Corporación Zona Franca Santiago: Forging the Next 50 Years of Sustainable Innovation and Growth

As Corporación Zona Franca Santiago (CZFS) marks its 50th anniversary, the organisation stands at the threshold of an exciting new chapter—one defined by sustainable innovation, regional leadership, and global competitiveness. Under the stewardship of Miguel Lama, CZFS has become a cornerstone of economic progress in Santiago and the wider Dominican Republic. Today, it celebrates not only a legacy of achievement but also a bold vision for its future: transforming Santiago into a regional epicentre for investment and innovation.

A Legacy of Transformation and Growth

Since its inception, CZFS has played a pivotal role in reshaping the industrial and economic landscape of the Dominican Republic. Under Lama’s leadership, the Corporation has revitalised Santiago’s industrial sector, contributing to the city’s emergence as a thriving centre for international investment. A testament to this transformation is the Víctor Espaillat Mera Industrial Park (PIVEM), now home to more than 80 companies and providing nearly 22,000 jobs. PIVEM serves as a model of sustainable industrial development, offering robust infrastructure and a dynamic ecosystem that supports business growth.

CZFS’s commitment to fostering long-term economic resilience has earned Santiago recognition as a competitive investment destination. The Corporation has consistently attracted foreign capital, strengthened local industries, and facilitated partnerships that have delivered widespread socio-economic benefits for the region.

Envisioning the Next 50 Years

As it embarks on the first day of its next 50 years, CZFS’s vision is clear: to establish Santiago as the “Meca Empresarial” and “Epicentre of Investment of the Americas”. This strategic ambition extends beyond infrastructure development to encompass an integrated ecosystem that promotes collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.

At the core of this future vision is Santiago Business City, a project designed to foster advanced industries such as technology, digital transformation, and Industry 5.0. The Corporation is focused on building a business environment that attracts high-value industries while continuing to support the competitiveness and expansion of established sectors.

In parallel, CZFS is leading the way in sustainable practices by integrating renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient technologies across its operations. Initiatives such as urban revitalisation, green space development, and strategic infrastructure investment underscore CZFS’s commitment to environmental stewardship. These projects aim to enhance Santiago’s urban fabric, ensuring that the region grows in a sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready manner.

Compromiso Santiago: A Collaborative Model for Regional Development

A key pillar of CZFS’s strategy is its active role in Compromiso Santiago (CS), a public-private partnership launched in 2010 that has become instrumental in advancing the region’s social and economic development. By uniting public officials, business leaders, educators, and civil society, CS fosters a collaborative framework that holds stakeholders accountable and drives collective progress.

Compromiso Santiago has delivered significant projects, such as the creation of the Central Park and Botanical Garden and the development of sustainable infrastructure to preserve water resources. Looking ahead, CS continues to focus on transformative initiatives like the revitalisation of Santiago’s historic centre and the sanitation of the Yaque del Norte River. These efforts align with CZFS’s broader objective of positioning Santiago as a leading model for urban sustainability and economic opportunity in the Americas.

Community-Centred Growth and Inclusion

CZFS’s success has always been rooted in its commitment to inclusive, community-driven growth. By engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders—from local businesses and government agencies to community organisations—CZFS has cultivated a resilient and collaborative regional economy. Its efforts have reinforced Santiago’s role as a hub for inclusive economic development, ensuring that opportunities generated through investment and innovation benefit all members of society.

The impact of the free trade zone model, spearheaded by CZFS, has been profound. As the Dominican Republic continues to advance on the global stage, CZFS’s contributions to regional competitiveness and job creation remain critical.

Miguel Lama: A Visionary Leader for the Future

At the heart of CZFS’s success is the visionary leadership of Miguel Lama. As President of the Board of Directors, Lama has fostered a culture of innovation, sustainability, and long-term strategic thinking. His commitment to modernising the region’s infrastructure and attracting global investment has propelled Santiago’s economic development, while his focus on sustainability ensures that this progress will endure for generations to come.

Lama’s leadership continues to shape the Corporation’s trajectory as it builds on its legacy and embraces the opportunities of the next 50 years. Under his guidance, CZFS is well-positioned to lead Santiago into a new era of prosperity, cementing its status as a dynamic and competitive centre for business and innovation.

A Future Defined by Possibility

As Corporación Zona Franca Santiago commemorates its 50th anniversary, it looks ahead with renewed purpose and determination. Its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regional leadership ensures that the next half-century will be marked by transformative progress—not just for Santiago but for the Dominican Republic as a whole. With strong leadership and a forward-looking vision, CZFS is poised to write the next chapter in its extraordinary story of growth and development.