Zona
Franca Puerto PlataAbout Us
A Brief History of the Puerto Plata Industrial Free Zone
In the early 1970's a group of Puerto Plata residents undertook to establish a duty free industrial park in the region. Among these pioneers were Dr. Jose Augusto Puig, Severino Galan, Jose Joaquin Redondo, Lupo de Lemos and Fernando Cueto.
By virtue of Decree No 4111 of November 23, 1973, the Puerto Plata Free Zone Development Commission was established. A few months later, on April 13, 1974, Decree Number 4522 established the property as Public Domain.
On July 18 of the same year, under Decree Number 210, the Puerto Plata Industrial Free Zone become incorporated under Law 520 as a non-profit entity. It was in 1980 that the Dominican government contributed the resources to build the free zone, under the supervision of the Industrial Development Corporation.
The free zone began operations in 1983 under the direction of a board of directors composed of prominent Puerto Plata businessmen. Its first President was Mr. Ramon Gilbert.
Objectives
The free zone's principal objective is the creation of employment and better conditions for workers. An aggressive campaign to attract national and international manufacturers resulted in a significant number of new jobs for the city.
There are currently seven factories operating in the free zone with a capacity for 24.
Income
The free zone's income is derived from renting its factory buildings and facilities.