AGP Executive Report

DR Economy: The Central Bank says the Dominican Republic’s economy is up 4.5% year-to-date through August 2026, and it also lifted its benchmark rate from 5.25% to 5.50% to keep inflation expectations anchored. Pork Market: Dominican pig producers are asking the government to cut pork imports, arguing local farms cover about 70% of demand and imports should fall to roughly 30–35% to protect profitability. Tourism & Ports: Four cruise ships brought 16,287 travelers to the DR in one day, with arrivals split between Puerto Plata (three ships) and Cabo Rojo, Pedernales (Freedom of the Seas). Aviation & Trade: DR and Guyana are forging a partnership for sustainable aviation and decarbonization, while a separate U.S. move adds certain faux leather to the duty-free list under the DR–Central America Free Trade Agreement. Social Policy: President Abinader issued a decree creating the National Residential Care Service (Senar) to strengthen protection for children and adolescents. Private Aviation: Casa de Campo named Magellan Jets its preferred private aviation partner, aiming to bundle flights and resort stays into one seamless journey.

Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic raised its benchmark rate 25 bps to 5.50% as it tries to anchor inflation expectations amid oil-price pressure and global freight disruptions. Growth Watch: Preliminary Central Bank data shows the economy averaged 4.5% growth from January to August 2026, nearly double the 2.3% pace from the same period in 2025. Public Integrity: President Abinader led the presentation of an OECD integrity study with DIGEIG, pushing reforms on whistleblower protection, transparency, and citizen oversight under the ENIP 2026–2036 roadmap. Trade & Logistics: The Dominican Republic Shipping Association urged a long-term national maritime strategy to coordinate ports, infrastructure, human capital, and sustainability as the country targets bigger export and economic growth. Innovation & Skills: RD Inteligente’s AI literacy program passed 54,000 registered participants in just 16 days, aiming for 100,000 next and eventually 1 million trained. Aviation Decarbonization: DR and Guyana signed an MoU to cooperate on sustainable aviation fuels and emissions cuts under ICAO’s CORSIA framework. Regional Security: The UN Security Council extended Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate through March 2027, while OAS member states—including the DR—called for full deployment and support.

Public Integrity Push: President Luis Abinader received an OECD integrity study with DIGEIG, calling for reforms on whistleblower protection, integrity risk management, investigations, sanctions, transparency and citizen oversight under the ENIP 2026–2036. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank raised its monetary policy rate from 5.25% to 5.50% to keep inflation expectations anchored amid higher oil prices, freight disruptions and tighter global financial conditions. AI Skills Drive: RD Inteligente’s free AI literacy program surpassed 54,000 registered participants in just 16 days, with 4,968 completing modules and a goal of training 1 million Dominicans. Maritime Strategy: The Dominican Shipping Association urged a long-term national maritime vision to coordinate ports, logistics, infrastructure, human capital and sustainability as the country targets doubling its economy by 2036. Mining Rules Clarity: CAMIPE called for clearer, predictable mining regulations—including a “single mining window” and digital file tracking—to unlock critical minerals potential without weakening environmental safeguards. Free Zones Tech Training: “Talent Up” launched 15,000 free technology scholarships via MICM, IDB, Google Cloud and Cisco Networking Academy to close the skills gap for future investment. Transit Funding: The EU and France pledged €10m to modernize Greater Santo Domingo’s public transit, supporting Intrant and metro/transport operators. Haiti Security Context: Dominican Foreign Minister Ito Bisonó backed the UN Security Council’s six-month extension of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force through March 31, 2027, but urged more personnel, equipment and financing.

