Dominican Republic moves to develop dry ports along Haiti border
Santo Domingo.- Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó led the first high-level inter-institutional meeting to coordinate the implementation of Decree No. 166-26, which declares the development of dry ports along the Dominican-Haitian border a matter of high national interest.
The initiative seeks to modernize border infrastructure, strengthen competitiveness and unlock the area’s economic and logistical potential, while improving trade facilitation, customs control, border security and investment.
Bisonó said the development of dry ports requires coordinated action across government agencies and the private sector rather than focusing solely on infrastructure. He proposed the Comendador–Belladère corridor as a potential pilot project that could generate experience for similar initiatives in other border areas.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministries of Finance and Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, the General Directorate of Customs (DGA), DGII, ProDominicana, the National Competitiveness Council, IDAC, the Dominican Port Authority, Border Development and private-sector organizations including Adozona, Asologic, Conep and AIRD.
Participants reviewed their respective responsibilities and identified areas requiring coordination to establish a common roadmap for implementing the dry ports.
Dry ports declared a national priority
Issued on March 16, 2026, Decree 166-26 authorizes the design, financing, construction, equipment, operation and maintenance of dry ports in Dajabón, Elías Piña, Independencia and Pedernales.
The land-based logistics facilities will operate under procedures applicable to primary customs zones and are intended to streamline foreign trade operations while supporting the Dominican Republic’s goal of becoming a regional logistics hub.
The decree also instructs the Executive Branch, through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, and in coordination with the DGA, to identify and negotiate with Haitian authorities strategic border areas for international trade.
