AGP Executive Report

Investment & Policy: President Luis Abinader used the Americas Investment Forum in Santo Domingo to pitch the DR as a stable, rules-based destination, citing 2025 FDI of over US$5B and free-trade zone growth. Aviation & Industry: FL Technics received IDAC RAD-145 certification to start certified aircraft maintenance operations from its Punta Cana MRO hub. Climate Risk Finance: The DR became the first LAC country to roll parametric insurance into Supérate’s adaptive social protection, targeting 3,030 climate-vulnerable households with faster payouts after extreme rainfall or wind events. Payments & Retail Fuel: Transport operators pushed back on proposals to remove card terminals at gas stations, warning cash-only could raise robbery risks and urging negotiations to lower card fees. Humanitarian Aid: The DR shipped a new maritime aid batch to Venezuela under Quisqueya Solidaria 2026, including food, water, and medicines collected via state, private, media, and civil society efforts. FX Watch: Central Bank reference rates for July 1 showed the peso strengthening versus the dollar and euro. Legal/Media: ESPN fully retracted a story linking NFL player Mike Pennel to a Dominican woman’s death, citing documentation provided by his representatives.

Aviation & Jobs: FL Technics received IDAC Maintenance Organization certification to launch certified aircraft maintenance services from its new Punta Cana MRO hub, a step aimed at boosting safety and local employment. Quality Infrastructure: ODAC expanded TDP Dominicana’s accredited calibration scope (pressure and temperature), letting energy, manufacturing, telecoms, food, pharma and technical services access more specialized services locally. Social Protection & Climate Risk: The DR became the first in Latin America/Caribbean to plug parametric insurance into Supérate’s adaptive social protection, with payouts triggered by verified satellite/meteorological data for climate-vulnerable households. Mental Health at Work: The National Drug Council rolled out a Workplace Prevention and Wellbeing Plan to help public and private employers train staff on mental health promotion and addiction prevention. Payments at the Pump: Transporters warned against removing card terminals at fuel stations, saying cash-only would raise robbery risks and urged talks to lower card fees without losing electronic payments. Investment Spotlight: The DR will host the Americas Investment Forum 2026 in Santo Domingo (July 1–3), positioning the country for new trade and investment partnerships. FX Watch: Central Bank reference rates for July 1 showed the peso strengthening versus the dollar and euro.

Tourism & Branding: Emilio Estefan backed the Dominican Republic’s Miches push at a Florida event, praising the destination’s growth as Tourism Minister David Collado showcased investment and hotel/airline interest. Banking Leadership: The Association of Multiple Banks (ABA) confirmed Rosanna Ruiz’s exit as executive president after six years, highlighting progress on financial inclusion, innovation, and sector development ahead of a succession process. Climate & Risk Planning: The government unveiled NDC 3.0 (RD-2025), targeting deeper emissions cuts and adding adaptation measures across water, agriculture, health, tourism, and coastal resources, with an estimated US$23.7B investment need. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Indotel authorized Swordfish Infrastructure to operate private telecom carrier services, clearing the way for Google-led subsea cable landing and broader digital connectivity. Ports & Trade Links: Antigua and Barbuda floated cutting Rat Island to expand container storage and strengthen transshipment links involving the Dominican Republic. Tourism Growth via Sports: Cap Cana doubled down on sports tourism, citing major event hosting and plans to expand its international calendar to drive longer stays and higher spending. Road Expansion: MOPC advanced the Frank Rainieri Tourist Boulevard widening (Macao–Uvero Alto) to ease congestion from tourism and real estate growth. Public Health Funding: Health and Conavihsida launched a national dialogue to secure long-term financing for the HIV response 2026–2030 as the country transitions from international support.

Climate Policy: The Dominican Republic unveiled NDC 3.0, aiming to cut emissions 28% by 2030 and 32% by 2035, with 41 adaptation measures across key sectors and an estimated US$23.7B investment need. Tourism & Infrastructure: Cap Cana is doubling down on sports tourism, while MOPC is expanding the Frank Rainieri Tourist Boulevard (Macao–Uvero Alto) to four lanes to ease traffic tied to hotel and residential growth. Tech & Connectivity: Indotel authorized Swordfish Infrastructure to operate private telecom carrier services, clearing the way for Google’s subsea cable project to boost regional connectivity. Security & Finance: Police arrested three Colombians in a bank-client robbery ring tied to an RD$1M theft in Santiago, using a flat-tire ruse. Trade & Customs: The DR and Belgium signed a customs cooperation deal to share intelligence and coordinate against illicit trade and organized crime. Travel Costs: Law 30-26 starts reshaping travel expenses with a 50% jump in the departure fee to US$30. Cruise Momentum: FCCA honored Tourism Minister David Collado for the DR’s cruise surge, as Celebration Key’s pier expansion signals continued Caribbean demand. Beach Protection: The DR set aside US$9M to tackle sargassum, releasing funds only after an offshore collection solution is identified.

