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In this week’s edition of “This week in the Dominican Republic” we learn about a some back-tracking on the proposed toll increases, plummeting cement prices, jacomelo bean exports and plans to renovate 2 iconic markets in Santo Domingo.
Toll increases not confirmed
Following widespread outcry, threats of strikes and protests, the proposed increases in tolls on the roads entering Santo Domingo may not go ahead.
According to the Dominican Public Works Ministry the proposal for higher tolls is still being considered, however in the same statement vice minister of Public Works Osvaldo Oller said that higher tolls are needed for the essential upkeep of the highways.
Cement prices plummet
The cost of cement in the Dominican Republic has plummeted. A bag of cement that cost from RD$310 to RD$315 at hardware stores two years ago, now sells for RD$255 to RD$260, including tax, this price makes Dominican cement 40% lower than in other countries of the Caribbean region. This reduced price is a result of increased competition, as the Dominican Republic now boasts more producers of cement than Mexico.
This makes now the ideal time for businesses and individuals of the Dominican Republic to embark on construction projects.
Germans expected en masse in the south
Dominican minister of tourism Francisco Javier García announced last week that the Dominican Republic’s southern region will this year see a significant increase in tourists from Germany, with projected growth of 40%.
The southern region is considered as the area to the west of Santo Domingo – Barahona, Pedernales and Lake Enriquillo. The announcement has come as somewhat of a surprise as the area is still lacking in essential infrastructure. Although the South has highway infrastructure with some good roads, work must be done on the accommodations.
This growth is being attributed to the tour operator Thomas Cook who was promoting the region at Berlin’s International Tourism Fair (ITB) last week.
“Jacomelo” beans exported
This week, the first shipment of “jacomelo” beans (a type of red legume) were shipped from the Dominican Republic to France to be distributed across Europe. With the export of this product, Agrocomercial Import seeks to conquer the French market, as well as that of other European nations.
These beans were grown in the western San Juan Valley in the province of San Juan in the west of the Dominican Republic. This shipment marked the first time that the Dominican Republic has exported the “jacomelo” bean. Previously the crops were consumed largely within the Dominican Republic.
Santo Domingo markets to be modernised
The Dominican minister of Agriculture, Luis Ramón Rodríguez this week announced that two iconic public markets will be converted into modern centres with the aim to boost tourism in Santo Domingo. The markets to be renovated are the Mercado Modelo on Mella Av, and the Mercado Nuevo on Duarte Av., the project is part of a plan to create a national food network.
Luis Ramón Rodríguez said that this reconstruction of these major public markets is a government priority, with expectations that by mid 2014 the funding needed to start the project will be ready.
The Mercado Modelo is planned to specialize in offering crafts and jewellery, with an area to showcase fruits and vegetables, with the aim to apply to tourists visiting Santo Domingo.