Dominican Republic becomes the epicenter of the maritime sector with the XLVIII Port Meeting of the Central American Isthmus
Santo Domingo was the chosen setting for the inauguration of the 48th Port Meeting of the Central American Isthmus (REPICA 2026), a key event that brings together leaders, experts, and authorities from the maritime-port sector across the entire region. The President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, together with the Executive Director of the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM), Alejandro Campos, led the ceremony, which seeks to foster international cooperation and boost the logistical development of the Caribbean and Central America.
The meeting, which will run until September 11 under the organization of the Central American Maritime Transport Commission (COCATRAM) and APORDOM, highlights the Dominican nation’s progress in its ambition to consolidate itself as a world-class logistics and cruise hub.
Exponential growth and future vision
During his speech, Alejandro Campos highlighted the evolution of the national port system in recent years. As he explained, the country has gone from managing three cruise terminals and 16 commercial ports to a much more robust reality. “The Dominican Republic of 2026 already has six cruise terminals and we project to close this year with three million cruise passengers. The goal for the end of this second term of government is to reach nine terminals and exceed five million visitors by this means,” the official stated.
A growing port is not measured only in tons moved or ships that dock; it is measured by the families who live better today thanks to it.
Alejandro Campos, Executive Director of APORDOM
Economic impact and job creation
The Port Modernization Master Plan not only aims for operational efficiency, but is also an engine for social transformation. It is estimated that the ongoing projects will generate more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. Concrete cases such as the development of Cabo Rojo, in Pedernales, and the modernization of the Arroyo Barril port, in Samaná, exemplify how strategic investment under public-private partnerships is boosting the local economy.
Strategic agenda for the region
The 2026 edition of REPICA focuses on fundamental pillars for the future of maritime transport:
- Technological innovation and process digitalization.
- Environmental sustainability and port resilience.
- Supply chain optimization and security.
- Strengthening of the cruise industry.
José F. Suriano, president pro tempore of COCATRAM, emphasized that regional collaboration is indispensable for ports to function as engines of national security and economic growth. The event features the participation of delegations from Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, reaffirming the collective commitment to a more competitive and efficient port system for the Isthmus and the Caribbean.
