AGP Executive Report

Labor Reform Standoff: Dominican unions say they’ll ask President Abinader to withdraw the Labor Code reform bill, insisting severance pay must stay off the negotiation table. Banking & Marketing: Banreservas won seven Effie Awards DR 2026, including two golds for influencer and finance/banking campaigns. Tourism & Air Connectivity: The DR’s air links face new pressure as JetBlue suspends Newark–Santo Domingo, Wingo cancels Bogotá–Punta Cana, and Spirit exits—raising fears of fewer options and higher fares. Urban Infrastructure: Residents along the Villa Mella–Yamasá corridor complain the Metro Line 1 elevated extension is far behind schedule, hurting traffic flow and local sales. National Development Agenda: Abinader launched the Meta RD 2036 National Forum for Full Development, collecting proposals from universities and civil society to shape public policy. Gaming Regulation: DR’s gambling oversight council says once the new Gaming Law is approved, operators running outside the rules should be reviewed and suspended. Trade & Investment: Dominican and Mexican officials discussed deeper industrial cooperation, with Mexico’s manufacturing and supplier network seen as a boost for DR competitiveness. Social Dialogue: UNI Americas brought 180+ union leaders to Santo Domingo, with the Labor Ministry signing an MoU to strengthen decent work and labor rights. Scholarships for Higher Ed: UASD rector Asjana David highlighted the government’s delivery of 6,500 scholarships, including 1,500 international awards. Gambling Crackdown: Cyber Police arrested two people in separate electronic fraud cases, including a TikTok bedroom-set scam.

US Visa Policy Shock: The Trump administration is rolling out a pilot that could require some Dominican applicants to post refundable bonds of up to $250,000 after being flagged on “public charge” grounds, with consular offices in the Caribbean starting the process this week. Trade & Tariffs: CONEP chief Celso Juan Marranzini warned a new 12.5% U.S. tariff could hurt Dominican exports long term, arguing for preferential access to keep DR in nearshoring value chains. Immigration Controls Debate: Journalist Moisés Ruiz urged stronger Dominican border enforcement after the Ceuta crisis, citing concerns about undocumented Haitian migrants working across the economy. Healthcare Support: SISALRIL says it has disbursed RD$1.175 billion in breastfeeding subsidies to 58,959 working mothers in 2026. Labor Data Upgrade: Dominican Labor Minister Eddy Olivares received an INEGI-backed project to improve labor statistics and evidence-based policymaking. Education Logistics: TRAE is distributing 29 buses for the 2026-2027 school year, expanding a fleet of 1,871 buses serving students nationwide. Business & Investment: TNR showcased irrigation modernization opportunities to Chilean partners, pitching projects and supplier registration to boost agricultural competitiveness. Sports & Talent: Dominican infielder Angel Genao was promoted by the Cleveland Guardians, while Mets reliever Jefry Yan debuted with a viral strikeout celebration.

Labor Data Upgrade: Dominican Labor Minister Eddy Olivares received a new statistical monitoring project from Mexico’s INEGI to strengthen labor records and improve evidence-based policymaking. Union Strategy: The DR hosted the UNI Américas Regional Organizing and Strategy Forum, bringing unions together to train on organizing, labor rights, and workplace safety. Trade Pressure: CONEP’s Celso Juan Marranzini warned a 12.5% U.S. tariff could hurt Dominican exports over time, urging a preferential deal to benefit from nearshoring value chains. Migration Enforcement: The Migration Directorate said it’s intensifying actions against networks facilitating irregular migration, including transport, housing, and evasion routes. Visa Costs for DR Applicants: Reports say a Trump pilot program will require some Dominican applicants to post bonds up to $250,000 for certain U.S. visas. Business & Growth Agenda: The government launched the 1st National Forum for the Full Development of Meta RD 2036, aiming to double the economy by 2036 through reforms across public and private sectors. New Penal Code: The DR’s new Penal Code expands penalties for defamation, including defamation via social media and digital platforms. Tourism & Culture: Santo Domingo marked 528 years since its 1498 founding, highlighting the Colonial City’s UNESCO heritage. Energy Cooperation: Guyana and Jamaica signed agreements to deepen Caribbean energy collaboration, building on a DR-linked oil and gas partnership. Currency Watch: Central Bank reference rates showed the dollar and euro largely stable vs. the prior day.