Cruise Infrastructure: Carnival has finished a pier extension at Celebration Key in the Bahamas, doubling capacity to four ships at once and boosting daily arrivals to 13,000-plus—an indicator of how fast Caribbean cruise demand is rising. Tourism & Environment: The Dominican Republic earmarked US$9 million to fight sargassum, to be released only after an offshore collection solution is identified (removal after beaching won’t be enough). Regional Energy Deal: The DR has six months to start oil and gas exploration in Guyana’s Berbice onshore block, with Refidomsa taking a 10% stake and preferential access if reserves are found. Finance & Development: The DR was approved as a Series A shareholder of CABEI, as the bank raised authorized capital to expand lending for infrastructure and public investment. Cruise Growth Push: At the PAMAC Destination Summit in Puerto Plata, officials highlighted cruise passenger growth (up to 2.8M in 2025) and target 3M by end-2026, with major operators in talks. Macroeconomy: The Central Bank reported the economy grew 4.7% year-on-year in May, lifting cumulative growth for 2026 to 4.2%. Legal/Investment Risk: A US-based investor is seeking to seize Dominican Republic assets to satisfy a US$43.7M arbitral award tied to a terminated landfill concession.

Cruise Expansion: Carnival Corporation finished a two-berth pier extension at Celebration Key in the Bahamas, doubling capacity to four ships at once and adding about 200 more ship calls and 700,000 extra passenger visits annually—good news for Caribbean tourism demand that’s already lifting the Dominican Republic’s cruise business. Regional Finance: The Dominican Republic was approved as a CABEI Series A shareholder, boosting the bank’s capital from $7B to $10B and expanding financing options for DR infrastructure and public investment. Tourism & Ports: At the PAMAC Destination Summit 2026 in Puerto Plata, officials highlighted cruise growth: arrivals up about 155% since 2019, with expectations of 3M cruise passengers by end-2026, supported by port upgrades and new operator partnerships. DR Economy Watch: The Central Bank reported DR growth of 4.7% year-on-year in May, with 4.2% cumulative growth for 2026 so far, led by construction, mining, and services. Energy Reliability: CUED head Marranzini said electricity losses aren’t from programmed blackouts but from system overload amid rising demand and heat. Public Health Costs: A report says traffic injuries can cost the state up to RD$2M per patient, underscoring pressure on healthcare and the need for better enforcement. Tech Push: Industry Minister Eduardo Sanz Lovatón said the DR is finalizing a U.S. university “intellectual partnership” to build semiconductor talent, alongside recent Google and Nvidia commitments. Migration Shock: The end of U.S. TPS for Haitians is expected to hit the region, with spillover risks for the Dominican Republic via migration and economic pressure.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: More than 2,000 rescue workers from 27 countries, including teams from the Dominican Republic, are deployed in Venezuela after the twin quakes, as the death toll rises to 1,430 and damage is preliminarily estimated at $6.7 billion. Disaster Aid & Coordination: UN-backed urban search and rescue teams are working to locate survivors and provide initial medical care, while Venezuela reports thousands injured and tens of thousands still unaccounted for. Tech & Industry: Dominican Republic’s Industry and Commerce minister says “final touches” are underway on a U.S. university partnership aimed at boosting the local semiconductor sector and STEM training, building on recent tech investments and AI cooperation. Tourism & Environment: A new INTEC study finds 88% of sand on key Dominican beaches is made of marine organism remains, linking beach stability to coral reef health. Tourism Economy: Research highlights that 42.2% of tourism-linked MSMEs in major destinations operate informally, leaving many less competitive and more exposed. Aviation Connectivity: United Airlines will add seasonal Houston–Santo Domingo flights in the 2026/27 winter season, with three weekly trips. Food Security: Carnival Corporation expands its surplus meal donation program to the Dominican Republic, sending unserved prepared meals to local partners in port communities.

Semiconductor push: Dominican Republic Industry Minister Eduardo Sanz Lovatón says “final touches” are being made on a US university academic partnership to build STEM and human capital for the local semiconductor industry, building on recent tech investments and AI cooperation. Tourism-linked food aid: Carnival Corporation expanded its surplus meal donation program to the Dominican Republic, sending about 200 unserved meal portions from Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras to the Archdiocese of Puerto Plata for distribution to families and the elderly. Trade & cost of living: OECS leaders are studying ways to lower food prices by increasing imports from the Dominican Republic and potentially suspending tariffs on selected goods. Air connectivity: United Airlines will add seasonal Houston–Santo Domingo flights in the 2026/27 winter period, with three weekly services. Regional business ecosystem: A study finds tourism-driven MSMEs in key DR destinations are still heavily informal, limiting competitiveness and leaving many businesses exposed. Social services: Hogar Crea urged more government funding for addiction treatment, arguing users should be treated as patients, not criminals.

