DP World and Punta Cana Free Trade Zone sign agreement for the development of an area cargo logistics center

Based on the vast experience of DP World in the management of logistics operations and multimodal cargo handling and the high connectivity of the Punta Cana International Airport, the signing of the agreement will allow the country to become a logistics HUB in the Caribbean.

Punta Cana, La Altagracia. – The provider of logistics solutions DP World and Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ), a company of the Puntacana Group, signed a joint investment agreement for the development of a Logistics Center, with the purpose of developing a multimodal platform for handling air, land and sea cargo.

This strategic alliance solidifies the position of the Dominican Republic as the most important trading point and logistics hub for air and sea cargo in the Caribbean. The Logistics Center will benefit from DP World’s extensive experience and world-class standards for handling logistics operations and multimodal cargo, as well as the high connectivity of the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), representing the international leadership of both companies. in the logistics and airport sectors, respectively.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Frank Elías Rainieri, president of the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone and the Puntacana Group; and Mr. Morten Johansen, CEO of DP World in the Dominican Republic.

Based on the agreement, the deployment of an intense regional commercial strategy begins to attract a greater volume of re-export and import cargo, from and to the main global markets. Likewise, the project promises to generate greater investments and increase the demand for labor in logistics, unleashing a greater revitalization of the economy in a non-traditional industry that is rapidly growing in the country.

“Free Trade Zone allows us to continue contributing to the increase in the country’s competitiveness and place the Dominican Republic on the world map as an air cargo HUB. Our objective with this project is to form alliances to increase connectivity in the nation, aware that the greater connectivity we can generate, either by air or by sea, the more attractive the country is for manufacturing and logistics companies in the region of the Americas and the world”, said Morten Johansen, CEO of DP World.

In turn, Frank Elías Rainieri expressed that “This new synergy will allow us to continue growing and not only maintain leadership, but also create new paradigms to turn the Dominican Republic into the most important logistics hub in the region. Both DP World and the Punta Cana International Airport are currently regional leaders in the airport, maritime, and logistics sectors; and this project will be a unique opportunity to promote the economic and social progress of the Dominican Republic”.

About PCFTZ

With an approximate investment of USD$200 million, the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone will house cargo logistics operations and offices for the development of the Punta Cana Hub for the innovation and development of Fintech companies, including an experienced company dedicated to the maintenance and aircraft repair (MRO). With an area of ​​546,617.45 m2 of land, the project will contribute to the sustained economic growth of the area, creating more than 10,000 jobs and positioning Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic as one of the leaders in international trade and foreign investment.

The PCFTZ, from its Air, Maritime and Land Logistics Center, will handle import, export, transshipment and parcel cargo in a 265,518 m² area and 75 thousand m² of construction, thus consolidating the process of cargo operations in cargo planes.

The volume of air cargo to be handled in the cold room facility will be up to 430 tons, with 5 ramp positions for wide-body cargo planes, once the project is completed. Depending on the configuration, up to a maximum of 108 tons per aircraft can be reached. Checking and verification technology will be through state-of-the-art double-vision X-ray machines and, eventually, a container checking machine will be added in line with the growth in cargo volumes.

About Punta Cana International Airport

Inaugurated in 1983, it is the first private aerodrome for international commercial use in the world, the one with the highest traffic in the Dominican Republic and the one with the greatest connectivity in the Caribbean, uniting 64 cities and 26 countries around the world, and mobilizing eight million passengers per year.

It has two runways, 27 boarding gates, 30 aircraft parking spaces and three VIP lounges. Likewise, it has its own Recycling and Incineration Center, where 60% percent of the waste it generates is recycled. Likewise, it is the first airport in the country to achieve the ASQ recognition for “Best in the Region” granted by the Airports Council International and to maintain it for six consecutive years, establishing itself as one of the 10 main airports in Latin America and the most important from the Caribbean.

About DP World

DP World is the world’s leading provider of intelligent logistics solutions that facilitate the flow of trade around the world. Its wide range of products and services covers all links in the supply chain from maritime and land terminals to marine services and industrial parks, as well as technology-driven customer solutions.

It has 190 business units in 69 countries located on 6 continents, through which they integrate sustainability into their activities, working to contribute to the economic and social growth of the communities in which they operate.

They have a dedicated and diverse team that is made up of more than 97,211 employees from 69 countries, which is committed to adding value to each client. They do this by building and growing long-lasting relationships with governments, shippers, merchants, and other players throughout the global supply chain.

They think ahead, anticipate change and implement technology tools to create smarter, more efficient and innovative business solutions while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on economies, communities and the planet.