Free Zones Expansion: The National Council of Export Free Zones approved permits for 10 new free zone companies, targeting over US$14M in investment and 480+ direct jobs, while also signing agreements for three new free zone parks to boost investor confidence. Industrial Push in Santo Domingo Norte: Proindustria and the Santo Domingo Norte Business Council (CESDN) signed an alliance to strengthen the local industrial and business ecosystem, with plans for technical training, SME support, productivity gains, and value-chain building. Tourism Workforce Training: INFOTEP and Asonahores opened talks on new training initiatives for tourism and gastronomy, including pilot training centers, hotel involvement for instructor retraining, and a job placement platform for graduates. Aviation Connectivity: The Dominican Republic and Trinidad & Tobago signed an Air Services Agreement to expand overflight and landing rights and support trade, tourism, and investment. Financial Sector Update: AM Best upgraded Reaseguradora Santo Domingo (REASANTO) ratings to B+ and “bbb-” with a stable outlook, citing stronger capitalization and solid balance-sheet fundamentals. Visa News: Opposition figure Gonzalo Castillo said the U.S. reinstated his 10-year visa after it was revoked amid investigations linked to Operation Calamar. Tourism Sustainability Spotlight: Eco-Bahia Foundation showcased its Cayo Levantado restoration project at an international botanical congress, highlighting native plant recovery and more sustainable tourism practices.