Manuel Estrella calls for strengthening the infrastructure of the Northern region

In this regard, he called for strengthening Santiago’s urban infrastructure, which he described as being more than 20 years behind, citing the difficulties in navigating the communities of Gurabo, Tamboril, and Licey al Medio, as well as the lack of modern connectivity with the Northwest.

“We are 20 years behind in road infrastructure; we need a new aqueduct, projected for the next 30 years, since the current one was built in 1994,” he said.

He also urged the implementation of strategic projects such as the Amber Highway, which would connect Santiago with Puerto Plata in half an hour, linking the productive heartland with the tourist coast of the North Atlantic.

In his presentation on “Santiago’s Positioning: Growth and the National Economy” at the Capex Business Luncheon, the founder of Grupo Estrella also advocated for a modern highway between Santiago and San Francisco de Macorís, which would enhance the northeast agro-industrial corridor and facilitate greater connectivity with the northwest. He emphasized that these projects are not a luxury, but rather a necessary condition for sustaining regional economic development.

Manuel Estrella emphasized that Santiago’s greatest asset isn’t its industrial park or its productive capacity, but rather its human talent and culture of collaboration across sectors. “Here, even if business owners have differences, we always manage to reach an agreement when it comes to common projects,” he said.

The businessman stated that the Cibao region has, for decades, demonstrated leadership and a clear agenda for investing in physical and human capital, serving as a driving force for national development.

He indicated that the northern region has tourism potential, port infrastructure, and promotes human growth through employment, because it hasn’t sat back and waited for any government investment.

Highlights the GDP of the northern region

Estrella stated that the Gross Domestic Product of the Northern region is US$41.726 billion, surpassing Honduras and El Salvador, and the GDP per capita is US$11,970, surpassing Colombia.

He also recounted the initiatives in Santiago promoted by its citizens since the last century. He mentioned the free trade zone and all the organizations that grew out of the seed of the Apedi Development Association.

Vice President Raquel Peña attended the event, former President Leonel Fernández Reyna, Senator Daniel Rivera, Mayor Ulises Rodríguez, Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso, and representatives of the national business community.

Santiago did not arrive by chance

For his part, Miguel Lama, president of Funcapex, stated that what Santiago is experiencing today is no coincidence. “It is the fruit of decades of coordinated, consistent work committed to the values ​​that have shaped a reliable, visionary, and purposeful city,” the businessman stated during his speech.