Mining is also a highly significant activity. Gold and silver mine in Pueblo Viejo is the world s largest open-pit gold mine, and there are some exploring for petroleum all along the southern coast of the country. This has situated the Dominican Republic in the 31st. Industrial free zones granted duty free passage of raw materials and finished products, and are geared for export under the benefits of the Caribbean Basin Initiative been the most successful of all the Basin countries. Over 250 foreign companies operate in the Dominican Republic Free Zone industrial parks.
Textile plants are the most important followed by electronics.
Transportation and communication is extensive. Cargo traffic directly from Europe, North and South America. A 12,000 kilometer domestic highway network. The telophone system is one of the best and most modern in the world. The capital and other major port cities are served by a number of container services.