western region in detail - Puerto Rico Technoeconomic Corridor

Western Region at a Glance 2005
DEAR READER:
It gives me great satisfaction to present Western
Region at a Glance 2005. This booklet intends
to provide basic socio-economic information for
potential investors and entrepreneurs interested in our
region. It is our open invitation for an in-depth look
at the advantages of the Western Region.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
GENERAL INFORMATION.............1
LOCATION .............................................1
CLIMATE ...............................................1
This publication acquaints the reader with our
economy and people as it summarizes the economic,
technological, and social advantages that make the
Western Region an ideal center for industrial
development and for commercial and service exchange.
GEOGRAPHY .........................................1
Western Region at a Glance 2005 should be
a valuable reference as you decide to do business in our
region. We hope that you take time to visit us and
experience firsthand the quality of living and truly
splendid sceneries of western Puerto Rico.
FINANCE ...............................................3
Sincerely,
INCOME / WAGES ..................................6
POPULATION .........................................1
INDUSTRIAL COMPOSITION ...................3
EXTERNAL TRADE ................................4
LABOR ..................................................4
ACCESSIBILITY .....................................6
Wanda L. González Girona, Esq.
President
Western Chamber of Commerce of PR
UTILITIES ..............................................8
QUALITY OF LIFE ..................................8
EDUCATION ..........................................9
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ...............10
INCENTIVES.........................................10
TAXES .................................................11
LEADING BUSINESSES .........................12
CONVENTIONS / TOURISM ...................13
Western Region at a Glance 2005
This booklet was prepared as a joint effort by the Western Chamber of Commerce of
Puerto Rico and the Economic Development University Center of the University of
Puerto Rico at Mayagüez under the Program to Promote the Participation of
Community – Based Organizations in Local Economic Development sponsored by the
Community Reinvestment Office of Doral Bank. If this work or part of it is used as
reference, appropriate credit to the Economic Development University Center and the
Western Chamber of Commerce of Puerto Rico will be appreciated. Inquiries,
comments or recommendations to improve the utility of this booklet as a source of basic
information for potential investors are also welcome.
You may contact:
Mrs. Brenda Gil
Executive Director
Western Chamber of Commerce of PR
P.O. Box 9
Mayagüez, P.R. 00681-0009
Tel. (787) 832-3749 or (787) 832-3250
(787) 832-4287
Email: [email protected]
http://www.ccopr.com
or
Jose I. Vega, Director
Economic Development University Center
University of Puerto Rico
Mayagüez Campus
P. O. Box 5884
Mayagüez, P.R. 00681-5884
Tel. (787) 834-2566 or (787) 833-4465
e-mail: [email protected]
http://www.uprm.edu/decasac/cde
May 2005
Western Region at a Glance 2005
delightful climate is one of the reasons
hundreds of thousands of tourists, mostly from
the United States; visit the Island during the
winter months from November through March.
The annual rainfall ranged from 29.78 to 105.28
inches in 2000. Cabo Rojo, Lajas and Guánica
are relatively dry while the more northwestern
municipalities and the interior are very humid.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Western Chamber of Commerce of
Puerto Rico (WCCPR) is a non profit
organization organized under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in 1962.
One of the main objectives of the
organization is to promote the economic
development of the western region of Puerto
Rico by means of encouraging the tourist
industry to transform this region into the
second tourist destiny of the Island.
Western Region Average Temperatures
2000
Station
Mayagüez Municipality
Lajas
San Sebastián
Magueyes Island (Lajas)
The
WCCPR
integrates
merchants,
professionals,
industries
and
banking
companies, covering 17 municipalities of the
western region.
These municipalities are
Aguada, Aguadilla, Añasco, Moca, Rincón,
Cabo Rojo, Lajas, Hormigueros, Maricao, Las
Marías, Mayagüez, San Germán, Sabana
Grande, Isabela, Guánica, Quebradillas, and
San Sebastián.
Source:
Temperatures (°F)
77.8
77.2
77.2
80.4
Climatological Data, Annual
Department of Commerce.
Summary,
NOAA,
US
GEOGRAPHY
The region has a territorial extension of
around 574 square miles which represents
around 17% of the total land area of the Island
(3,426.5 square miles). The region is composed
mainly of coastal plains and valleys rimmed by
sloping hills and a mountain range to the
interior.
Costal
municipalities
include
Quebradillas, Isabela, Aguadilla, Aguada,
Rincón, Añasco, Mayagüez, Cabo Rojo, Lajas,
and Guánica. Most of the available land is
either mountainous with slopes greater than 35
degrees or classified as flood prone.
Three main rivers in the western region feed
the Bay of Mayagüez: Río Grande de Añasco,
Río Yagüez and Río Güanajibo, others main
rivers are: Río Guajataca, Río Culebrinas, Río
Loco, and Río Guatemala. The water demands
of the western coast municipalities is supplied
by the Añasco, Yagüez and Culebrinas rivers
together with the Guajataca Lake and Lajas
Valley irrigation channels.
