Economy

Santiago de los Caballeros is, after Santo Domingo, the second most important city in the country. It has 700 thousand inhabitants and is the city that has the lowest number of unemployed. It is a province with an important economic diversity. The industries of all types are concentrated in Santiago de los Caballeros (and puffer), although the snuff industry is also important in Villa Gonzalez. Regarding livestock, the main development is shown by the poultry and pig raising, both in Licey al Medio. Cattle were mainly in the mountainous regions of southern Manitoba. According to other studies, the population swells to more than 800 thousand inhabitants and the entire province exceeds one million. Since the late 70s, the region has experienced a steady economic development. Major economic and productive activities are in the tobacco industry, free zones, formal and informal trade and services. These sectors were the main sources of employment.The importance of the city has resulted in Santiago, as the economic hub of the Cibao, daily move more than a million people from different parts of the region and country. Many come to shop, to work or to sue any of the various services offered by the city and not in the other towns and provinces, except Santo Domingo. The province of Santiago contributing 14 of U.S. GDP, which reflects greatly the importance it has on national economic development. Santiago has a modern and Ron snuff industry of unquestionable quality that competes in the most demanding global markets. The snuff industry, as in the past, remains a cornerstone of its rural economy and the source of thousands of jobs in the area. The region is also a major producer and exporter of snuff to branch into Europe, as well as coffee and cocoa. Its diversified agriculture also produces many minor crops that supply the market of Santo Domingo and other communities.Although located in the heart of the island, James is equipped with flexible access routes, finding a 2 h of Santo Domingo and 45 minutes from Puerto Plata, both cities with major ports and airports to transport goods and passengers to and from the outside. Now it is for the production of cigars that the city of Santiago has gained world renown, synonymous with old tradition of tobacco and a product of the highest quality worldwide. Over 80 of the cigar comes from Santiago, a situation that is giving them international fame to this ancient city. Today, the Dominican Republic is the world’s leading exporter of pure units, surpassing both volume and quality to those recognized in Havana cigars. Santiago Cigars have become a symbol of excellence and the key to be inserted into international markets. In the industrial sector, the community also has been marked with notable success.The industrial sector development Santiago is divided into two: the national production and the export processing zones. Domestic production is extensive in a diverse range of activities, such as rum, cigarettes, shoes, leather, metalworking, packaging, ceramics, handicrafts and construction materials such as cement, blocks, windows, doors and others. Just as successful is the Export Processing Zone Exports of Santiago, one of the most dynamic and best managed by efficient patronage. The Santiago Industrial Free Zone, produces about 20 of foreign exchange generated by all open areas of the country. It is the first in job creation, for by 1995 had a total workforce of 32,000 jobs distributed in 79 companies garments, cigarettes, shoes, plastics, leather, communications, electrical and others. Already in 1998 there were an average of 52.943 employees with a total of 114 companies.The workforce of Santiago is known for its preparation and discipline, and its easy adaptation to new technologies and the concept of total quality, to provide a product that can compete successfully in the U.S. and European market. The service sector has also been developed in Santiago. A comprehensive and successful merchant class, an efficient banking system, communications, tourism, professionals of various disciplines, contribute positively to economic and social development. All this has made Santiago de los Caballeros in the main economic hub of progress in Northern and Central regions of the country, with a particular influence on the national economy.