MICM and INTEC will transform the Duarte Industrial Park into an Eco-Industrial Park

Through the signing of an agreement, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) and the Duarte Industrial Park (PID), lay the foundations to turn the park into a model of industrial sustainability

SANTO DOMINGO. The Duarte Industrial Park (PID) is emerging as a benchmark for sustainable transformation in the country, after signing a collaboration agreement with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Mipymes (MICM), the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC). This agreement establishes the bases for developing a national model of Eco-Industrial Parks, with the objective of modernizing and making the Dominican manufacturing sector more efficient.

The agreement was signed by Victor -Ito- Bisonó, Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs; Julio Sánchez Maríñez, rector of INTEC, and José Gabriel Rodríguez, executive vice president of the Duarte Industrial Park. The initiative is in line with international best practices for the creation of sustainable industrial ecosystems, following the methodology of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

“It is not just about implementing new technologies or adjusting processes; we are talking about changing the way we conceive industrial production, integrating practices that minimize environmental impact and maximize added value,” said Víctor “Ito” Bisonó when referring to the agreement, while highlighting its potential to promote the circular economy, the implementation of energy efficiency diagnostics in 22 industries in the park and the promotion of research and development.

Meanwhile, rector of INTEC Julio Sánchez Maríñez, stated that the triple helix alliance conceived in the agreement will guarantee significant development in the country's productive sector, led by an interdisciplinary team trained by the university.

"At INTEC we are proud to contribute to the design of a national model of Eco-Industrial Parks that promotes sustainable economic growth. This agreement not only strengthens the link between academia, government and industry, but will also generate opportunities to advance research and technological development for the benefit of the country," said Sánchez Maríñez.

He praised the initiative, which he said will improve competitiveness and foreign investment, "because the international standards of many countries for investing and locating in a particular park require that it be an environmentally friendly park."

José Rodríguez, Executive Vice President of the Duarte Industrial Park, assured that the title of Eco-Industrial Park is much more than a label, and highlighted that through a study that will be carried out by INTEC experts and external consultants, they will have an accurate diagnosis of its current reality for the transformation that is coming.

“It is a promise to build an ecosystem where each industry collaborates not only for its own success, but also to take care of the resources we share, protect the environment that sustains us, and strengthen the communities that welcome us. It is an invitation to create a future where economic prosperity is not at odds with environmental harmony and social justice,” said Rodríguez.

As part of the agreement, the institutions will carry out an energy efficiency assessment of the companies operating within the Duarte Industrial Park, with the aim of identifying opportunities to improve efficiency in the use of resources and reduce environmental impact. In addition, a comprehensive training program will be carried out to train leaders and technical personnel in the management of eco-industrial parks.

Environmental, social and economic feasibility assessments will also be carried out to measure the impact of the proposed interventions. As part of the joint effort, collaborative research projects will be promoted that will generate scientific articles and contribute knowledge in the field of industrial sustainability.

The agreement is aligned with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2030, as set out in Law 1-12, which promotes an innovative, diversified and environmentally sustainable economy. The transformation of the Duarte Industrial Park sets a precedent in the country, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve industrial competitiveness through sustainability.

The Duarte Industrial Park is home to a large number of national and international companies that promote manufacturing, trade, job creation and sustainable development. Through the agreement, the PDI is positioned as a model of transformation that not only drives economic growth, but also contributes to the preservation of the environment, in line with global challenges.