AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Credit: The Dominican economy keeps expanding on tourism momentum, with credit to the private sector up 9.1% year-on-year by end-June 2026, adding over RD$80 billion in the first half, as banks back commercial and mortgage lending tied to construction, transport and private investment. Legislative Agenda: The National Congress kicks off the Second Ordinary Legislature of 2026 on Aug. 16, with pending reforms spanning security, health, education, justice, labor and cybersecurity, plus updates to the Social Security Law and major legal codes. Telecom Modernization: Indotel presented a proposal for a new Telecommunications, Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity law aimed at simplifying authorizations, enabling a single electronic window, promoting network sharing and updating rules for fiber, mobile generations and submarine cables. Housing Rights: A legal explainer says landlords can’t raise rent unilaterally under Decree 4807 without the tenant’s written consent or specific authorization, and tenants can request reductions from the Housing Rent Control and Evictions Office. Cuban Diplomats Exit: Cuba’s embassy staff in Santo Domingo packed belongings as the Dominican government ordered nine Cuban officials to leave by Aug. 13 deadline, escalating diplomatic tension. Workplace Safety: IDOPPRIL reports 35,670 workplace accidents in 2025, with commuting incidents rising and motorcycles involved in over 80% of commuting accidents. Festival & Education Investments: Presidente Festival 2026 ticketing starts with presales (RD$3,900+), while President Abinader backed new UFHEC campus construction in San Juan to expand higher education and jobs.

Rum Innovation: Brugal unveiled Colección Visionary 3, a new premium aged rum made by toasting casks with ingredients inside (this time coconut), adding a fresh “one-way” flavor variable to its aging process. Diplomacy & Security: The Dominican Republic ordered nine Cuban diplomats to leave within seven days, escalating geopolitical tension as Cuba condemned the move and allegations of spy links surfaced. Telecom Regulation: Indotel presented a proposal for a new General Law on Telecommunications, Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity, aiming to modernize rules for fiber, mobile generations, satellite links, submarine cables and data centers, with a single concession and a single electronic window for infrastructure deployment. Public Finance & Governance: A DR Congress session update said key bills still stalled—water, labor code updates, cybersecurity management, a new civil code and civil procedure, energy efficiency, nutritional labeling, and climate change—before the second ordinary session begins Aug. 16. Tourism & Events: Presidente Festival 2026 ticket prices were set from RD$3,900 to RD$21,000 for a two-day combo, with phased presales starting Aug. 14 via tuboleta.com.do. Infrastructure & Education: Abinader kicked off construction of UFHEC’s new San Juan campus and ARCASA Plaza, targeting higher education expansion plus commerce and entrepreneurship. Transport Revenue: DR’s new driver’s license system has generated nearly RD$300M in 5.5 months, issuing 329,727 licenses since March 3. Drug Enforcement: DNCD and prosecutors arrested five in Pedro Brand and seized over 4,700 grams of alleged narcotics in coordinated operations.

Telecom Overhaul: Indotel unveiled a proposed General Law on Telecommunications, Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity to modernize the sector with a single concession, a single electronic window for infrastructure deployment, network sharing, and stronger consumer protections (including a cybersecurity regime). Public Finance & Lawmaking: Dominican Congress is set to start its second 2026 ordinary session Aug. 16, but key “legal order” bills still sit in committee—water, Labor Code, Social Security System amendments, school nutrition, and major updates like a new Civil Code and Civil Procedure code. Tourism & Events: Presidente Festival 2026 ticket prices were released (RD$3,900 to RD$21,000 for a two-day combo) with staged presales via tuboleta.com.do. Education & Sports Investment: INEFI inaugurated a roofed court at “La Perito” in the National District, funded with RD$16.17M and aimed at benefiting 800+ students. Security & Drugs: DNCD arrested five in Pedro Brand and seized 4,700+ grams of alleged narcotics in coordinated raids. Cuba Fallout: The DR expelled nine Cuban diplomats and families with a 7-day deadline, triggering sharp criticism from Havana amid wider regional tensions. Mobility Revenue: INTRANT says the new driver’s license system has generated nearly RD$300M in five and a half months.

