Abinader inaugurates the upgrade of the Port of Barahona for tourism and commerce
President Luis Abinader opened the upgraded Port of Barahona, an initiative that is part of the government policy for the economic recovery of the country and promoting the tourist and commercial development of this province.
The president explained that the works contemplated the expansion of the mooring area of the ships, through the demolition of the existing structure.
Likewise, the construction of five new dukes of dawn, with the capacity to withstand the operations of vessels up to 650 feet in length.
The head of state reported that in addition there was an increase in the depth of the port’s entrance channel and maneuvering area, increased to eleven meters.
He explained that this will allow the entry of 40,000-ton ships, the installation of metal piles, and access walkways that guarantee the durability of the structure and facilitate maritime operations.
“The rehabilitation of the Port of Barahona represents an infrastructure that will allow the docking of cruise ships, containers, and the loading of mineral products, which will make it one of the most attractive and active ports in the country and will promote the tourist and commercial development of Barahona”, said Abinader.
He made it clear that, if the recovery is to be sustained over time, and generate the desired long-term benefits, it is necessary to invest in physical capital to fit the global framework and be competitive in the long term.
Abinader stressed that the privileged position of the port qualifies it to become an element of regional logistics, connecting the south of the country with important destinations in the Dominican Republic, the United States, and Central America.
The president of the Dominican Republic raised the importance of being able to detect opportunities well and get involved with efficiency and good infrastructures, to leave a key sector for sustaining the future economy.
“This year 2021 is being the year of the end of the pandemic, of economic reactivation and of structural reforms in all areas”, said the president while recalled that 90% of world trade is mobilized by ships.
He said that this high percentage of use of the maritime mode in international traffic is linked to the capacity of ships to move large quantities of cargo and to the economies of scale that make the transfer of merchandise subject to commercial exchanges cheaper.
In addition, he highlighted the privilege of the geographical position of the territory since the port system contemplates strategic locations that are deployed from end to end, in a route of ports that are located from Santo Domingo, Manzanillo, La Romana, Boca Chica, Samaná, Pedernales, San Pedro de Macorís or from east of Barahona, among others.
Likewise, he emphasized the efforts they are making to turn the Dominican Republic into a logistics HUB, hence the need to form a network of modern ports that are at the forefront of the new economy.