AGP Executive Report

Border Security: The Dominican Republic has started a 14.5-kilometer second-stage perimeter fence in Jimaní, Independencia, with a 13-foot height, surveillance towers, culverts and patrol roads to tighten control over trafficking routes facing Haiti. Tech Adoption: A new National Statistics Office bulletin says 35% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI, led by larger firms and especially mining/quarrying, with construction and manufacturing also showing strong uptake. Tourism Value Push: Tourism Minister David Collado says the next phase should raise hotel rates and tourist spending so growth delivers more income for Dominicans, naming key destinations needing stronger territorial planning. Humanitarian Pressure: Rights groups warn that nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026, with the Dominican Republic accounting for the vast majority, stressing Haiti’s limited capacity to receive returnees. Global Spotlight (Culture/Brand): Joheirry Mola Domínguez won Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, with her “Beauty With a Purpose” centered on expanding English education for children in vulnerable communities.

Miss World Win: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, beating Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty, with her “Beauty With a Purpose” focused on expanding English education for children in vulnerable communities. Tourism Real Estate: Tourism Minister David Collado says Punta Bergantín in Puerto Plata sold nearly US$30 million in units in a single weekend, with major hotel chains (Meliá and Hyatt) expected to invest and add 1,000+ rooms. Tourism Strategy: Collado also urged a new tourism push: raise hotel rates and tourist spending so growth delivers more direct benefits for Dominicans, alongside sustainability and better territorial planning. Business Tech Adoption: The National Statistics Office reports 35% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI in daily operations, led by larger firms and sectors like mining, construction, and manufacturing. Humanitarian Pressure: Rights groups warn that nearly 200,000 Haitians forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026—mostly involving the Dominican Republic—are overwhelming Haiti’s ability to receive and reintegrate returnees. Aviation & Travel Services: The Civil Aviation Board met VFS Global to discuss visa services and improving the traveler experience. Security Update: DNCD seized more than 10 kilos of suspected drugs in operations across North Santo Domingo, along with cash and phones.

Tourism Value Push: Tourism Minister David Collado told Asonahores in Punta Cana that the next phase should lift hotel rates and tourist spending, so growth benefits more Dominicans—not just arrivals. Hotel & Trade Momentum: Asonahores’ 2026 Trade Expo closed with record scale—323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies and 5,000+ visitors—plus 85% company return rate. Trade Diplomacy: Dominican Week in France (Oct. 17–22) was launched with a plan to plug Dominican exporters into SIAL Paris and expand B2B, investment and renewable-energy discussions. Electricity Bills Backlash: A Santo Domingo power outage interrupted Vice President Raquel Peña’s remarks on higher electricity bills, as officials pointed to hotter weather driving consumption and tariff-block shifts. Aviation/Visas: JAC chief Julio Peña Guzmán met VFS Global to improve visa services and the traveler experience. Drug Enforcement: DNCD seized 10+ kilos of suspected narcotics in Santo Domingo Norte, including cocaine and marijuana, plus cash and phones. Legal Win (Arbitration): The DR said it prevailed in a $100m arbitration tied to a dismissed garbage contract dispute. Global Water Diplomacy: GWPO launched a Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy at World Water Week, with DR among participating countries. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Mexican golf legend Lorena Ochoa visited the DR, delivering a “Winning Mindset” talk tied to sports tourism. Energy Storage Policy (Regional): Nepra approved mandatory BESS for a renewable auction in upcoming capacity procurement—relevant for DR’s power-transition conversations. Reality TV Lawsuit (DR link): Survivor Greece contestant Stavros Floros sued for $100m after a boat propeller severed his leg while filming in Dominican waters, raising fresh safety questions.

