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The southern coastal municipality of Salinas is offering a 100% tax exemption to new businesses that opt to operate within the town’s borders.
Salinas Municipal Assembly President Edgar A. González Moreno on Thursday announced to all citizens — especially entrepreneurs with new business ideas — that starting a business in Salinas is the best option due to the support provided by the municipality.
“Ordinance 23 Series 2015-2016, as amended, has proven to be very effective and remains in force,” the assemblyman said. “We want to remind everyone of its benefits. Making the dream of owning a business come true is possible in Salinas.”
The Municipal Incentive Code of Salinas offers a 100% exemption on municipal patents (city taxes) for the first year, a 75% exemption for the second year, and a 50% exemption for the third year of operations. Additionally, there is a 40% discount on construction fees. González emphasized that the exemption from municipal taxes on movable and immovable property is an added advantage when starting a business in the “Capital of the Caribbean,” a nickname for Salinas.
“This Code has been successful in facilitating the opening of new businesses, which contributes to job creation and economic development,” he noted.
Furthermore, the Service Consortium, of which Salinas is a part, known as the South Central Local Labor Development Region, provides training services for entrepreneurs.
“For those who need access to computers and the internet, our Municipal Library, located in the public square next to City Hall, is available from Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Fridays until 4:30 p.m.,” added Mayor Karilyn Bonilla.
Salinas is also working to strengthen its tourism industry. Last year, the SeaDream II cruise ship made its inaugural visit to the town’s marina after stopping in Boquerón, Cabo Rojo. The SeaDream II is one of the ships from the Norwegian SeaDream Yacht Club, which operates small luxury cruises for exclusive clients from around the world.
“In Salinas, we also have a first-class Gastronomic Route featuring a wide array of offerings,” González Moreno said. “This promotes both internal and external tourism, as well as boosts local industries and agricultural production, encouraging the establishment of new businesses.”
