Spanish
The Association of Housing Developers and Builders of Cibao (Aprocovici) identified that one of the main challenges currently facing the construction sector is a permit system that presents significant opportunities for modernization, particularly in terms of inter-institutional coordination, the consolidation of requirements, and the standardization of procedures, factors that currently hinder the progress of technically viable projects.
The organization pointed out that, in practice, a single project may require up to 131 different permits, distributed across around 16 public institutions, several of which could be consolidated under a unified regulatory framework. It noted that this fragmentation of the process extends approval times and generates uncertainty for investors, so greater inter-institutional coordination would represent a significant step forward for legal certainty and attracting investment.
Aprocovici emphasized that this situation represents an important opportunity, given that there is an unmet demand for housing and infrastructure and a favorable macroeconomic environment. With the appropriate institutional improvements, the construction sector could unleash its full potential as a driver of growth, employment, and regional development. "The Dominican Republic has the conditions and resources to grow more. We are convinced that, working hand in hand with the authorities in the modernization of processes, we can unlock that potential for the benefit of all," said its president, Sandy Rodríguez.
Faced with this situation, the association proposed working jointly with the government on a comprehensive modernization of the permit system, aimed at simplifying procedures, consolidating requirements, and establishing clear, predictable, and verifiable deadlines, while maintaining the necessary technical and environmental controls. The objective would be to move towards a scheme based on clear rules, standardized processes, and greater inter-institutional coordination, which would benefit both the private sector and public institutions.
The business entity also highlighted the importance of strengthening public investment in productive infrastructure as a complement to private investment. Recognizing the multiple fronts that the government addresses and the existing fiscal restrictions, Aprocovici suggested that, to the extent of budgetary possibilities, a greater prioritization of capital investment in infrastructure could generate a significant multiplier effect on the economy.
Likewise, the association identified opportunities to strengthen the implementation of public-private partnerships (PPPs). While the legal framework exists, its application could be enhanced through adjustments that simplify the processes for structuring bankable and transparent projects. Aprocovici offered to collaborate technically in the design of proposals that allow PPPs to be converted into a more effective tool for attracting private capital towards strategic sectors such as housing and infrastructure.
In that context, the guild also raised the possibility of more actively leveraging long-term domestic savings, in particular pension funds, as a source of financing for productive projects. Aprocovici maintained that, with clear rules, rigorous technical criteria and adequate supervision by the competent authorities, these resources could contribute to urban development and job creation, while at all times safeguarding the security of pension funds.
Finally, the association highlighted the significant economic potential that the modernization of the permit system would represent, given the high capacity of the construction sector to generate employment, boost consumption and activate production chains throughout the country. "It is not about requesting privileges, but about jointly building the institutional conditions that allow viable projects to be executed with efficiency, transparency and responsibility," Aprocovici pointed out.
The association reiterated its commitment to the country's development and expressed its willingness to make its technical expertise, sector data, and specific proposals available to the government to advance solutions that benefit all Dominicans. "We are ready to participate in inter-institutional working groups and contribute constructively to the design of the reforms the country needs. We firmly believe that dialogue and collaboration between the public and private sectors are the way to achieve the development we all aspire to," concluded Rodriguez.
