प्यूर्टो रिको (अमेरिका)

Puerto Rico Economic Profile

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory located in the Caribbean with a population of approximately 3.3 million and constitutes a high-income economy. With a GDP of roughly $100 billion, it serves as a significant economic hub in the Caribbean region. The primary industries include manufacturing (particularly pharmaceuticals and biotechnology), tourism, financial services, and the petrochemical industry. Due to its governance relationship with the United States, the official currency is the U.S. dollar, and the trade and investment environment is relatively stable.

In recent years, Puerto Rico's economy has faced complex challenges. Following the devastating hurricane damage in 2017, economic reconstruction has been underway, but recovery has been gradual. Since 2006, the economy has continued to contract, with unemployment rates exceeding the national average. Population outmigration is also a serious issue, with particularly working-age populations relocating to the U.S. mainland in search of better opportunities.

Notable points include, first, tax incentive programs (Act 60, formerly Act 20/22), which offer substantial tax benefits for corporations and individual investors, attracting digital nomads and business owners. Second, a rapid transition to renewable energy is underway, with infrastructure investments aimed at achieving energy independence drawing attention. Third, Puerto Rico has established itself as a global pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, with multiple major pharmaceutical companies maintaining production facilities there. However, structural challenges such as high public debt, aging infrastructure, and limited employment opportunities constrain economic growth.