Digital Infrastructure & Big Tech: President Abinader met Google Cloud’s Latin America president, signaling more support for the DR’s digital transformation as Google expands regional submarine cable links that connect the country to Latin America, the Caribbean, the U.S. and Europe. Trade & Border Logistics: The government is moving to develop dry ports along the Dominican-Haitian border under Decree 166-26, with a proposed Comendador–Belladère corridor pilot to boost customs control, trade facilitation and competitiveness. Security & Enforcement: Prosecutors and the DNCD launched Operation LM2, seizing 168 cocaine packages and arresting alleged leader “El Viajero” in raids across Greater Santo Domingo, Hato Mayor and Santiago. Customs Crackdown: MICM and Ceccom destroyed 28.35 million units of illicit goods worth RD$362.8 million, targeting smuggling, tax evasion and unfair competition. Tourism & Ports: Apordom is pushing cruise growth, including a planned Manzanillo terminal and a target of nine cruise terminals by 2028, while Puerto Plata handled four ships and 16,714 passengers in one day. Energy & Mining: The DR expects to declare its first rare earth reserves in 2027 after technical and environmental studies, with an initial resource estimate due in November 2026. Finance & Remittances: Ualett launched Ualett Global Transfer to simplify international money transfers from its app with in-app tracking and transparent pricing.