Roseau, Dominica: The government of Dominica is in process of securing financing for the construction of new smart cargo port at Donkey Beach, Canefield, as per the announcement made during the Budget presentation for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
With ongoing and planned investments and the anticipated sustainable growth in the economy, Dominica needs a cargo port capable of responding to increase tourism. This new facility will be built through resilient standards to withstand climate effects and other environmental conditions that would negatively impact port operations.
Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre announced the project for Dominica and outlined its benefit against the climate change. He said that this will serve as smart technology to improve efficiency and reduce clerance times.
Cruise Village
A private developer is also undertaking preparatory works for the development of a new cruise village at Woodbridge. Finance Minister added that the cruise village will cater to the cruise ships, ferry services and duty free shopping.
“We envisioned that the duty free shopping zone will be another source to draw foreign exchange and investment in our country, fostering business friendly environment for both large and small retailers, said the minister.
It will also create a revenue for local entrepreneurs to access a wider diverse international market to sell their quality products. The influx of tourist and locals will result in high sales volume and economic growth.
Dr McIntyre added that the people in Dominica can explore a range of job opportunities and prospects for business during the construction and operation of the cruise village.
He said,”Four transformative projects including International Airport, Cargo Port, Cabrits Marina, and Cruise Village will result in a surge of visitors, boost in trade and economic activity and create more sustainable jobs.”
He announced the allocations of the budget for different sectors and added that the finance ministry has the highest budget allocation of 296.9 million.