Telecom Overhaul: Indotel unveiled a proposal for a new General Law on Telecommunications, Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity, aiming to modernize rules for fiber, mobile networks, satellite links, submarine cables and data centers—while keeping regulation focused on networks and infrastructure (not content or unrelated digital platforms). Public Service Tech: The new Dominican driver’s license system has generated nearly RD$300M for the State in its first five and a half months, with INTRANT citing faster, more traceable issuance and renewal. Migration Digitization: Migration’s eTicket platform has surpassed 67,000 users, with DGM reporting 67,881 eTickets issued since launch. Tourism & Real Estate: A North Coast real estate update points to a tax change (capital gains cut to 10%), record tourism, and new resort development as key drivers of deal momentum. Tourism Promotion: Minister David Collado added Philadelphia and Charlotte to the “RD Road Show Around the World” to push hotel projects and attract travel trade partners. Education & Sports: INEFI inaugurated a new roofed court at “La Perito” in Santo Domingo, a RD$16.17M project benefiting 800+ students. Higher Ed Expansion: Abinader broke ground on UFHEC’s new San Juan campus and ARCASA Plaza, targeting new programs in tech and health fields. Festival Economy: Presidente Festival 2026 ticket prices were set from RD$3,900 up to RD$21,000 for a two-day combo, with sales starting via tuboleta.com.do. Trade & Enforcement: Customs destroyed 8.29M cigarettes tied to RD$53.29M in evaded taxes, while DNCD arrested five in Pedro Brand and seized 4,700+ grams of alleged drugs. Geographical Indication: DR created a Regulatory Council to protect the “Dominican Cigar” GI, setting standards from tobacco planting to packaging and storage. Competition & Academia: UNICARIBE and ProCompetencia signed an alliance to strengthen a culture of free competition through joint initiatives.

Public Finance & Tax: The Dominican Republic’s new driver’s license system has generated nearly RD$300M for the State in its first five and a half months, while a separate report flags sales tax rates hitting a 10-year high in the U.S., a reminder that tax volatility can ripple into business planning. Telecom & Digital Infrastructure: Indotel unveiled a proposed General Law on Telecommunications, Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity, aiming to modernize rules for fiber, mobile networks, satellite links, submarine cables and data centers, with a focus on competition, spectrum management and consumer protections. Immigration Tech: Migration’s new eTicket platform has surpassed 67,000 users, with tens of thousands of eTickets issued and companion profiles created. Trade & Enforcement: Customs destroyed 8.29M cigarettes tied to an attempted RD$53.3M tax evasion, and DNCD arrested five in Pedro Brand after seizing 4.7kg of alleged drugs. Competition & Institutions: UNICARIBE and ProCompetencia signed an alliance to strengthen a culture of free competition. Business & Tourism: Tourism Minister David Collado promoted the country in Philadelphia and Charlotte, and Banreservas Academy rolled out leadership and well-being conferences for 600+ employees. Geographic Branding: A new Regulatory Council was created to protect the “Dominican Cigar” geographical indication. Geopolitics: Cuba condemned the Dominican Republic’s expulsion of Cuban diplomats, escalating tensions around U.S. influence.

US Tariff Pressure & DR Trade: A new White House report flags the Dominican Republic among 40+ countries with elevated “transshipment” risk, alleging Chinese exporters reroute goods through third countries to dodge U.S. tariffs—an issue that could reshape regional trade flows and compliance costs. Diplomacy & Cuba: The Dominican Republic ordered nine Cuban diplomatic officials (and families) to leave, drawing a sharp rejection from Cuba and raising geopolitical tension tied to U.S.-backed regional initiatives. Energy Resilience: ETED says large-scale battery storage (BESS) is being integrated to stabilize the national grid and improve restart capability after major outages, as demand and new generation ramp up. Digital Sovereignty: Economic Affairs Minister Jerome Fitzgerald urged the Caribbean to “hold the keys” in digital development, warning against dependency on foreign cloud and platforms. Housing Finance: Banreservas’ ExpoHogar 2026 ended with RD$11.247B+ in approved financing across 2,050 applications, boosting activity in construction and real estate. Electric Mobility in Santo Domingo: A traffic calming pilot starts Aug. 17 in the Colonial City to cut shortcut congestion, with access rules and exemptions for emergency and sanitation vehicles. Coconut Push: DR’s first Coconut Summit (DominiCoco) highlights growth potential for the sector, citing thousands of producers and rising global demand. Cruise & Ports: Port Cabo Rojo in Pedernales was named a finalist for Seatrade Cruise Awards 2026, reflecting rapid cruise growth since 2024.