IMF & Central Bank: The Dominican Republic’s Central Bank welcomed an IMF delegation to introduce Michael Perks as the new mission chief, with officials pointing to macro stability and projected ~4.5% growth in 2026. Sugar Trade: The U.S. raised the DR’s raw cane sugar export quota for FY2027 to 201,274 metric tons, boosting the DR’s share of the global tariff-rate quota. Aviation & Connectivity: IDAC reported 585,363 flight operations over three years, moving over 50 million passengers, while a new DR–Argentina air services agreement aims to expand routes and tourism. Tourism & Culture: Alcázar de Colón (Diego Colón Palace) reopened after a major restoration in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City. Food Security: The Dominican Republic Food Bank says about 1.1 million kilograms of food are lost or wasted weekly, urging faster food-rescue partnerships. Governance & Skills: The DR hosted the international MASTERY leadership program for audit institutions, bringing global training to strengthen oversight leadership. UN Climate Push: Abinader used UNGA to press for faster climate adaptation financing and highlighted renewable energy and sustainable mobility. Regional Business Diplomacy: Dominican Week in France 2026 is set for Oct. 17–22 in Paris, aligned with SIAL Paris to drive trade and investment talks.

Santo Domingo Mobility Upgrade: The Santo Domingo Metro’s Line 2C is now fully operating, ending the need to transfer at María Montez Station and enabling a continuous ride to Los Alcarrizos; the free-fare period ends this Sunday and standard fares kick in. Colonial City Revitalization: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched the Colonial City Electromobility Route, a pilot with electric buses and charging infrastructure supported by the IDB and the EU. Digital Government Push: The Dominican Republic will host a Regional Digital Government Summit on Oct. 1-2 with officials from about 20 countries, focusing on digital public infrastructure, identity, data governance, cybersecurity and AI. Air Connectivity Deal: The Dominican Republic and Argentina signed an air services agreement to expand routes for tourism, trade and investment, allowing airlines to set frequencies and capacity based on market conditions. Rare Earths Spotlight: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos will promote the DR’s rare earth and critical minerals potential in Washington, including work tied to bauxite-linked elements and a proposed DR–Puerto Rico submarine power link. Tourism Market Shift: A Spanish tour operator says it’s redirecting travelers away from Cuba toward the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, signaling continued demand for Caribbean alternatives.

Santo Domingo Metro Upgrade: EMT says full service on Metro Line 2C is now live, ending the need to transfer at María Montez Station and running straight to Los Alcarrizos; the free-fare trial ends Sunday, with standard fares kicking in. Colonial City Revitalization: President Abinader inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched an electric bus route in the Colonial City; the wider recovery work is set to be delivered in December, including streets, sidewalks, roofs and undergrounding cables. Digital Government Push: The DR will host a Regional Digital Government Summit Oct. 1-2 with officials from 20 countries, focusing on digital public infrastructure, identity, data governance, cybersecurity and AI. Trade & Connectivity: The DR and Argentina signed an air services agreement to expand flights, boosting tourism and trade opportunities. Energy & Critical Minerals: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos heads to Washington to discuss rare earths and critical minerals, including cooperation on supply chains. Public Health & Aging: A report cites dementia prevalence in the DR and urges neurological evaluations when memory and orientation issues start affecting daily life. Climate Risk Watch: El Niño is strengthening, with the main DR risk tied to drought, water stress and heat impacting prices and logistics. Aviation/Business Culture: Santo Domingo’s Chinatown held the Mid-Autumn Festival, highlighting Chinese-Dominican ties and the area’s role as a commercial and cultural hub.

Cocoa Supply & Nature-Based Farming: Oxford researchers argue cocoa can be stabilized by protecting pollinators and using biodiversity-friendly farm systems, noting pollination boosts yields by up to 20%—a timely message as West Africa’s disease and climate shocks keep prices volatile. Haiti Security, DR’s UN Push: OAS member states, including the Dominican Republic, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fully fund it, while DR Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó told the UN that security must move alongside institutional rebuilding and economic support. Tourism Service Concern: Dominican hotel operators say the country’s famed warmth has “diminished” since the pandemic, with staffing training and customer care quality now key business priorities. Earthquake Alerts Question: After Sunday quakes, some residents reported cell phones didn’t issue alerts, raising questions about Android earthquake alert behavior. Energy & Food Risk Watch: El Niño is expected to strengthen, with drought and water stress posing medium/moderate risks for DR via higher import prices and logistics costs. Business Travel & Connectivity: Air Canada plans 31 new international routes from October, and IMEX America returns with expanded global participation, including the Dominican Republic.