LOCATION
The location of the region with respect to
Puerto Rico and of the individual municipalities
within the region is depicted in the map shown
below. The City of Mayagüez, which can be
considered the central geographic point within
the zone, is about 98 miles west or a 2 ½ hours
drive from the capital city of San Juan in the
Northeast.
Municipalities comprising the Western Chamber of
Commerce of Puerto Rico region
POPULATION
The Western Region had a population of
594,295 persons in 2000. This figure represents
15.6% of the total population for the
Commonwealth. Mayagüez has the largest
population of the region, with 16.6 percent of
the total population, or 98,434 inhabitants,
CLIMATE
The average yearly temperatures in the
Western Region range from 75.5°F to 76.8°F as
depicted in the next table. The mild subtropical
climate varies little throughout the year. This
1
Western Region at a Glance 2005
according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Census
2000.
Mayagüez
Moca
Quebradillas
Rincón
Sabana
Grande
San Germán
San Sebastián
Western
Region
Puerto Rico
Population by Municipality
Western Region
Municipality
Aguada
Aguadilla
Añasco
Cabo Rojo
Guáٕnica
Hormigueros
Isabela
Lajas
Las Marías
Maricao
Mayagüez
Moca
Quebradillas
Rincón
Sabana
Grande
San Germán
San Sebastián
Western
Region
Puerto Rico
Population
Estimate
2003
43,579
65,970
29,110
49,065
22,347
16,951
45,748
26,994
11,505
6,506
97,627
41,425
26,468
15,420
Population
2000
Population
1990
42,042
64,685
28,348
46,911
21,888
16,614
44,444
26,261
11,061
6,449
98,434
39,697
25,450
14,767
35,911
59,335
25,234
38,521
19,984
15,212
39,147
23,271
9,306
6,206
100,371
32,926
21,425
12,213
26,696
25,935
22,843
37,611
45,537
37,105
44,204
34,962
38,799
608,559
594,295
535,666
3,900,000
3,808,610
3,522,037
98,434
39,697
25,450
14,767
47,243
19,477
12,522
7,189
51,191
20,220
12,928
7,578
25,935
12,445
13,490
37,105
44,204
17,855
21,593
19,250
22,611
594,295
288,351
305,944
3,808,610
1,833,577
1,975,033
Source: U. S. Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau.
The Western Region has a population
density of 792.6 persons per square mile while
several municipalities show densities higher
than the average for the Commonwealth.
Municipality
Aguada
Aguadilla
Añasco
Cabo Rojo
Guánica
Hormigueros
Isabela
Lajas
Las Marías
Maricao
Mayagüez
Moca
Quebradillas
Rincón
Sabana Grande
San Germán
San Sebastián
Western Region
Puerto Rico
Source: U. S. Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau 1990 &
2000.
The population by sex is presented in the
following table.
Population by Sex
2000
Land Area
Square Mile
30.9
36.6
39.3
70.4
37.1
11.3
55.4
60.1
46.3
36.6
77.6
50.3
22.7
14.3
35.9
54.5
70.5
749.8
3,424.5
Person per
square mile
1,359.4
1,767.8
722
667
590
1,467
803
437
239
176
1,268
789
1,124
1,034
723
681
627
792.6
1,112.1
Source: U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Census
of Population 2000.
Municipality
Population
Male
Female
Aguada
Aguadilla
Añasco
Cabo Rojo
Guánica
Hormigueros
Isabela
Lajas
Las Marías
Maricao
42,042
64,685
28,348
46,911
21,888
16,614
44,444
26,261
11,061
6,449
20,608
31,717
13,760
22,614
10,661
7,802
21,463
12,818
5,419
3,165
21,434
32,968
14,588
24,297
11,227
8,812
22,981
13,443
5,642
3,284
Census Population Growth by
Municipality*
The municipalities with a higher growth in
the Western Region according to the 2000
Census were Cabo Rojo, Rincón and Moca with
a 20.01% - 25.00%.
Mayagüez is the
municipality that present a reduce growth
according with the 2000 Census.
2
Western Region at a Glance 2005
Census Population Growth by
Municipality*
2000
administration (21%) and manufacturing (17%).
Mayagüez is the hub for educational, health,
and business services for the region. Important
industries in the western region are computer
and electronics industries, apparel and other
textile,
food
manufacturing,
and
pharmaceuticals (included in the Miscellaneous
and Chemical groups shown below). Total
manufacturing employment for the region was
estimated at 18,804 in the second quarter of
2004.
The following chart depicts the
percentage distribution of employment by
major manufacturing sectors.
Beverage &
Tobacco
3%
Chemical
3%
Miscellaneous
7%
Food Mfng.
16%
Furniture &
Related
3%
Apparel
22%
Com puter &
Electronic
30%
Printing &
Related
2%
Fabricated Metal
7%
Source: Industrial Composition by Municipality 2nd quarter 2004, PR
Department of Labor and Human Resources. Based on 2002
NAICS Codes and Titles. For detailed description of each
category visit http://www.census.gov/epcd/naics02/
naicod02.htm
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
* According to the 2000 Census.
FINANCE
INDUSTRIAL COMPOSITION
Puerto Rico has sixteen (16) banks with over
500 operating branches and total assets of
approximately $150 billion.
