Emirati port and logistics giant DP World has signed a landmark agreement to invest $760 million in expanding the Port of Caucedo and its adjacent free trade zone in the Dominican Republic.
The investment, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM), represents a major boost to the country’s logistics and trade infrastructure.
The funds will be evenly divided between increasing the port’s container handling capacity and expanding the free trade zone.
The Port of Caucedo’s annual throughput is expected to grow from 2.5 million to approximately 3.1 million TEUs.
Expansion plans include the construction of new quay and breakwater extensions, the acquisition of advanced cranes and yard equipment, and upgrades to the port’s infrastructure and automation systems.
The adjoining free trade zone will span an additional 225 hectares and include a newly developed road network, utilities, a commercial and marketing center, and pre-built storage units aimed at attracting international businesses.
DP World, which has operated in the Dominican Republic for over 25 years and previously invested over $700 million in Caucedo, aims to transform the port into the Caribbean’s most advanced logistics hub.
The expansion is expected to generate $3.9 billion in foreign direct investment, create thousands of jobs, and enhance the Dominican Republic’s position as a strategic nearshoring and trade destination in the region.
This development underscores the Caribbean’s growing role in global supply chains and highlights the Dominican Republic’s commitment to economic growth through world-class infrastructure and global partnerships.