Fuel & Subsidies: The MICM says it approved another RD$1,770.65M in fuel subsidies (Sept. 26–Oct. 2) to blunt higher refined-product costs, with planned price readjustments for gasoline and diesel as oil prices climb. Disaster & Climate Risk: El Niño is expected to bring moderate but persistent risk for the Dominican Republic, mainly through drought, water stress and heat that could pressure prices, growth and logistics. Tourism Service Quality: Hotel and tourism operators warn that the country’s post-pandemic “warmth” and customer care are slipping, alongside facility maintenance challenges as competition rises. Business Travel Push: A dedicated convention center is being pitched as a way to land bigger international conferences; IAPCO suggests a 3,000–4,000 participant venue and longer-term planning. Environment & Water: A new study flags major threats to key Dominican rivers (Yaque del Norte/Sur, Yuna, Ozama) from deforestation, weak sanitation, and untreated wastewater and solid waste. Diaspora & Cooperation: President Abinader met New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to deepen emergency response and environmental collaboration, noting the scale of the Dominican community in the state. Haiti Security (Regional): OAS member states, including the Dominican Republic, urge UN Security Council renewal of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back Haitian-led support.

Fuel & Inflation Watch: The Dominican government approved another RD$1,770.65M in fuel subsidies to cushion higher international refined-product prices, with new adjustments to gasoline and diesel prices aimed at protecting public finances. Tourism Service Quality: Hotel and tourism operators in the east say the “warmth” tourists remember has faded since the pandemic, pushing renewed staff training and service upgrades amid tougher competition. Business Travel Push: Industry groups at SDQ MICE 2026 argued a dedicated convention center (for roughly 3,000–4,000 attendees) could help the DR land bigger international conferences and grow business tourism. Climate & Coastal Risk: At a UN-linked summit, DR officials urged coordinated Caribbean sea-level-rise adaptation planning and faster access to adaptation funding to protect coastal communities and jobs. UN Security & Haiti Spillover: OAS member states, including the DR, backed renewed support for Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force and called for sustained resources; separately, DR foreign minister Ito Bisonó met Lavrov on Haiti, tourism, and bilateral economic ties. Migration & Rights: UN General Assembly remarks highlighted dignity for migrants as Haiti faces rising returns of nationals from the DR and the U.S., raising pressure on regional stability.

Fuel & Inflation Watch: The government approved another RD$1,770.65M in fuel subsidies to cushion higher international refined-product prices, with planned adjustments to gasoline and diesel prices for the Sept. 26–Oct. 2 period. Tourism Service Quality: Hotel and tourism operators in the east say the “warmth” that defined Dominican hospitality has faded since the pandemic, pushing renewed staff training and service upgrades. Climate & Coastal Risk: At UN events, Dominican officials urged faster climate financing and coordinated coastal adaptation as sea-level rise threatens tourism, fishing, and coastal communities. UN Diplomacy & Haiti: President Abinader asked the UN to accelerate aid to address sargassum and broader climate impacts, while Foreign Minister Bisonó met Russia’s Lavrov on Haiti, tourism, and economic ties. Business & Trade: DR called for stronger measures to protect coastal communities and is set to promote investment and air connectivity at FIT Latin America 2026 in Argentina. Currency Update: The Central Bank set Friday’s dollar rates at RD$57.48 (buy) and RD$59.93 (sell) for financial entities.