These banks
provide the financial services that sustain all the
industrial and commercial activity on the Island.
The distribution of industrial composition is
shown on the next chart.
Agriculture/
Forestry/Fishing/
Hunting
2%
Construction
8%
Services
26%
Nonm etallic
Mineral
7%
Puerto Rico’s Financial System Total
Assets as of June 30, 2003 Million Dollars:
Manufacturing/
Food/Apparel
17%
Wholesale/Retail
Trade
15%
Governm ent
21%
Lodging and food
services
6%
Transportation
and Warehousing
2%
Finance/
Insurance
3%
Source: Industrial Composition by Municipality 2nd quarter 2004, PR
Department of Labor and Human Resources.
Services (26%) are the leading employer
followed
by
the
government
or
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
public
3
Western Region at a Glance 2005
EXTERNAL TRADE
Puerto Rico has an open economy exporting
and importing more than $85 billion worth of
goods every year.
The following chart represents
Recorded Merchandise Trade:
the
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
During the 2003, Puerto Rico imports more
of the raw materials ($29.9 billions) and
petroleum products ($7.3 billions) needed for
production and consumption.
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
Puerto Rico has exports of $55.2 billions
during the 2003 and imports of $33.7 billions.
The subsequent diagram represents the
Industrial
Classification
Recorded
Merchandise Exports:
The next diagram represents the Economic
Openness 2003:
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
Puerto Rico has an economic openness of
132.8%.
In this diagram the chemicals represent the
merchandise with the major quantity of billions
during 2003. The apparel & textiles signify the
less than $10 billion.
The following chart corresponds to the
Economic Classification of Adjusted
Merchandise Imports:
LABOR
In 2004 the civilian labor force in the
Western Region totaled 202,800 with
employment of 156,700 and an unemployment
4
Western Region at a Glance 2005
rate of 15.36%. The unemployment rate for
the Commonwealth for that same period stood
at 12.3%. In general, it is a well educated labor
force evenly split between among sexes. Puerto
Ricans have been citizens of the United States
since 1917 and most speak English. University
graduates are generally bilingual.
Mayagüez
Aguadilla
Hormigueros
San Germán
Maricao
Añasco
Rincón
Moca
Sabana Grande
Lajas
Aguada
Isabela
San Sebastián
Cabo Rojo
Las Marías
Guánica
Quebradillas
There is an ample labor pool as
unemployment rates fluctuate among 11% to
21% depending on the Municipality.
Unemployment Rates by Municipality
Municipality
2004
2003
2002
2001
Aguada
Aguadilla
Añasco
Cabo Rojo
Guánica
Hormigueros
Isabela
Lajas
Las Marías
Maricao
Mayagüez
Moca
Quebradillas
Rincón
Sabana
Grande
San Germán
San Sebastián
Western
Region
Puerto Rico
13.4
14.5
15.6
11.2
21.2
10.9
17.8
15.7
18.5
13.4
12.6
15.5
15.9
15.6
14.4
16.2
16.8
11.9
23.7
11.4
19.6
14.2
21.7
15.7
14.8
16.7
19.2
13.4
16.2
17.3
18.0
12.3
23.9
11.3
20.3
15.1
22.9
16.7
15.8
18.6
28.7
15.3
18.2
16.7
17.0
11.4
21.3
10.8
21.8
16.7
26.9
19.9
14.7
18.7
15.0
14.8
14.0
14.8
15.2
13.8
15.6
19.7
14.8
22.5
15.2
25.2
15.5
20.2
15.36
18.01
19.02
16.57
11.3
12.3
12.3
11.4
41%
39%
38%
35%
34%
32%
27%
25%
21%
20%
18%
16%
15%
15%
13%
13%
10%
This chart represent the Employment
Status Persons Age 16 and Over:
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
This graph presents us the percent of
persons who are unemployment, employed and
inactive.
The next diagram
Employment Rate:
represents
Source: PR Department of Labor & Human Resources
Labor Mobility:
According to the US Census Bureau 2000,
the mobility labor in the Western Region
concentrates on larger cities. In the region the
mobility labor is higher at Mayagüez and
Aguadilla. Some factors for this mobility are: a
higher concentration of industries, higher
economic development, geographical proximity
or easy access to main roads. The percentage
of labor force of each municipality that comes
from other municipalities within the region is
shown on the following table.
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
5
the
Western Region at a Glance 2005
as bathing and surfing beaches and lush state
parks within an hour drive from Mayagüez.
INCOME / WAGES
According to the 2000 Census of
Population, the Western Region had an average
family income of $13,763 versus that of the
Island, which was $16,543. During the same
year 80,478 families were below the poverty
level, which represents 51.5% of the total
families in the Region.
