Industrial linkages

The project will create information linkages, support policy and regulatory reforms, and upgrade local firms. It will be implemented by the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AI) and the Association of Dominican Free Trade Zones (ADOZONA), with help from an institutional contractor. The project"s information component will develop a comprehensive data base on (1) individual IFTZ firms" activities, products, and purchasing/sourcing policies; and (2) local firms" products, services, production capacity, etc. This information will disseminated via buyer-seller directories, monthly bulletins, other publications, and the mass media. Other activities to promote interaction between domestic vendors and the IFTZ"s will include seminars for companies and manufacturers" associations, exhibitions of products available for sale to IFTZ"s, and field-days. Secondly, the project will encourage policy dialogue aimed at removing the two major constraints on trade between IFTZ"s and local suppliers: lack of an established mechanism for local sales/subcontracting to IFTZ"s; and policies adversely affecting the competitiveness of local companies (e.g., high customs duties, customs delays). Activities under this component will include analyzing existing laws and regulations; drafting revised laws; and using policy analysis findings to build coalitions among local industries, service firms, and IFTZ"s. Through the Investment Promotion Council or other channels, the project will pursue direct dialogue with the Government. Finally, a technology transfer component will help local companies to upgrade product quality and the timeliness of deliveries. AI will develop a resource center/library, which will include technical publications and direct access to specialized U.S. technical data bases; the center will sponsor five conferences on technological advances and market opportunities. The project will also fund direct TA for local firms in such areas as production, quality control, packaging, and marketing, and will sponsor a series of workshops on production issues. Nearly 1,000 local firms are expected to participate in the project.