Fuel Subsidies & Pump Prices: MICM says it approved another RD$1,770.65M in fuel subsidies for Sept. 26–Oct. 2 to cushion higher refined-product costs, with planned retail adjustments of RD$2–RD$4 depending on fuel type. FX Watch: The Central Bank set the dollar at RD$57.48 (buy) and RD$59.93 (sell) for Sept. 25, with OTC rates at RD$58.95/59.78. Tourism & MICE: A dedicated convention center could help the DR land bigger international conferences (IAPCO), while SDQ MICE 2026 highlights growing convention demand. Tourism Growth: The country logged 8.56M visitors in Jan–Aug 2026 (+6.9% vs. 2025), with Punta Cana still the main gateway. Diaspora & Education: Abinader announced 300 scholarships for young Dominicans in New York (including 100 postgraduate, 100 undergraduate, 100 tech at ITLA) and marked Dominican Pride Day in Brooklyn. Climate Resilience: The DR urged UN action on sea-level rise, calling for coordinated coastal adaptation financing to protect vulnerable communities. Security & Foreign Policy: Foreign Minister Bisonó met Lavrov on Haiti, bilateral ties, and concerns about job offers targeting Dominicans to travel to Russia. Regional Security Politics: The “Shield of the Americas” coalition moved to define 24 armed groups for joint action, with the DR among signatories.

Haiti & Foreign Policy: Dominican Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó met Sergey Lavrov in New York to keep UN focus on Haiti, press for UN Security Council resources, and raise concerns about job offers targeting Dominicans to travel to Russia—MIREX has since warned citizens to verify such offers. Regional Security: The “Shield of the Americas” coalition is moving to sanction and restrict support for 24 criminal groups, with the Dominican Republic among signatories; Colombia’s VP said operations inside Colombia would be carried out by Colombian forces, not U.S. troops. Disaster & Climate Resilience: DR called for stronger Caribbean coastal adaptation planning at a UN-linked summit, warning sea-level rise will intensify erosion, flooding, and threats to coastal livelihoods. Business & Tourism: A dedicated convention center could help Santo Domingo attract bigger international conferences, while DR’s tourism keeps climbing (8.56M visitors in Jan–Aug 2026). Diaspora & Education: Abinader met Dominican leaders in Brooklyn, declared Dominican Pride Day, and announced 300 scholarships for young Dominicans in New York. Trade & Agriculture: Canada regained access to the Dominican beef market after an inspection audit. Economy & FX: Central Bank reference rates for Sept. 25 show the dollar buying around RD$57–59 depending on channel. MICE & Exports: DR heads to FIT Latin America 2026 as Guest of Honor with a 400-sq-m pavilion to boost tourism and air connectivity. Digital Rights: Operation LUMEN launched with Dominican ONDA participation to block 300+ piracy/malware domains across Latin America.

Tourism & MICE: Santo Domingo’s meetings boom is paying off: business-event visitors spend far more than typical tourists, with SDQ MICE 2026 highlighting how convention travel is diversifying the sector beyond sun-and-beach. Education & Human Capital: President Luis Abinader announced 300 scholarships for young Dominicans in New York—100 postgraduate, 100 undergraduate, and 100 tech scholarships via ITLA—aimed at merit-based access to higher education. Trade & Agriculture: Canada has regained access to the Dominican beef market after an inspection audit, reopening a channel closed since 2003. International Mobility: The DR and Azerbaijan signed a visa-free deal for holders of ordinary passports (up to 90 days in each 180-day period), alongside a framework for broader political and economic cooperation. Security & Digital Enforcement: The Shield of the Americas coalition moved to define and sanction 24 armed groups, while Operation LUMEN coordinated regional action to block hundreds of piracy and malware domains—both with Dominican participation. Energy/Industry: MSC will deploy nine ships in the Caribbean in 2027-28, including itineraries operating from the Dominican Republic. Business & Investment: Guatemalan exporters say the DR market could grow beyond $2B, with a new partnership to connect companies and investment opportunities.