4 Airports:
There are two airports in the Western
Region: 1) Eugenio María de Hostos, in
Mayagüez, and 2) Rafael Hernández, at Punta
Borinquen in Aguadilla. Eugenio María de
Hostos Airport services commercial and
privately owned aircraft. According to Ports
Authority statistics 54,821 passengers traveled
through the Eugenio María de Hostos Airport
in 2003. Service is provided to San Juan with
two daily flights. Charter planes flights and
rental car are available by previous
arrangements. You may reach the Mayagüez
airport administration at (787) 833-0148. Rafael
Hernandez Airport with a landing strip of
11,700 feet was built as a bomber airbase just
before WW II. It is located at the former
Ramey Air Force Base, and is equipped with
hangars and parking aprons. Because of its size
and availability of large storage facilities, the
trend for the Rafael Hernandez Airport is to
specialize in cargo handling. According to
Ports Authority statistics 105,347 passengers
traveled through the Rafael Hernandez Airport
in 2003.
It nevertheless, provides daily
passenger flights to Newark and New York.
Also is the second airport on the Island in
terms of cargo. You may reach the Aguadilla
airport administration at (787) 890-0101. Both
airports are administered by the Puerto Rico
Ports Authority, a Commonwealth corporation.
The Puerto Rico Ports Authority web site is
http://apprportal.prpa.gobierno.pr
Hourly wages by occupation for selected
occupational groups in Puerto Rico are
presented below.
Employment and Wages by Major
Occupational Group
Occupation
Employment
Hourly Wage
(median)
Management
Business and
financial
Computer and
mathematical
Architecture and
engineering
Healthcare
practitioners and
technical
Community and
social services
Legal
Sales and related
Office and
administrative
support
Production
37,690
$22.47
33,050
12.67
6,240
15.33
12,300
16.07
39,090
8.94
14,240
9.10
4,440
98,070
18.48
6.60
184,670
7.47
96,650
7.12
Source: Occupational Employment Statistics 2001, Department of Labor
and Human Resources.
ACCESSIBILITY
Highways:
The main land transportation route leading
to Western Region is Road PR-2. This highway
connects all major coastal urban centers
throughout the Island including Ponce in the
south and San Juan in the northeast. Driving
time from Mayagüez to the Capital city of San
Juan ranges from 2 to 2 1/2 hours and from 45
minutes to 1 hour to Ponce. Road PR-2, with
several secondary state roads, places the many
natural attractions of nearby municipalities such
Luis Muñoz-Marín Intl. Airport is one of the
most important airports in Puerto Rico. This
airport receives thousands of passengers from
different places to our island. In 2003 the
quantity of passengers traveled was 9,507.3
thousands. If we compare the 2003 with the
2002, we can detect the highly increase between
this two years (aprox. 458.1)
6
Western Region at a Glance 2005
The next chart presents the movement of
passenger on this airport, and permit us
compare this statistics between years.
This graph represents the Cruise Ship
Visitors:
Passenger Movement
Luis Muñoz-Marín Intl. Airport
(Thousands)
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
Transportation:
Several freight companies provide ground
cargo transportation connecting all major cities,
port and airports within the Island. Overnight
pick-up and delivery services are available to
most cities within the Commonwealth and the
Continental U. S. International delivery is also
available to most foreign countries. UPS,
Federal Express, and the US Postal Service,
coupled with several local suppliers provide a
wide variety of services. For information
contact the local phone directory.
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
Seaport:
Mayagüez is the third largest commercial
port in the Island and is an open roadstead
located midpoint on the west coast. The bay is
easily entered day or night and is a good harbor
in any weather, except during a hurricane. The
harbor is 3.8 miles wide and it is protected by
reefs which extend across the harbor entrance
in a general north by west direction. The
principal channel is about .4 mile wide, with
depths at the entrance of about 47 to 120 feet,
marked by lighted buoys. Depth in the inner
channel is approximately 30 feet and close
alongside the pier from 28 to 29 feet. The
Puerto Rico Ports Authority operates the
terminal facilities which consist of a bulkhead
wharf approximately 1,200 feet long, apron
width 30 feet, and transits sheds and open
storage area. There are other berthing facilities
in the port which are owned or operated
exclusively by a tuna packing plant. Pilot
services are available day and night. For
Customs service, Mayagüez is under the
jurisdiction of the Mayagüez Customhouse of
the United States Federal Customs System.
You may reach the Port Captain at (787) 8323590 or (787) 831-5144.
Taxi Services:
Several companies provide taxi service
within the area. These are:
Mega Taxi Aguadilla (787) 819-1235
City Taxi
(787) 265-1992
Taxi Westernbank
(787) 832-0562
Mr. Special Taxi
(787) 832-1115
This chart represents the growth
reduction in the transportation prices:
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
7
or
Western Region at a Glance 2005
Telecommunications
Telephone:
The telecommunications industry in Puerto
Rico is in a transitional phase and experiencing
rapid growth as a result of a growing demand
for services. The Western Region is no
exception to this trend as the Puerto Rico
Telephone Company and private companies
such as Centennial, MCI, Sprint, Cingular
Wireless, Verizon Wireless, Cel Page, AT & T
and many others rally to obtain a share of the
huge and growing market for personal pagers,
local and international phone calls, cellular
phones and other wireless communication
services, internet access and many other related
services. For more information about the PR
Telephone Company, contact the regional
commercial office at (787) 806-0788 or visit the
webpage www.telefonicapr.com.
