Dubai Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation (DPCFZC)has signed a $1,400 million contract to develop a port and free zone on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, near the city of Monti Cristi. The concession entails the development and management of a 30 square-kilometre free zone, a port complex, and separate cargo and passenger airports. Also included is development of an island near the zone as a cruise ship port, the creation of coastal tourist resort, and a luxury housing project. 'This venture entails the integration and massive development of a wide range of key infrastructural projects, which will create a superb synergy that positions the Dominican Republic as a competitive force in the regions' free zones, ports and tourism industries,' said Sultan Ahmad bin Sulayem, chief executive of DPCFZC. The first phase will involve rebuilding the existing deepwater port to provide a container berth. DPCFZC was established in May 2001 following the merger of the emirate's customs department, Dubai Ports Authority, and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. It is financially and administratively independent of the government and runs on a commercial basis (MEED 18:5:01).