DR Customs chief declares logistics the nation’s ‘new economic axis’ in address to UASD students

Santo Domingo.- Dominican Republic Director General of Customs (DGA), Yayo Sanz Lovatón, delivered a powerful address to students at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) this week, proclaiming the logistics sector as the country’s “new economic axis” and a critical area for professional interest.

Speaking to the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, Sanz Lovatón presented compelling data illustrating the exponential growth of logistics activity over the past five years and its robust future projections. The Customs Director motivated students from economics, foreign trade, and related disciplines to focus on the sector, citing its increasing strategic importance.

Customs drives national fiscal health

Sanz Lovatón underscored the DGA’s critical financial role, revealing the institution is the nation’s second-largest tax collector. Between 2021 and 2024, Customs accounted for an average of 22.64% of total state revenue and 3.4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024.

The Customs Director’s presentation highlighted the DGA’s recent achievements. As of September 2025, the institution has collected RD$195.203.32 million, representing an increase of 6.08% compared to the same period last year. During the five years of management led by Sanz Lovatón, accumulated revenue has surpassed RD$1.15 trillion pesos, significantly contributing to improving the Dominican government’s fiscal balance.

“We have created a new economic axis,” the official emphasized to the attendees.

The “24-hour dispatch” success

Key to the logistics boom is the DGA’s operational efficiency. Sanz Lovatón celebrated the “24-Hour Dispatch” program, noting that over 90,000 containers have been processed in less than a day, benefiting more than 8,000 importers.

He credited this program, alongside the new Customs Law 168-21 and the Logistics Centers and Operators Law 30-24, with successfully attracting major global corporations to establish their regional distribution hubs in the Dominican Republic.

Furthermore, the Director announced that exports surpassed US$13 billion in 2024, solidifying the trade sector’s position as the largest generator of foreign currency and income for the Dominican economy.

UASD Rector Editrudis Beltrán Crisóstomo acknowledged the DGA Director, commending his contributions to the university, particularly the strong support and opportunities provided to UASD interns within the Customs administration.

The lecture was a featured event in the UASD’s academic program celebrating its 487th anniversary.