UTILITIES
Electricity:
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) is
the provider of electricity in Puerto Rico. It
relies wholly on an integrated system consisting
of thermoelectric generators, gas turbines,
hydroelectric plants and transmission lines to
produce and distribute power throughout the
island. The largest unit’s capacity is 450
megawatts, and except for the hydroelectric
plants, the generators and turbines run on oil.
Of all the regions comprising Puerto Rico’s
electrical power system the Western Region is
the only one lacking a principal generation
source after the construction various years ago
of the Cambalache Plant in Arecibo in the
North. The nearest generating plant is the
EcoEléctrica located in Punta Guayanilla,
Peñuelas. It includes a Liquefied Natural Gas
(LNG) terminal, a power plant and a water
desalination plant. EcoEléctrica production
represents about 15% of the total power
generation on the island. For more information
contact the PREPA regional office at (787) 8346363 or visit http://www.aeepr.com.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Entertainment and Culture:
Mayagüez has a first-rated zoo, several
public parks, the historic Yagüez Performing
Arts Theater and the Municipal Cultural Center
as attractions. Also the Western Region has
beaches, excellent seafood dining and some
outstanding natural reserves, among them the
Forest Reserve in Maricao and a Dry Forest in
Guánica. The Holiday Inn and Best Western
hotels in Mayagüez have both, a night club and
a casino. In the Western Region there are
myriad of pubs patronized mostly by university
students. Also you may enjoy bird watching,
hiking, the Bioluminescent Bay at Lajas, among
many other natural wonders. A very popular
celebration is the “Fiestas Patronales” which is
a festivity in honor of the local patron saint.
There are also many other festivals and artistic
shows during the year complemented by
cultural activities for the general public.
Water and Sewer:
The Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewer Authority
(PRASA) owns and operates the public water
and wastewater systems. Over 94% of the
island’s population is served by the water
system, which is made up of 105 filtration
plants, 42 surface systems, 965 pumping
stations, over 965 reserve tanks, 395
underground wells, and 210 aqueduct systems
which distribute water throughout the
municipalities with over 18,000 kilometers of
pipes and tubing. The wastewater system, is
linked by over 14,000 kilometers of sanitary
pipes to 519 sanitary pumping stations and 74
treatment plants, which perform grit removal,
biological treatment, primary and secondary
clarification, and chlorination.
For more
information, contact the PRASA regional office
at (787) 831-6406 or 831-6440 or visit
http://www.acueductospr.com.
Sports:
Two golf courses Club Deportivo del Oeste
at Cabo Rojo and Punta Borinquen Golf Club
at Aguadilla are available for public use.
Among others sports you may enjoy are
swimming, snorkeling or diving, kayaking,
8
Western Region at a Glance 2005
surfing, windsurfing, deep sea-fishing charters,
jets sky, boat rides and sport fishing, etc.
Lajas
Las Marías
Quebradillas
Rincón
Aguada
Maricao
Guánica
The next diagram represents the growth or
reduction in the education and recreation
prices:
Total
0
11
0
0
0
0
8
13
0
11
9
9
8
0
13
11
11
9
9
8
8
1,599
Source: Compiled by EDUC from data supplied by the Hospitals.
The number of beds included cradles for babies.
The next diagram represents the growth or
reduction in the medical care prices:
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
Health Care:
Mayagüez is the hub for health services for
the western region with six private hospitals. In
the heart of town is the San Antonio Hospital
and very nearby is the Hospital Perea, both
private hospitals. At Cerro Las Mesas, there is
the Bella Vista Hospital (sponsored by the
Adventist Church) and on road PR-106, the
Clínica Española. The Dr. Ramón Emeterio
Betánces Hospital has a Cardiovascular Clinic.
An outpatient Veterans Administration facility
is located on road PR-2. In San German has La
Concepción Hospital located in Road PR-2.
This hospital inaugurated its new facilities in
February 2004. Mayagüez has the greatest
health services concentration, with 63% of the
total beds in hospitals within the western region
as depicted in the following table:
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
EDUCATION
Primary and Secondary:
The Public Board of Education has
established several elementary, junior high
schools and high schools throughout the city
and the rural areas. A vocational school and a
special high school for outstanding students
from all around the Island are both located in
Mayagüez. In and around town there are
several private schools that cover all levels of
education, and also at some of these the
curriculum is totally in english.
Colleges and Universities:
Mayagüez is home for three university
campuses, the University of Puerto Rico
Campus at Mayagüez (UPRM-UPR) the one
with the greatest economic impact on the
region, with an enrollment of 11,877 students.
The city is host also to campuses of the
Catholic University (PUC) and the Antillean
Adventist University affiliated to the Adventist
Church. Nearby San German have a campus of
the Inter American University (IU), with an
enrollment of 11,994. The PUC, UI and
UPRM offer Master’s degrees in various
Distribution of Beds in Hospitals
of the Western Region
Municipality
Mayagüez
San Germán
Aguadilla
Moca
Cabo Rojo
Isabela
San Sebastián
Sabana Grande
Añasco
Hormigueros
Public
0
42
0
122
0
19
0
17
14
0
Private
901
167
153
0
62
0
19
0
0
14
Total
901
209
153
122
62
19
19
17
14
14
9
Western Region at a Glance 2005
Export Development Corporation at (787) 8330245.
disciplines. The UPRM comprises the colleges
of agricultural sciences, arts and sciences,
business administration, engineering and the
extension division as well as important research
centers. Mayagüez also hosts the Eugenio
Maria de Hostos School of Law which was
established in 1994.