Tourism Trade Push: Asonahores’ XXXVIII Hotel & Tourism Commercial Exhibition wrapped in Punta Cana with record momentum—323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies, and 5,000+ visitors, plus 85% company retention. International Deal-Making: Dominican Week in France (Oct. 17–22) launches in Paris with a ProDominicana pavilion and B2B sessions tied to SIAL Paris, aiming to boost trade, investment, fintech, cybersecurity, and renewables. Energy & Regulation: The Vice President’s tariff explanation was briefly derailed by a Santo Domingo blackout, while authorities reiterated bills reflect higher summer consumption and possible tariff-block shifts. Aviation Services: JAC met VFS Global to improve visa-related processes and passenger experience, focusing on smoother document handling and mobility. Security Operations: DNCD seized 10+ kilos of suspected drugs in Santo Domingo Norte across 84 operations and three home raids, alongside cash, scales, and phones. Business Climate: The DR won an international arbitration case against French investor Yves Martine Garnier, dismissing claims over a solid-waste concession termination. FX Watch: Central Bank reference rates for Sept. 4 showed the dollar and euro trading at stable-to-slightly firmer levels versus the peso. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Tourism minister David Collado highlighted Lorena Ochoa’s visit as a boost for sports tourism and entrepreneurship. Data & Governance: ECLAC experts stressed the role of official statistics in protecting democracy and improving governance across the region. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reported 20 million children (12–17) faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation across 21 countries, with social media driving most cases.

Health Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic’s Senate approved landmark legislation to make health tourism a national priority, aiming to boost quality, international accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination—after 338,000 health tourists in 2023 generated over US$1.4B. Private Sector Momentum: Official ONE data show formal business units rose 5% in 2025 to 125,715, with formal jobs topping 2.56M (+3.2%), while the commercial sector led new openings and Santo Domingo added dozens of new formal restaurants. Migration & Trade Talks: DR and Haiti held a working meeting in Dajabón focused on migration management, border coordination, illicit economies, legal cooperation, air connectivity, and resuming DR consular services when security allows. Environmental Enforcement: President Abinader signed Decree 615-26 declaring “environmental terrorism” a high national interest, with tougher prosecution for attacks on national parks and critical natural resources. Tech & Child Safety Warning: UNICEF reported 20M children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of cases tied to social media—highlighting risks relevant to the DR’s digital youth. Travel Enforcement in the US: U.S. CBP at Philadelphia seized nearly US$19,000 in undeclared cash from a couple traveling to Santo Domingo after a K9 alert.

Health Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic’s Senate approved landmark legislation to turn medical tourism into a national priority, aiming to boost quality, international accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination after 338,000 health tourists in 2023 generated over US$1.4B. Migration & Trade Talks: Foreign ministers from the DR and Haiti met in Dajabón to coordinate migration management, border security, legal cooperation, trade formalization, and air connectivity, while also pushing for continued UN support for Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force. Aviation & Cross-Border Logistics: U.S. flight restrictions over Haiti were extended until March 2, 2027, and Dominican Customs tightened container controls for goods transiting to Haiti to improve traceability amid security-driven port disruptions. Tourism & Hospitality Growth: Hyatt opened Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, expanding its all-inclusive footprint in the country. Business Sector Momentum: Formal business units rose 5% in 2025 and formal employment surpassed 2.56M jobs, with accommodation and food services among the fastest-growing areas. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports about 20M children across 21 countries face online sexual abuse/exploitation each year, with social media driving most cases. Currency Enforcement: In Philadelphia, CBP’s K9 Nitro helped seize US$19,000 in undeclared cash from Dominican Republic-bound travelers. Environmental Enforcement: The government declared “environmental terrorism” a high national interest, setting tougher penalties for attacks on national parks and protected resources.

UNICEF Digital Safety: A new UNICEF study across 21 countries estimates about 20 million children ages 12–17 were sexually exploited or abused online in a year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media. Aviation & Haiti Trade: The U.S. extended Haiti low-altitude flight restrictions until March 2, 2027, while Dominican Customs is tightening controls on containers transiting to Haiti—adding staff to private warehouses and requiring requests at least 24 hours ahead. Airline Pricing: Arajet marks its fourth anniversary with “Purple Days,” promotional fares starting at US$4 one-way (Sept. 1–15) and a booking window running into March 2027. Tourism & Hospitality: Casas del XVI in Santo Domingo joined IHG’s Vignette Collection, adding 21 rooms and a Michelin Key while keeping its historic-house concept. Cross-border Money: U.S. CBP seized $19,000 in unreported currency from travelers boarding a flight to the Dominican Republic after a detector dog alert. Finance & Banking: JPMorgan signaled interest in expanding investment activity in the DR, citing growth momentum and rising foreign direct investment. Telecom Competition: President Abinader said Viettel will bring competition to the DR telecom market.