Visa-Free Deal: The Dominican Republic and Azerbaijan signed an agreement removing visa requirements for holders of valid ordinary passports, allowing stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period and expanding political, economic and trade cooperation. Sugar Exports: The U.S. raised the Dominican Republic’s raw cane sugar export quota for fiscal 2027 by 11,931 metric tons to 201,274 tons, boosting the country’s share of the U.S. tariff-rate quota. Tourism & Business Travel: Asonahores says MICE visitors can spend up to three times more than typical tourists, with convention travel gaining momentum in Santo Domingo and beyond. Payments Tech: Apple expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to the Dominican Republic, enabling contactless payments without extra hardware via participating payment platforms. Regional Security: The Dominican Republic signed onto the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” sanctions push targeting 24 narco-terrorist organizations with asset freezes and visa/immigration restrictions. Trade Growth: Guatemalan exporters say their sales to the DR could exceed $2B, and a new ONEC-Agexport partnership aims to match companies with concrete opportunities. Blue Economy Funding: The Dominican Republic is among BluEFin’s eligible countries, with seed funding up to $250,000 for blue-economy initiatives.

Shield of the Americas Sanctions: The Dominican Republic joined a US-led coalition of 14 countries to launch the first coordinated “Shield of the Americas” sanctions action, targeting 24 narco-terrorist organizations with planned asset freezes, visa/immigration restrictions, and criminal liability for material support. UN Diplomacy & Haiti: President Luis Abinader used the UN General Assembly to urge faster, fully deployed support for Haiti’s security mission, stronger arms enforcement, and sanctions on gang financing. Economic Progress at UNGA: Abinader told the UN the DR cut poverty and hunger, highlighted record exports near US$16B, and said FDI has topped US$5B in 2025. Payments Upgrade: Apple expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to the Dominican Republic, letting merchants accept contactless payments using only an iPhone plus a compatible app. Trade & Investment Ties: The DR signed an MOU with Greece to expand trade, investment, and supply-chain cooperation. Aviation & Tourism: Arajet reported a “143% Arajet effect” growth in passenger traffic since 2022 and projected 2M+ passengers in 2026; Puerto Plata airport added new Wingo and Flair routes for the 2026-27 winter season. Tech for Industry: The Ministry of Energy and Mines says rare earth project lab results are in and first certified reserves are targeted for H1 2027.

Hemispheric Security: President Luis Abinader pushed the UN to fully deploy and fund Haiti’s security mission, enforce the arms embargo, and back Haitian institutions as gang violence worsens—while the wider “Shield of the Americas” coalition moves to coordinate economic and security actions against narco-terrorism across the hemisphere. Economic Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic and Greece signed an MOU to expand trade, investment, and supply-chain cooperation, including a joint working group linking public and private sectors. Poverty & Exports Push: At the UN General Assembly, Abinader highlighted falling poverty and hunger, record exports near US$16B, and strong FDI inflows above US$5B in 2025, alongside tourism growth. Payments Upgrade: Apple expanded “Tap to Pay on iPhone” to the Dominican Republic, giving small businesses a new way to accept contactless payments without extra hardware. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Arajet reported a 143% “Arajet effect” growth in passenger traffic between the DR and Latin America since 2022, and Puerto Plata’s airport announced new Wingo and Flair routes for the 2026-27 winter season. Industry Moves: Dominican tobacco firms began commercial dialogue with Chinese partners to explore technical and marketing cooperation, including potential cigar production under the El Artista brand for select markets. Digital Piracy Crackdown: Operation LUMEN targeted 317 stream-ripping and malware sites across Peru, Paraguay, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador, aiming to disrupt illegal access. Currency Watch: Central Bank reference rates showed the dollar at RD$57.38 (buy) and RD$59.86 (sell), while the euro was RD$66.39 (buy) and RD$70.46 (sell).