For information about space available for
small businesses contact the Commerce and
Export Development Corporation, Mayagüez
Office at 832-0537 or the web site
www.fomentocomercialpr.com.
Largest Western Region Colleges and
Universities
Inter American University San
German Campus
UPR Campus at Mayagüez
Inter American University
Aguadilla Campus
UPR Campus at Aguadilla
Pontifical Catholic University of
Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus
Metropolitan University at Aguadilla
Universidad del Este Cabo Rojo
Antillean Adventist University
Centro Universitario de Isabela
Eugenio María de Hostos
School of Law
ICPR Junior College
INCENTIVES
Commonwealth Incentives:
The
Commerce &
Enrollment
5,639
Development
Economic Incentives Law approved on
September 2, 1997 contains a series of liberal
tax provisions aimed at stimulating the local
industrial development and commerce through
the concession of tax exemption and other
significant benefits. The Law concentrates
practically on attracting new industrial
investment to Puerto Rico. It is an improved
version of the 1987 Incentives Law which
eliminates the existing tollgate tax for new
businesses and establishes a flat tax for existing
concerns. The flat tax offers an effective
corporate tax rate below the existing one for
manufacturing or export-oriented companies.
While not automatic, it is also available for
expansion of existing businesses.
New
incentives offers a 200% tax deduction on
research and development (R&D), investment
as well as on training expenses, and 2-0 %
special corporate tax rate for “Pioneer
Industries”.
The Law has several other
important provisions. Contact the Puerto Rico
Industrial Development Company at (787) 7646966 for more specific information or visit the
website at www.pridco.com.
11,456
4,266
3,151
1,746
1,815
803
744
12,000
310
500
Source: Institutions academic year 2004-2005. UPR stands for
University of Puerto Rico
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
There is several local real estate companies
specialized in residential and commercial
transactions. For a listing you may reach the
Western Chamber of Commerce. Industrial
space is leased according to building size and
location in various industrial parks throughout
the municipality. Industrial buildings available
range from 9,000 square feet to 50,000 square
feet. For information contact the Puerto Rico
Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO),
regional office at (787) 832-4512 or
www.pridco.com. There are several public
warehouses strategically located near the
airport, the port and main access routes in the
Alturas de Mayagüez Warehouse complex.
Space available ranges from 4,992 to 27,456
square feet. For more information contact Mr.
Hernán Gaztambide of the Commerce and
Tourism Development Act
The 1993 Tourist Development Act offers
investment incentives for the development and
expansion of tourist facilities. Some of the
provisions of the Act include: tax credit equal
to 50% of total cash equity up to 10% of the
total cost of project, 90% income tax
exemption for the ten years, 100% in Vieques
and Culebra, 90% municipal property tax
exemption among others; and the creation of
the Puerto Rico Development Fund to
guarantee development loans.
Two new
10
Western Region at a Glance 2005
incentives were introduced in 2001 thus
facilitating financing and development of new
tourism projects. The first one provides a
100% income tax exemption to association of
legal owners of vacation clubs, hence
promoting the development of the time-share
industry of Puerto Rico. The second one
provides tax exemption to 100% of the
incomes received from fees charged by financial
institutions for issuing guarantees or letters of
credit to finance tourism development projects.
For more specific information contact the PR
Tourism Company or visit their website at
www.gotopuertorico.com/AboutPRTC.
Personal property taxes generally apply to
the cost of the inventories (computed on the
basis of monthly average), machinery and
equipment, furniture, fixtures, cash on hand,
investment by corporations organized under
the laws of Puerto Rico in foreign corporations
and certain other items. Accounts and notes
receivables, intangible property, cash in banks,
raw materials and goods in the manufacturing
process are tax exempt. Personal property tax
rates are determined by each municipality and
may vary somewhat from one to another within
the maximum rate fixed by law. Real property
taxes are also determined by each municipality
within the maximum rate fixed by law and are
levied upon the property valued assessed for tax
purposes.
Local Incentives & Programs (Municipal):
Each municipality has its own local business
incentives and programs. For more specific
information contact the municipality of your
interest.
Municipal License Tax:
Municipalities are authorized to levy a
municipal license (patente) tax on the gross
volume of business generated within the
municipality. The current rate for the
municipalities in the Western Region is shown
in the next table. The municipal assemblies are
authorized to levy lower rates, provided that
said rates are uniformly applied.
TAXES
Sales Taxes:
The local businesses in Puerto Rico are not
required to file US Federal income tax returns
and are taxed instead by the Commonwealth.
Taxes on purchases are built into the price of
goods, which often includes a 6.6% excise tax
on merchandise brought in from the
Continental US and elsewhere.
Municipalities
Aguada
Financial
Businesses
Other Business
1.50%
$1 – $5,000 ( tax exempt)
$5,001 – $8,334 ($25)
Hotel/Motel Occupancy tax:
In Puerto Rico, the room occupancy tax rate
of the hotels with casinos is 11%, for those
without casinos are 9% and for Paradores
(Country Inns) is 7%.
