynamic global trade landscape.
The first day of DRLS2024 featured keynote addresses and panels on "Supply Chain Connectivity"; "Sustainability and Climate Change: How to Turn a Challenge into an Opportunity"; "Artificial Intelligence Applied to Business, Present and Future"; and "The Fourth Turning: When Supply Chain Innovation Meets the Opportunity of Nearshoring." It also featured a special address by the Mayor of Tangier, Morocco, entitled "Connecting Continents: The Multi-Level Impact of Tanger Med on Global Prosperity."
The second day addressed the topic: "The Fourth Turn: When Supply Chain Innovation Meets the Opportunity of Nearshoring," and also included guided tours of the Haina and Caucedo Logistics Activity Zones (ZAL).
As a contribution to the social axis of sustainable development, the Dominican Republic Logistics Summit 2024 held, within the framework of the event, the seminar: "Challenges and opportunities of the logistics sector in the Dominican Republic," led by Marco Lara-Gracia (Ph.D), academic at the University of Southern Indiana, United States, and vice president for Latin America at Tompkins Ventures.
The summit concluded with an audiovisual recap of the day and a powerful closing speech announcing the second edition of DRLS in April 2025.
DRLS2024 was sponsored by DP World, Hit Puerto Río Haina, Banreservas, Banco BHD, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), Crowley, DPH, and Sans Soucí, among other important strategic allies.