Venezuela Disaster Response: Twin earthquakes in Venezuela have killed at least 1,430 people, with more than 3,200 injured and over 51,000 still missing, as foreign rescue teams race against a shrinking survival window and Venezuela reports 1,600+ responders arriving. Venezuela Aid & Finance: The UN estimates direct physical damage at about $6.7B (around 6% of GDP), while crypto donations are being used to move emergency funds faster when banking systems are strained. DR Tourism & Air Connectivity: United Airlines will add a seasonal Houston–Santo Domingo route in winter 2026/27, with three weekly flights to boost travel demand during the holidays. Tourism Economy Pressure: A new look at Dominican tourism-linked MSMEs finds 42.2% operate informally, leaving many less competitive and more exposed—especially in Punta Cana-Macao and Puerto Plata. Trade & Exports: The Dominican Republic earned over $1.3B from tobacco exports in 2025, supporting 122,000+ direct jobs and growing since 2019. Regional Policy & Business: The DR is set to host a World Governments Summit Dialogue for Latin America and the Caribbean in November, aiming to draw investors and senior officials to Cap Cana. Local Business Spotlight: Carnival expanded its surplus meal donation program to the Dominican Republic, partnering with the Archdiocese of Puerto Plata to distribute unserved meals. Energy & Risk: A magnitude 5 earthquake was recorded in the Dominican Republic on June 26, prompting evacuations and panic in multiple provinces.

Tourism & Informality: A new tourism sector snapshot shows how the Dominican Republic’s visitor boom is also expanding informal micro and small businesses—about 42.2% of tourism-linked MSMEs in key destinations (Punta Cana-Macao, Puerto Plata, Barahona-Pedernales) operate outside local regulations, with food and beverage the biggest activity. Exports & Jobs: Tobacco remains a major export engine: the sector generated over US$1.3b in earnings in 2025 and supports 122,000+ direct jobs, with exports up 41% since 2019. Regional Policy & Trade: The Dominican Republic hosted CARIFORUM-EU talks in Santo Domingo, focusing on better implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement and new opportunities for trade and investment. Migration Governance: A Dominican Republic–World Bank report flags weaknesses at the DR–Haiti border, including fragmented coordination and gaps in deportation transit conditions, while noting nearly 2,000 Haitian workers cross daily for construction and agriculture. Business-Community Link: Carnival expanded its surplus meal donation program to the Dominican Republic, routing about 200 unserved portions from ships to local partners in Puerto Plata. Disaster Watch (DR impact): A magnitude 5 earthquake hit the Dominican Republic, prompting preventive evacuations across parts of the National District and other provinces.

Venezuela Disaster Aid: Twin earthquakes in Venezuela are pushing the death toll toward 1,000, with foreign rescue teams and aid arriving as locals report tens of thousands missing and demand more heavy equipment. Caribbean Trade & Connectivity: Dominican Republic officials joined CARIFORUM–EU talks in Santo Domingo to review the Economic Partnership Agreement and look for new trade and investment opportunities. Cruise Food Waste to Communities: Carnival expanded its surplus meal donation program to the Dominican Republic, sending about 200 portions of unserved meals to the Archdiocese of Puerto Plata for distribution. Mining Boosts DR Growth: Mining was the fastest-growing productive sector in the DR in early 2026, up 9.7% through May, supporting broader economic growth and export earnings. Border Governance Watch: A new INM–World Bank report flags major weaknesses in Dominican–Haitian border migration management, from coordination gaps to poor conditions at deportation transit centers. Air Routes for Tourism: United Airlines plans new international links that include seasonal service to Turks and Caicos from Denver, with the DR already listed among United’s Caribbean destinations.