Banking & Policy: The Association of Commercial Banks of the Dominican Republic backed President Abinader’s appointment of Víctor Cedeño Brea as Superintendent of Banks, saying it will keep regulatory reforms moving. Central Banking & FX: The Central Bank set the dollar at RD$56.97 (buy) and RD$59.63 (sell), while the euro was RD$66.01 (buy) and RD$70.29 (sell), with the local currency showing longer-term appreciation. Investment Outlook: JPMorgan signaled interest in expanding in the DR after talks with the Central Bank, pointing to renewed growth and strong FDI momentum. Telecom Competition: President Abinader said Viettel will bring competition to the DR telecom market, and Viettel’s Qualcomm partnership targets Open RAN 5G commercialization. Tourism & Real Estate: Punta Bergantín in Puerto Plata generated nearly US$30M in sales in one weekend, with Meliá and Hyatt expected to add 1,000+ hotel rooms. Cruise Activity: Celebrity Beyond arrived in Puerto Plata with 3,224 passengers as September cruise calls ramp up. Regional Trade Link: AMCHAMDR praised U.S. approval to extend Haiti’s HOPE/HELP programs, highlighting the DR’s role in the garment supply chain. Security Watch (Haiti): Two South Korean workers kidnapped in Haiti were released after about a month, with the embassy in the DR coordinating with Haitian authorities. Visa Rules Question: A reader flagged confusion over 2026 Residence Visa RS criteria, noting conflicting guidance between the UK consulate and Santo Domingo processing.

Banking Watch: President Abinader appointed Víctor Cedeño Brea as the new Superintendent of Banks, replacing Alejandro Fernández, signaling a fresh push on regulation, innovation, and anti–money laundering oversight. Customs & Trade: The AIRD backed new General Directorate of Customs rules for goods transiting to Haiti, asking for clear procedures, deadlines, and sanctions to keep formal trade moving smoothly. Cement Expansion: Grupo Estrella’s Cemento Panam is buying Cementos Fortaleza’s Acajutla plant in El Salvador, adding 350,000 tons of annual capacity and expanding the group’s footprint beyond the Dominican Republic and Panama. Tourism & Hospitality: Dominican Restaurant Week 2026 kicks off National Gastronomy Month, expanding to Puerto Plata and Jarabacoa with 200+ participating spots. Aviation Tech: A Dominican AI aviation initiative, SARA, won a Women in Tech LATAM award, aiming to help air traffic and flight teams access aeronautical info faster. Real Estate/Travel: Hyatt opened Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, its first Dominican property, as adults-only all-inclusive demand keeps rising. Business & Finance (DR-linked): Medytox won Colombian approval for its Atiere fillers, using Colombia as a base for broader Latin America expansion after entering the Dominican market.

Banking Appointments: President Abinader named Víctor Cedeño Brea as the new Superintendent of Banks, signaling a fresh push on regulation, risk management, and anti–money laundering priorities. Customs & Trade: The AIRD backed new Dominican Customs rules for goods transiting to Haiti, including advance requests, departure deadlines, and tighter cargo supervision to reduce irregularities. Construction & M&A: Grupo Estrella’s Cemento Panam bought Cementos Fortaleza in El Salvador, adding a 350,000-ton cement plant and expanding the group’s cement footprint beyond the DR and Panama. Security & Labor Enforcement: A Joint Task Force operation in Haina rescued 14 minors tied to alleged forced labor and arrested 13 people, while authorities reported more preventive patrol capacity. Tourism & Hospitality: Hyatt opened Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, its first Dominican Republic adults-only, all-inclusive property, adding 467 rooms and a new “choose-your-own-day” guest experience. Agriculture Exports: Organic banana exports fell sharply from 2022 to 2025, with lower volumes and revenue blamed on costs, certification hurdles, productivity gaps, and weather and pests. Tech & Aviation: Dominican AI aviation initiative SARA won a Women in Tech LATAM award, aiming to support real-time decision-making for aviation professionals. Infrastructure Agenda: Public Works outlined road projects around Greater Santo Domingo, including highway expansions and bypass plans to cut congestion. Sports Business: Dominican restaurant week and Punta Cana events keep tourism-linked spending in focus, while Dominican talent continues to surface in international sports.