Energy Resilience: ETED says large-scale battery storage (BESS) will boost stability in the National Interconnected Electric System (SENI), including frequency regulation and “black start” capability after blackouts. Housing Finance: Banreservas’ ExpoHogar approved RD$11.247 billion for 2,050 applications, up 60.7%, signaling strong demand across apartments, homes, lots and commercial properties. Real Estate & Mortgages: The ExpoHogar results underline how financing is feeding construction and jobs, with Banreservas positioning the fair as a key access-to-housing tool. Diplomacy & Politics: Reuters reports the DR has formally asked Cuba to withdraw nine officials and their relatives, amid growing Dominican criticism of Havana. Digital Sovereignty: Economic Affairs Minister Jerome Fitzgerald urged the Caribbean to “hold the keys” to its digital future, warning against dependency in cloud, data and AI. Regional Security: A Dominican delegation joined Panama’s A3C forum to strengthen cooperation against drug trafficking via intelligence sharing and border security. Tourism & Environment: Iberostar expands coral reef conservation in Bávaro with a coral lab/genetic bank and restoration work tied to climate adaptation. Local Mobility: Santo Domingo’s Colonial City traffic-calming pilot starts Aug. 17 to cut through-traffic and ease congestion, with defined street access rules. Coconut Sector: DominiCoco’s first Coconut Summit highlights growth potential for DR’s coconut industry, citing demand above 10% annually and thousands of producers and planted tareas. Business Pulse: AtlasIntel puts Abinader’s approval at 55.5% among respondents with a defined opinion.

Connectivity & Cloud Infrastructure: Google says the Dominican Republic will be the hub of its “Americas Connect” plan, adding three new subsea cable systems (Alisios, Canoa, OlaLuz) plus a Firmina branch to boost redundancy and reliability for links between the Caribbean, South America, the U.S. and Europe. Tourism & Jobs: Asonahores reports that over 90% of hotel workers in the DR are Dominican, with tourism generating 800,000+ jobs and about RD$220 billion in local purchases in 2025. Industrial Property & Business Climate: ONAPI chief Salvador Ramos highlights growth in trademark and distinctive sign registrations (about 86,000, +11%) and rising renewals (+14%), alongside university partnerships and stronger enforcement of industrial property law. Elections Watch: The JCE warns the Cibao Economic Center over publishing an opinion poll outside the allowed electoral timeframe for 2028. Agribusiness: The DR hosts DominiCoco 2026, its first Coconut Summit, focused on irrigation, processing, marketing and investment across the coconut value chain. Regional Security: The DR joins a Panama forum to coordinate strategies against drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. Finance & Credit: The Association of Commercial Banks (ABA) points to 9.1% year-on-year private-sector credit growth by June, citing bank financing as a driver of recovery.

Coconut Value Chain: The Dominican Republic will host DominiCoco 2026, its first Coconut Summit, Aug. 13 in Santo Domingo, bringing producers, investors and agro-industrial players to tackle irrigation, pests, coconut water processing and market opportunities. Digital Infrastructure: Google is making the DR a hub for its “Americas Connect” subsea network, with three new cable systems (Alisios, Canoa, OlaLuz) plus a Firmina branch to boost redundant connectivity across the Caribbean, U.S. and Europe. Banking & Growth: The Association of Commercial Banks says credit to the private sector grew 9.1% year-on-year through June, supporting construction, tourism and private investment. Telecom Sovereignty: Economic Affairs Minister Jerome Fitzgerald urged a regional digital sovereignty pact to avoid “digital colonization,” proposing a federated Caribbean cloud tied to multiple submarine cables. Tourism Jobs: Asonahores says over 90% of hotel workers are Dominican and highlights tourism’s job creation and local procurement impact. Aviation MRO: FL Technics has started heavy maintenance operations in Punta Cana with its first customer aircraft, backed by a new FAA- and IDAC-approved hangar. Trade & Investment: The DR and Brazil signed an MoU to pursue joint research and identify new trade, investment and cooperation opportunities.

Subsea Connectivity Push: Google’s “Americas Connect” adds three new cables (Alisios, Canoa, OlaLuz) plus a Firmina branch, with the Dominican Republic positioned as the network hub linking the Caribbean, U.S. and South America. Energy & Renewables: MPC Caribbean Clean Energy says Q2 output hit 48 GWh, but Monte Plata solar in the DR fell 12.4% below budget due to grid curtailment. Mining Watch: The government expects to declare Rare Earth resources in Pedernales in November, after confirmation work, with reserves targeted for early 2027. Tourism & Access Rules: Asonahores backs free beach access for Dominicans and tourists, calling for clear rules so hotels and visitors can coexist peacefully. Construction Permits: MIVHED unveiled progress on the Permitting Modernization Plan, including a new state-owned platform aimed at more traceable, transparent, digital permitting. Social Security Health: CNSS is evaluating a High-Cost Medication Fund (FOMAC) to improve access to expensive treatments for SFS affiliates. Cement Exports: DR cement producers are strengthening export performance, with the country leading Latin America and the Caribbean in cement, lime and gypsum exports. Household Pressure: A study warns credit cards are increasingly used to cover wage shortfalls, driving debt burdens for low-income families. Tourism Demand: DR reached a record 7.7 million visitors through July, underscoring continued momentum for the sector.