Air Connectivity: United Airlines will add a seasonal Houston–Santo Domingo route (3 weekly flights, Dec. 18, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027), betting on year-end travel demand. Tourism & Regulation: Asonahores and industry groups warn the Senate’s Solid Waste Law amendments lack technical studies and could raise costs without clear, proportional fee rules—urging a waste-volume-based contribution system. Caribbean Finance: A market analysis on Caribbean banking ownership raises the big question of who controls regional banks and how that affects access to global finance. Travel Demand Shift: After Sunwing paused Cuba programs, bookings to the Dominican Republic jumped 50% year over year, with Puerto Plata (+60%) and Samaná leading growth. Disaster Watch (Regional Impact): Coverage continues on Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, with death toll updates reaching 589 and thousands injured/missing—plus international aid and sanctions relief for quake response.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Twin 7.2 and 7.5 quakes have killed at least 235 people and injured about 4,300, with thousands missing as rescue teams race—La Guaira and Caracas are hardest hit and the main airport remains closed; the U.S. Treasury also moved to waive some sanctions to speed up relief transactions. Sports Infrastructure & Cost Control: In Santo Domingo, President Abinader inaugurated the remodeled Banreservas Virgilio Travieso Soto Arena, ending costly “air conditioning rentals” that drove up event budgets and upgrading the venue to international standards. Education Overhaul: The government launched a National Consultation for the Future of Dominican Education, starting with journalists and communicators in the Cibao region, aiming to build a more integrated education path aligned with economic and technological needs. Caribbean Series Update: The 2027 Caribbean Series in Hermosillo is set for Feb. 1–7, with ticket sales starting in July and Dominican, Puerto Rican, Mexican and Venezuelan champions plus a guest country. Solid Waste Law Pushback: The private sector (AIRD) criticized the Senate’s rushed amendment to the Solid Waste Law reform, saying it lacked consultation and technical input and could raise costs without proper studies.

Solid Waste Law Pushback: Dominican business groups are pushing back after the Senate “rushed” approval of reforms to Law 225-20, warning the process lacked consultation and technical input and could complicate implementation, including new rules on certain single-use plastics. Currency Watch: The Central Bank set Thursday reference rates at RD$57.22/59.99 for the dollar (slight peso depreciation) and RD$65.84/70.19 for the euro (slight appreciation), with exchange agents showing similar trends. Energy Costs From Accidents: EdeNorte said it must absorb RD$3.4M in uninsured grid damage tied to traffic accidents, including pole, transformer, and line repairs across Cibao—highlighting a growing operational cost risk. Trade & Industry: Tobacco exports hit US$1.359B in 2025, supporting 122,000+ direct jobs, while India’s ambassador urged more direct DR trade links to cut logistics costs from third-country routes. Social Care Upskilling: Supérate and Conape graduated 216 licensed home-care providers in Greater Santo Domingo, expanding formal support as the country ages. Regional Shock: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5) have killed at least 164 and injured 971, with fears the toll could rise sharply—an economic and logistics stress test for the wider Caribbean.

Venezuela Earthquakes Spill Over Region: Back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 quakes hit Venezuela’s coast near Morón, collapsing buildings in Caracas and prompting evacuations; the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for the Virgin Islands, and Dominican authorities also issued one for the island (Puerto Rico’s alert was lifted). DR Tobacco Exports: The National Tobacco Institute says Dominican tobacco exports rose to US$1.359B in 2025 (+US$19M), supporting 122,000 direct jobs; 130 tobacco and derivative free-zone companies operate, mostly in the north. Fuel Price Politics: PLD deputy Charlie Mariotti Jr. criticized the government’s fuel pricing policy, arguing consumers aren’t seeing benefits from lower global oil prices and questioning the lack of Hydrocarbons Law reform. Public Prosecutor Asset Forfeiture: A court in La Vega ordered the state to receive four seized vehicles used to transport contraband cigarettes, marking the first asset forfeiture ruling under the new legal framework. Local Business Boost via Uber Eats: Dominican Republic partners with Uber Eats to strengthen small businesses and expand sales reach for MSMEs.

World Bank Leadership: Carolina Rendon will lead the World Bank Group in the Dominican Republic from July 1 under a unified public-private model, expanding her role as Resident Representative. Health & Social Policy: The DR targets 2030 HIV/AIDS eradication and plans semiannual injections to reduce patient dropouts, while demographic data shows fertility falling below replacement and the country aging fast. Trade & Regional Integration: OECS is pushing for a temporary suspension of the Common External Tariff to boost cheaper imports, with the Dominican Republic flagged as a potential supplier of food and consumer goods. Aviation & Jobs: FL Technics received FAA certification for its Punta Cana aircraft maintenance facility, with JetBlue named as its first customer. Agriculture Support: Government extended fertilizer subsidies with new agreements, adding RD$1.09B through Aug. 31 to protect food production and prices. Tourism & Industry Recognition: FCCA honored Tourism Minister David Collado for cruise growth and multi-port development. Business Expansion: Medytox won Dominican approval for its Atiere hyaluronic acid filler, using the DR as a springboard for wider Latin America. Currency Watch: Central Bank reference rates for the dollar and euro showed slight peso strengthening on June 24.