Corporación Zona Franca Santiago Wins Triple Honour at the 2026 CFI.co Awards

Corporación Zona Franca Santiago (CZFS) has been recognised with three prestigious honours at the 2026 Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Awards, underscoring its leadership in economic development, ESG performance, and investment competitiveness in the Dominican Republic and across the Latin America & Caribbean region.

The organisation has received the following awards:

• Outstanding Contribution to the Economy Dominican Republic 2026
• Best ESG Industrial Free Zone LatAm & Caribbean 2026
• Foreign Investment & Business Competitiveness Champion Dominican Republic 2026

A Catalyst for Economic Growth

The CFI.co Judging Panel recognises CZFS for translating long-term institutional stewardship into measurable national economic value. Since assuming management of the Víctor Espaillat Mera Industrial Park (PIVEM) in 1974, the Corporation has consistently prioritised productivity, resilience, and strategic infrastructure development.

Recent expansions—including 450,000 square feet of industrial space in 2020 and a further 230,000 square feet in 2022—demonstrate a disciplined, demand-aligned growth model. The commissioning of a 44MW electrical substation in 2023 further reinforces operational resilience for tenants.

The Corporation’s leadership was particularly evident during the pandemic, when it implemented comprehensive health, safety, and financial support programmes for more than 80 companies, safeguarding employment and business continuity. At a national level, the Dominican Republic’s free zone sector surpassed 200,134 direct jobs and generated approximately $7.9bn in exports by late 2025, reflecting the catalytic role played by CZFS.

ESG as an Operating Discipline

CZFS’s recognition as Best ESG Industrial Free Zone reflects its embedded approach to sustainability. Rather than treating ESG as a communications exercise, the Corporation integrates it into operational decision-making across its industrial ecosystem.

Today, PIVEM spans more than 2,500,000 square metres, hosting over 80 companies and employing more than 20,000 people—clear evidence of sustained tenant confidence and social impact. Infrastructure innovations, including integrated monorail stations and dedicated logistics facilities, demonstrate a commitment to efficiency, mobility, and reduced environmental friction.

The Corporation’s longstanding support for healthcare infrastructure in Santiago, alongside its repeated recognition as a top employer in the Northern Region, highlights a consistent focus on human capital development. Transparency is reinforced through the publication of corporate management summaries, ensuring continuity of oversight and accountability.

A Platform for Investment and Competitiveness

CZFS has also been honoured for its role in strengthening the Dominican Republic’s position as a competitive destination for foreign direct investment. With an industrial footprint exceeding 2,500,000 square metres and supporting more than 20,500 jobs, the Corporation demonstrates sustained demand and effective land-use strategy.

Its integrated approach—combining infrastructure readiness, streamlined installation processes, and connectivity through Santiago’s mobility network—reduces investor friction and enhances operational reliability. This positioning aligns with broader nearshoring trends, as the Dominican free zone regime reported approximately $8.6bn in exports in 2024 and accumulated capital exceeding $7.7bn.

Crucially, CZFS maintains a balanced model of competitiveness, combining investor support with community engagement through education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives. Its ability to coordinate public and private stakeholders, manage compliance, and sustain investor confidence has enabled it to remain relevant and resilient after five decades of operation.

A Model for Sustainable Industrial Development

Across all three awards, the Judging Panel highlights CZFS’s consistent delivery, governance maturity, and long-term strategic clarity. The Corporation exemplifies how industrial free zones can serve as engines of inclusive growth—supporting employment, attracting investment, and strengthening national competitiveness while maintaining strong ESG principles.

The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Corporación Zona Franca Santiago on its outstanding achievements and its continued contribution to economic convergence and sustainable development.