Subsea Connectivity Boom: Google says it’s expanding its Americas Connect network by adding three new cable systems that route through the Dominican Republic—Alisios (DR–Panama–Chile), Canoa (DR–Bermuda), and OlaLuz (DR–Florida)—plus a new Firmina branch to extend North-South links into the Caribbean, aiming to boost capacity and resilience for cloud and digital services. Social Security Drug Coverage: The CNSS is evaluating a High-Cost Medication Fund (FOMAC) proposed by SISALRIL to help Family Health Insurance affiliates access expensive treatments, starting with 13 high-cost medicines and using joint purchasing to lower prices. Construction Permits Modernization: MIVHED outlined progress on its Permitting Modernization Plan, including a new state-owned platform to improve traceability, transparency, and digital management of construction permit files. Public Food Supply Network: President Abinader opened the XI Meeting of Public Food Supply and Marketing Systems, organized by INESPRE with FAO support, framing it as a push to protect food security gains and keep progress toward “Zero Hunger.” Energy Infrastructure: Abinader visited the San Felipe Andrés I power plant in Boca Chica, a project adding 467 MW to the grid, as part of broader generation expansion. Tourism Records: The Ministry of Tourism reported 7.7 million visitors through July, with 5.89 million air tourists and 1.81 million cruise passengers. Health & Tourism Congress: DR will host the 8th International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress in June 2027, targeting investment and partnerships across healthcare, finance, and wellness. Labor/Payments Tension: MINERD is awaiting a response from the comptroller regarding pending contractor payments tied to bank interest, after protests by school contractors. Local Disruption in Navarrete: A 48-hour strike paralyzed much of Navarrete’s commerce and included clashes that left an Army private wounded, prompting police security oversight. Currency Snapshot: Central Bank reference rates for Aug. 11 showed the dollar at RD$56.86–59.53 (banking) and the euro at RD$65.11–69.43 (financial entities).

Energy & Infrastructure: President Abinader visited the San Felipe Andrés I power plant in Boca Chica, a 467 MW project aimed at strengthening the grid and meeting rising demand. Corporate Finance: AES Dominicana raised US$500 million via a seven-year international bond at 7.75%, citing refinancing needs and long-term growth. Public Integrity: The Public Ministry formally accused prosecutor Aurelio Valdez Alcántara of alleged bribery tied to a SeNaSa corruption probe and asked that the case go to trial. Tech & Aviation: Dominican air traffic controller Olga Isabel Pérez Encarnación was named a Top Five finalist for Most Disruptive tech for SARA, an AI assistant for real-time aviation information. Tourism & Connectivity: Arajet said it carried 100,000+ passengers between New York and the DR in 2026 so far and plans a fourth daily Newark flight. Remittances: A report says the US’s new 1% remittance tax is expected to slow growth only mildly, with “fear factor” driving caution more than the levy itself. Seismic Preparedness: Citizens questioned whether the DR is ready for a major earthquake after regional quakes. Local IP & Culture: ONDA highlighted rising copyright registrations in Moca and pointed to progress including the DR’s exclusion from the US Special 301 list.

Metro Expansion: Santo Domingo’s Metro Line 2C is now in full operation to Los Alcarrizos, ending the need to transfer at María Montez; free testing service ends Aug. 16. Power & Cooling Tech: The EU-backed “Cold Districts” project launches with $3.3M to scale efficient, centralized cooling systems across Latin America and the Caribbean. Energy Finance: AES Dominicana secured a $500M international bond issuance (7-year, 7.75%) to refinance local operations and fund growth. Aviation & Tourism Demand: Arajet says it carried 100,000+ passengers between New York and the Dominican Republic in the first seven months of 2026 and plans a fourth daily Newark flight. Tourism Records: The Dominican Republic hit a new high with 7.7M visitors in Jan–July 2026 (up 7% year-on-year), driven by both air arrivals and cruise passengers. Agribusiness: La Altagracia leads meat and milk production with 215,000+ cattle, as authorities highlight veterinary support, financing, and a new packing plant. Immigration Policy (US-DR): The US will pilot a residency-visa bond approach in the Dominican Republic, with guarantees potentially up to $250,000 in specific public-charge cases. Corporate Restructuring Watch: Imperial Brands plans job cuts tied to ITG Brands (including the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico), with some roles outsourced to Capgemini. Global Tech Recognition: Dominican air traffic controller Olga Isabel Pérez Encarnación was named a Top Five finalist for an FIVB? (No—Women in Tech LATAM) award for SARA, an AI real-time aviation assistant.