$8,335 –$100,000 (30%)
$100,001 –$200,000 (40%)
Personal and Corporate Income Taxes:
The tax reform, adopted in Puerto Rico
during 1994, brought about radical changes in
the tax rates applicable to individuals,
corporations and partnerships. The individual
tax rates range from 7% to a maximum of 33%
depending of the level of family income. The
corporate and partnership tax rates stand at
20% for normal contribution.
Property Taxes:
11
Aguadilla
Añasco
Cabo Rojo
Guánica
Hormigueros
Isabela
1.50%
1.50%
1.50%
1.50%
1.50%
1.50%
Lajas
Las Marías
1.50%
1.00%
$200,001 or more (.50%)
0.40%
0.50%
0.50%
0.40%
0.50%
$1 – $100,000 (.30%)
$100,001 – $200,000
(.40%)
$200,001 or more (.50%)
0.50%
0.30%
Maricao
1.50%
0.30%
Mayagüez
Moca
1.50%
1.50%
0.50%
0.50%
Quebradillas
1.50%
$1 – $100,000 (.30%)
$100,001 – $200,000
(.40%)
Western Region at a Glance 2005
$200,000 or more (.50%)
Rincón
Sabana
Grande
San Germán
1.50%
0.50%
1.50%
0.50%
1.50%
San Sebastián
1.50%
0.50%
0 – $5,000 (tax exempt)
$5,001-$500,000 (.40%)
$500,001 or more (.50%)
Fortune 500 Companies:
According to Puerto Rico Industrial
Development Company (PRIDCO), 178 of the
Fortune 500 Companies operate in Puerto Rico.
The Western Region is home to several of these
companies. Some of these are:
Source: Information provided by “Oficina del Comisionado de
Asuntos Municipales” (OCAM).
Bristol – Myers Squibb Caribbean Company
Eli Lilly Industries, Inc.
Hewlett-Packard Puerto Rico Co.
Lifescan PR, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
Baxter Healthcare Corporation de PR
GE Thermometrics
OMJ Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Johnson &
Johnson)
Payroll Taxes:
Under the unemployment security law of the
Commonwealth, every employer is required to
pay a state tax of 5.4% on salaries. The federal
social security tax and Medicare, which is also
required to be paid by every employer, is based
on 7.65%. A similar amount is required to be
paid by the employee and withheld at source
from the employee’s salary by the employer.
Every employer is required to obtain a
workmen’s compensation insurance policy
from the State Insurance Fund in order to
cover any accident that may occur at work. The
Bureau of Social Security for Chauffeurs and
other Employees requires every employer to
pay .30¢ per week and each employee that
drives a vehicle as a work related task to pay
.50¢ weekly.
National Franchises and Chains Stores:
Practical every major franchise in the United
States is doing business in Puerto Rico. In the
Western Region some of them are:
JCPenney
Wal Mart
Kmart
Walgreens
Sears Roebuck
McDonalds
Burger King
Pizza Hut
Ponderosa
Marshalls
Financial Institutions:
Ten
commercial
banks
have
operations in Western Region. These include:
LEADING BUSINESSES
Local businesses:
According to the 2002 County Business
Patterns publication of the Bureau of the
Census there are 5,862 business establishments
in the Western Region. Some of them like the
ones listed below are native to the Region:
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya
Banco Popular
Banco Santander
Citibank
Doral Bank
Firstbank
Euro Bank
Oriental Bank and Trust
R-G Premier Bank
Scotiabank
Westernbank
Productos La Aguadillana, Inc.
Hojaldre Añasqueña
Sanz Tropical
Bel-Air Industries of PR, Inc.
3-A Press Corp.
Cervecería India
Westernbank
Empresas Bechara
Supermercados Mr. Special
Refrescos del Oeste, Inc.
Productos Ricura Inc.
Franco & Co., Inc.
La Gloria, Inc.
www.bbvapr.com
www.bancopopular.com
www.santanderpr.com
www.citibank.com
www.doralbank.com
www.firstbank.com
www.eurobankpr.com
www.orientalonline.com
ww.rgpremierbank.com
www.scotiabankpr.com
www.wbpr.com
Commercial
banks
offer
industrial,
commercial, real estate, personal and
agricultural short and medium term loans.
Their lending activity is not limited merely to
loans, but includes bank acceptances, lines of
credit and letters of credit. For telephone
12
Western Region at a Glance 2005
numbers and more information about branches
refer to the local phone directory.
CONVENTIONS / TOURISM
Hotels:
There are several hotels within the Western
Region that cater to business and leisure
travelers. Room rates vary significantly when
comparing smaller hotels located in the
downtown area to the ones with casinos located
in the suburbs.
There are also several
beachfront lodging facilities in Cabo Rojo,
Isabela, Guánica, Lajas and Rincón. For
detailed rates information contact the Hotels
directly. A list of some hotels, paradores and
guest houses is included below.
