COUNTRY FOCUS : CARIBBEAN
The Dominican Republic : A close and reliable option for the semiconductor industry
Twenty-five leading electronics manufacturers in Dominican Republic ’ s FZs establish a robust foundation for advanced manufacturing – positioning the country for semiconductor ATP and PCB production .
The Dominican Republic ( DR ) is positioning itself as an investment destination for the global semiconductor and printed circuit board industries – particularly for the microchip assembly , testing and packaging ( ATP ) sector .
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation ( ITIF ) in Washington DC , a leading think tank for emerging technologies , has published a feasibility study on the country ’ s potential to participate in the semiconductor value chain and indicates that the country meets the conditions to become a strategic player in emerging technology industries .
Semiconductors ( microchips ) are often regarded as the ‘ new oil of the modern economy ’.
The DR ’ s Minister of Industry , Commerce and MSMEs , Víctor Bisonó , recently travelled to Washington DC where he completed an agenda that included the launch of the feasibility study held at the ITIF headquarters .
The event marked a milestone in the efforts of the government of Dominican President Luis Abinader to diversify the country ’ s economy , climb the value chain of advanced technologies and create new and better jobs .
The DR , one of the main investment destinations in the region , is assessed as offering a favorable environment for investments in the semiconductor industry and the microchip assembly , testing , and packaging ( ATP ) sector .
In Washington DC , Minister Bisonó was actively engaged in the presentation of the ITIF report , joined by esteemed business associations including CONEP , AIRD , ADOZONA , and AMCHAM-DR .
The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers , including officials from the CHIPS Office of the US Department of Commerce , multinational technology companies , industry associations and experts .
Among them were Frances Chang , Director of International Engagement at the CHIPS Program Office ; Stephen Ezell , Vice President of Global Innovation Policy ; Christopher D . Hess , Vice President of Global Public Affairs at Eaton ; Jason Marczak , Vice President , and Senior Director at the Adrienne Arsht LA Center of the Atlantic Council ; David Schild , Executive Director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America ( PCBAA ), alongside representatives from various media outlets .
An unprecedented boom in chip manufacturing is anticipated in the US with the CHIPS Act and the investments announced in this sector .
The DR is positioning itself as a nearby and reliable option for chip assembly , testing and packaging , as there are few facilities in Latin America .
This represents a unique opportunity due to the growing demand .
Twenty-five leading electronics manufacturers in DR ’ s FZs have established a robust foundation for advanced manufacturing – positioning the country for semiconductor ATP and PCB production . Additionally , the country ’ s ‘ Bureaucracy Zero ’ program has successfully streamlined 315 procedures operated by 63 government institutions , enhancing public administration efficiency through clear regulatory frameworks
This is complemented with the DR ’ s flagship workforce training institution , the National Institute for Technical-Vocational Training ( INFOTEP ), which provides the necessary means to train a larger workforce capable of supporting advanced electronics manufacturing .
The partnership is pitched as underscoring the commitment of both the CDF and the United States in creating a more prosperous , resilient , and sustainable future for the Eastern and Southern Caribbean .
By leveraging resources , expertise and collaborative efforts , the fund aims to make a lasting impact on the region ’ s development landscape . p
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