Tourism Boom: The Dominican Republic logged a record 7.7 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026 (7% more than last year), with 5.89 million arriving by air and 1.81 million via cruise ports—another sign the sector is still accelerating. Air Connectivity: Arajet says it has already carried 100,000+ passengers between New York and the DR in 2026 and plans a fourth daily Newark frequency soon, betting on stronger diaspora demand. Remittances: Central Bank data shows remittances reached US$7.316B through July 2026 (+6.4%), with the U.S. sending 81.4% of the total. Currency Watch: Economists warn the peso’s 8.4% appreciation vs. the dollar could squeeze export competitiveness and reduce peso income for remittance-receiving families. Climate & Energy: The EU/UNDP-backed “Cold Districts” project launches with US$3.3M to scale sustainable centralized cooling systems and cut energy demand and refrigerant pollution. Public Works & Trade: Government broke ground on “Strong Border” projects in the northern border, including a national market and upgrades to access controls to boost security and organized trade. Property Regularization: VP Raquel Peña delivered 450 property titles in Guayacanal, Azua, as part of a wider titling push aimed at legal security for thousands. Health System Modernization: SNS plans to move 150 hospitals toward greater administrative and financial autonomy over the next two years. Business & Infrastructure Thinking: DP World’s perspective piece argues integration across ports, inland logistics, customs, and digital platforms is becoming the real infrastructure for trade.

Visa Policy & Migration: The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo says the Dominican Republic will join a pilot program where some immigrant visa applicants must post a financial bond (up to $250,000) as part of consular security checks. Macroeconomy & Households: Remittances hit US$7.316B in the first seven months of 2026, up 6.4%, with the U.S. sending 81.4% of total formal inflows. FX & Trade Pressure: Economists warn the peso’s 8.4% appreciation this year can hurt export competitiveness and remittance income, while U.S. tariff increases add more strain. Border & Trade Infrastructure: The government broke ground on “Strong Border” works in the northern border, including a national market and upgrades to crossings to boost security and organized commerce. Public Services & Health Management: SNS plans to move 150 hospitals toward greater administrative and financial autonomy within two years. Education Logistics: INABIE says it has distributed 744,489 school kits for 2026-2027 and is expanding deliveries across the Eastern region. Energy Costs: MICM raised gasoline and diesel prices for Aug. 8–14, while LPG and natural gas stayed unchanged. Land & Property Rights: Vice President Raquel Peña delivered 450 property titles in Guayacanal, Azua, covering 12.97M square meters. Tourism & Hospitality: Lopesan Hotel Group opened three connected all-inclusive resorts in the DR, adding 1,000+ rooms and a shared entertainment “campus.”

Property Rights Push: Vice President Raquel Peña delivered 450 property titles to families in Guayacanal, Azua, part of a wider National Titling Plan covering 759 titles and regularizing about 12.9 million square meters. Border & Trade Security: The government broke ground on “Strong Border” works in the northern border area, including the Tilorí National Market, reconstruction of the Guayajayuco ford, and new access controls to improve connectivity and organized trade. Electricity Reliability: CUED president Celso Marranzini said power outages are driven by extreme heat and rising consumption, with 169 substations in the system and plans for new or upgraded substations by year-end. Health System Modernization: The SNS projects that 150 hospitals could gain greater administrative and financial autonomy within two years under a decentralization pilot tied to standardized public accounting. U.S. Visa Bond Pilot: The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo says the Dominican Republic is the first pilot site where some immigrant visa applicants may be required to post a financial bond as part of consular evaluation. Fuel Prices: MICM set weekly increases for Aug. 8–14: +RD$3.00 for premium gasoline and optimal diesel, +RD$2.00 for regular gasoline and regular diesel; LPG and natural gas unchanged. Tourism & Hospitality: Lopesan opened three new Dominican all-inclusive resorts at once, while Hyatt announced its adults-only Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana is slated for Q3 2026.