Hotel
Parador JB Hidden Village
Hotel El Faro
Hotel Cielo Mar
Boquerón Beach Hotel
Lighthouse Tropical Inn
Copa Marina
Beach Resort
Costa Dorada
Beach Resort
Villa Montaña
Beach Resort
Parador Villa Parguera
Parador Hacienda Juanita
Best Western Mayagüez
Resort and Casino
Holiday Inn
Tropical Casino
Hotel Mayagüez Plaza
Hotel Colonial
Hotel El Sol
Parador El Guajataca
Parador Villa Antonio
Hotel Villa Cofresí
Horned Dorset
Primavera
Rincon of the Seas
Grand Caribbean
Rincon Beach Resort
Hotel Oasis
Telephone
Rooms
(787)868-8686
(787)882-8000
(787) 882-5959
(787) 851-7110
(787) 255-3887
33
75
52
94
60
(787)821-0505
106
(787) 872-7255
52
(787) 872-9554
(787) 899-7777
(787) 838-2550
52
74
21
(787) 831-7575
140
(787) 833-1100
(787) 832-9191
(787) 833-2150
(787) 834-0303
(787) 895-3070
(787) 823-2645
(787) 823-2450
149
35
29
51
38
61
80
(787) 823-4030
52
(787)823-7500
(787) 589-9000
(787) 892-1175
116
118
52
Source: Governmental Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico in Figures 2003.
During 2003 the occupancy rate was 68.0
percent, if compares this year with 2002 we can
observe a growth of 3.6 percent.
Meeting Facilities:
The Best Western, Holiday Inn, Rincon
Beach Resort, Copamarina Beach Resort, Costa
Dorada Beach Resort and Rincon of the Seas
have meeting facilities to accommodate groups
of over one hundred persons. The other hotels
and area restaurants have facilities to cater
smaller groups. Contact the hotels’ sales
department for more information.
Attractions:
One of the most impressive scenic routes in
Puerto Rico is located at the Western Region.
Named PORTA DEL SOL, it includes the coastal
municipalities from Isabela to Guánica. In
Porta Del Sol you will find some of the world’s
greatest surfing areas and beautiful beaches
including Boquerón, Combate and Buyé in
Cabo Rojo, Jobos in Isabela and Crash Boat in
Aguadilla, among others.
Fifty miles west of Mayagüez is rugged
Mona Island, a nature reserve. Yard-long
iguanas co-exist with colonies of sea birds.
Colorful fish swim around coral reefs set in
extremely clear waters. Cliffs up to 200 feet
high, pierced with caves, ascend to a tabletop
plateau covered with low, dry forest, and white
sand forming dazzling beaches.
Another
attraction is the Guánica Dry Forest, the largest
remaining tract of tropical dry coastal forest in
the world and a United Nations Biosphere
Reserve. Its forest along the coast and on lowlying hills hosts the greatest number of bird
The next graph represents the Occupancy
Rate in Tourist Hotels:
13
Western Region at a Glance 2005
species on the Island. In Lajas, the fishing
village of La Parguera has developed into a
popular resort center while maintaining much
of its small town atmosphere. In the evening,
boats leave regularly for nearby Phosphorescent
Bay
where
billions
of
luminescent
dinoflagellates light up when disturbed by
movement. The same is true also for the
fishing village of Boquerón in Cabo Rojo,
which has one of the best protected bays on the
Island, a favorite among pirates and buccaneers
of the fifteen century and now a major hub for
nautical tourism.
For additional information or attractions in
the western region contact the P.R. Tourism
Company office in Cabo Rojo (787) 851-7015
or in Aguadilla (787) 890-3315 or 1-800-9817575. Ask for a copy of the Qué Pasa
magazine, official guide to Puerto Rico
published by the Tourism Company. For
additional information about PORTA DEL SOL
visit http://www.gotoportadelsol.com
www.inter.edu
™ Eugenio María de Hostos School of Law
www.hostos.edu
™ Antillean Adventist University
www.uaa.edu
™ Universidad del Este
www.suagm.edu
™ Puerto Rico Planning Board Census Office
www.censo.gobierno.pr
™ Puerto Rico Health Department
www.salud.gov.pr
™ U.S. Census Bureau
www.census.gov
™ Puerto Rico Agricultural Statistic Service
www.nass.usda.gov/pr/esp_index.htm
™ Tendenciaspr.com
www.tendenciapr.com
™ PR Tourism Company
www.gotopuertorico.com
™ Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company
(PRIDCO)
www.pridco.com
™ Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
www.gobierno.pr
™ Municipalities
www.gobierno.pr/GPRPortal/StandAl
one/MunicipalitiesMap.aspx
™ Puerto Rico TechnoEconomic Corridor (PRTEC)
www.prteconline.com
™ Technology Business Accelerator (VITEC2)
www.vitec2.com
™ Hospital Perea
www.paviahealth.com
WESTERN REGION IN DETAIL
Research & Information Resources:
For more detailed information on the
Western Region, contact the Western
Chamber of Commerce of Puerto Rico at
(787) 832-3749 or (787) 832-3250.
Useful Web Sites:
™ Puerto Rico University Mayagüez Campus
www.uprm.edu
™ Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
www.pucpr.edu
™ Inter American University of PR
14