DOEXPO highlights logistics and customs efficiency as keys to export competitiveness

Santo Domingo.– The president of the Dominican Association of Exporters (ADOEXPO), Karel Castillo, assured that the competitiveness of Dominican exports no longer depends solely on the quality of the products, but also on logistical efficiency, speed in processes, and the ability to meet the demands of international markets.

During his participation in the ADOEXPO lunch-conference, entitled "Customs as a driver of export competitiveness", Castillo maintained that logistics has become a decisive element for international trade, because response times, traceability and digital processes directly impact the competitive capacity of companies. "Today, it is not enough to produce well, you also have to arrive well," said the business leader, highlighting that any delay in the supply chain can affect the value of products and the country's competitiveness. As an example, he cited his experience as an avocado exporter, explaining that this product needs to reach the market at an exact point of ripeness. "The avocado has its perfect window: neither too green nor too ripe. If it arrives earlier, it's not ready and if it arrives late, it loses its point. That perfectly sums up the logistical challenge of international trade," he indicated. We recommend reading: “That doesn't add anything”: Congressman claims that in one year San Juan generates more than the Romero mine would grant in 8 years

Castillo pointed out that, although the country can produce high-quality goods and meet international standards, if logistical processes do not flow smoothly, competitiveness is lost. "There, not only does a company lose, but the country's competitiveness is lost," he stated. The president of ADOEXPO also highlighted the fundamental role of customs as facilitators of trade and not solely as regulatory bodies, emphasizing the need to continue promoting more agile, transparent processes aligned with the demands of global trade. In that sense, he affirmed that trade facilitation "is not a technical concept, but a practical necessity" to ensure that Dominican products arrive on time and on equal terms in international markets. Castillo also advocated for further strengthening the modernization of ports, airports, and logistics infrastructure, with the aim of consolidating the Dominican Republic as a regional hub for trade and export. "The goal should not only be to export more, but to consolidate the Dominican Republic as one of the main logistics and export centers in the region," he said. Likewise, he valued the willingness of the General Customs Directorate to work hand in hand with the export sector and recognized the progress made in terms of modernization and trade facilitation. "Exporting is not only an economic strategy, it is a vision of a country," Castillo concluded.