Telecom Competition: President Abinader says Vietnam’s Viettel will bring competition to the Dominican Republic’s telecom market after securing a major spectrum concession, aiming to challenge Claro and Altice’s near-oligopoly and push prices and infrastructure investment. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank kept the monetary policy rate at 5.25% as inflation is expected to keep converging toward the 4% target range, despite global uncertainty. Electricity Rights: A new framework lets users demand compensation for “unserved electricity” during outages tied to company or system failures, with payouts set at at least 150% of the relevant tariff. Gambling Regulation: A proposed bill would impose a 10-year moratorium on new betting licenses nationwide, with exceptions for casinos in higher-end hotels and a tax-discount regime for operators that regularize. Energy Strategy: The government is exploring nuclear technologies with U.S. cooperation, focusing on diversification and grid reliability as solar and wind expand. Tourism & Business: Hyatt opened Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, adding 467 rooms to the all-inclusive segment, while the DR will headline FIT 2026 in Buenos Aires as guest country. Security Cooperation: The DR and Colombia signed a Joint Investigation Team to target human trafficking and migrant smuggling, including faster prosecutor-to-prosecutor coordination. Humanitarian Aid: The DR sent about 50 tons of earthquake relief to Colombia via the Navy.

Monetary Policy: The Central Bank kept the monetary policy rate at 5.25% as it expects inflation to keep converging toward the 4% target range, despite global uncertainty. Electricity Costs & Consumer Rights: A new framework under Law 186-07 would require suppliers to compensate users for “unserved electricity” during outages, with compensation set at at least 150% of the tariff. Gambling Regulation: A proposed bill would impose a 10-year moratorium on new betting licenses nationwide, with exceptions for casinos in hotels and tourist areas, plus tax-debt discounts for operators who regularize. Energy Strategy: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos Echavarría said the DR is exploring nuclear technology options (including non-power uses) with potential U.S. cooperation, while no plant decision has been made. Telecom Competition: President Abinader backed Viettel’s entry, saying the new operator should break an “oligopoly” and push prices and infrastructure investment. Security Cooperation: The DR and Colombia signed a Joint Investigation Team to target human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and the DR also deepened ties with Honduras on trade, security, and migration. Business & Markets: DR’s wealth outlook is rising fast, while more Dominicans are saving in dollars amid currency stability concerns. Tourism & Hospitality: Hyatt opened the adults-only Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, adding 467 rooms to the all-inclusive pipeline. Sports & Local Talent: Dominican pitcher Yunior Marte made his MLB debut for the Giants, continuing the Fireflies-to-the-majors pipeline.

Judicial Cooperation: The Dominican Republic and Colombia signed an agreement to create a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to boost international legal cooperation against organized crime. Wealth & Finance: A Global Wealth Report 2026 spokesperson at BCG says DR’s net wealth rose from about US$190B (2020) to US$340B (2025), driven mainly by real assets like real estate, while many Dominicans increasingly save in dollars. Trade & Tariffs: ProDominicana says new U.S. tariffs of 12.5% may not hit rates immediately, but could add uncertainty for industry; the export push now leans on diversification. Energy & Utilities: Law 186-07 sets compensation for electricity “unserved energy” after outages, while ETED scheduled maintenance will cut power in parts of Santo Domingo. Water Crisis: CAASD urged water rationing as El Niño has cut Greater Santo Domingo aqueduct output by up to 68%. Tourism Development: A permanent study program will track the economic and social impact of Punta Bergantín, linking Mitur, PUCMM, and the project trust. Gambling Reform: A new gambling bill approved by deputies would bar new licenses for 10 years, potentially locking in current operators while offering debt discounts. Health Data: UNICEF highlighted that 68.2% of births in DR were via C-section, with private hospitals far higher than public. Renewables Push: IRENA opened a call for renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including DR.

Judicial Cooperation: The Dominican Republic and Colombia signed an agreement to create a Joint Investigation Team to boost cross-border legal cooperation against organized crime. Wealth & Finance: A Boston Consulting Group report says the DR is among Latin America’s fastest-growing wealth markets, with net wealth rising from about US$190B (2020) to US$340B (2025), driven largely by real assets and strong pension/insurance growth. Dollar Savings Trend: More Dominicans are saving in dollars as banks report close to 30% of deposits in foreign currency and dollar credit at 21.9%, reflecting a push for stability. Trade & Tariffs: New U.S. tariffs of 12.5% on the DR are framed as a short-term manageable hit, but exporters want certainty; ProDominicana says the government is negotiating and urges market diversification. Electricity Costs: A new law sets compensation for “unserved electricity” when outages stem from company or system failures, with payouts not less than 150% of the tariff. Infrastructure & Utilities: ETED will do transmission maintenance Saturday, causing scheduled power interruptions in parts of Santo Domingo and key institutions. Water Under Pressure: CAASD says Greater Santo Domingo water production is down 30–35% due to El Niño, with some basins hit harder. Health System Spotlight: UNICEF flags extremely high C-section rates—68.2% overall, 89% in private care—calling for a review of obstetric practices. Tourism Development: Punta Bergantín’s trust will run permanent research to track the project’s economic and social impact in Puerto Plata’s northern communities.

Water Crunch: CAASD chief Felipe Suberví asked Greater Santo Domingo residents to rationalize water as El Niño has cut aqueduct output to just 30–35% of normal, with some basins down as much as 68%. Energy & Costs: ETED will replace deteriorated structures on the 69 kV Haina–Herrera Nueva–Metropolitano line Saturday, triggering planned outages across multiple Santo Domingo sectors and major institutions from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Macro Watch: A U.S. slowdown looks “manageable” for the Dominican Republic for now, with remittances up 6.4% to US$7.32B through July, though July growth cooled and tourism momentum needs monitoring. Tourism Investment: Punta Bergantín’s trust will fund a permanent program with PUCMM and the Tourism Ministry to track the project’s economic, social, and territorial impact in Puerto Plata and nearby communities. Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across the Caribbean and Central America, including the Dominican Republic, for potential financing and de-risking via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Business Integrity: MLB suspended Dominican prospect Daury David Severino Damaso for a fake-age scheme tied to falsified records and a staged death/gravesite, after a US$2.8M pre-deal with the Cleveland Guardians.

Industrial Tech Showcase: Santiago hosted a German-technology industrial fair at the Gran Almirante hotel, spotlighting innovations for automotive, construction, paint, wood, gardening and cleaning, with brands like Mipa, Atlas and Supercor. Water Crunch: CAASD director Felipe Suberví urged Greater Santo Domingo residents to rationalize water as El Niño cuts aqueduct output to 30–35% of normal capacity, with major reductions in key river basins. Tourism & Research: Punta Bergantín’s trust will fund a permanent economic, social and territorial impact study for Villa Montellano and nearby communities via an agreement among PUCMM and the Tourism Ministry. U.S. Slowdown Watch: A new outlook says the Dominican Republic is in “yellow” territory: remittances rose 6.4% in Jan–Jul to US$7.32B, but July growth cooled, so employment and household income in the U.S. remain key. Power Reliability: ETED scheduled Saturday maintenance on the 69 kV Haina–Herrera Nueva–Metropolitano line, with planned outages across multiple Santo Domingo sectors. Fuel Prices Frozen: For Aug 29–Sep 4, the government kept gasoline, diesel, LPG and natural gas prices unchanged, with RD$1.21B in fuel subsidies. Tourism Access Upgrade: Puerto Plata signed an “Accessible Destination” agreement to improve infrastructure, training and marketing for visitors with disabilities and older adults. MLB Fallout (Local Angle): MLB suspended a Dominican prospect tied to an age-fraud scheme involving fake identity records and a staged death/gravesite, after a $2.8M pre-deal with the Cleveland Guardians. Cocoa Traceability Win: The EU-funded Cacao Trace project in Monte Plata trained 740+ producers and helped formalize compliance protocols for EU 2023/1115, including a blockchain-based traceability platform.