Tourism Momentum: The Dominican Republic logged a record 7.7 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 7% year-on-year, with July alone hitting 1.08 million arrivals as air and cruise travel keep pushing growth. Regional Trade Push: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) met the Dominican ambassador to the UAE to expand bilateral trade ties and encourage direct business partnerships. Ethical AI Governance: Santo Domingo hosted a regional summit that adopted the “Declaration of Santo Domingo” and a 2026-2027 roadmap to advance responsible, human-centered AI policy across Latin America and the Caribbean. Finance & Banking: Banco Caribe’s outlook was upgraded to “Positive” by Feller Rate, reaffirming its “A-” solvency rating. Renewables & Energy Tech: RAAS Solar launched Tesla Solar Roof in the DR, while DP World expanded port electrification in Chile—both signals of continued investment in cleaner infrastructure. Work & Wages: Formal employment fell slightly in 2024 to 881,265 workers, but average monthly salaries rose, with mining and electricity among the top pay sectors. Business Climate: ANEIH opened entries for the National Quality Award for the Private Sector, aiming to reward competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable management.

Tourism Surge: The Dominican Republic welcomed a record 7.7 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 7% year over year, with July alone hitting 1.08 million arrivals and hotel occupancy averaging 76%. Banking Upgrade: Feller Rate raised Banco Caribe’s outlook to “Positive” and confirmed its A- rating, citing stronger risk management, portfolio quality, and digital transformation. Exchange Rates: The Central Bank set the dollar at RD$56.86 (buy) and RD$59.60 (sell), while the euro was RD$65.06 (buy) and RD$69.40 (sell), with the peso showing slight strengthening trends. Renewables Push: RAAS Solar launched Tesla Solar Roof in the country, positioning it for incentives under Law 57-07 and net metering. Quality & Jobs Snapshot: ANEIH opened entries for the National Quality Award for the Private Sector (deadline Sept. 18), while ONE reported formal-sector employment at 881,265 workers in 2024 and higher average monthly salaries. Gambling Rules: A new bill would restrict casinos to four-star-or-higher hotels and set five-year license terms. Environment & Sargassum: UFHEC hosted the First SARGARD Symposium on turning sargassum into sustainable development, as new research warns marine ecosystems face major economic risks.

Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a proposal call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, with priority for submissions before Sept. 1 and support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Finance Accelerator. Tourism & Food Branding: The Ministry of Tourism will host “Savor Paradise Sánchez” (Aug. 8-9) in Samaná to spotlight Sánchez shrimp and boost culinary tourism, featuring tastings, local dishes, and a shrimp-based cooking competition. Energy & Environment Risk: INTEC warns mangrove loss could cost the Dominican Republic up to US$75 million annually, adding pressure on coastal conservation and land-use decisions. Labor Standards Deal: The IAM Union helped advance a Dominican Republic partnership via an MoU with the Ministry of Tourism and labor unions to strengthen labor standards and improve transportation systems tied to sustainable tourism. Trade Policy Shock: The U.S. tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products takes effect Aug. 15 for four years, with exclusions that include some DR-related trade beneficiaries—raising compliance and sourcing questions for local importers. Visa Costs for Travelers: The U.S. will require bonds up to US$20,000 for certain tourism and business visa applicants from about 50 countries; the Dominican Republic is not listed, but the move may still affect regional travel planning. Public Asset Auction: National Assets raised RD 57.3 million in its second public auction of the year, selling vehicles, scrap and other lots from state institutions.

Tourism & Aviation: Aerodom says Gregorio Luperón (Puerto Plata) will add new international routes and more flights, including Copa’s Panama City service moving from 3 to 4 weekly flights, plus seasonal Canada links via Air Transat (London, Ontario) and WestJet (Winnipeg). Environment & Economy: INTEC research warns mangrove degradation could cost the Dominican Republic about US$75M annually, tying ecosystem loss to weaker GDP growth and fewer international tourist arrivals. Maritime Policy: The Dominican Republic held its first National Oceans Forum to push ocean governance and a future National Ocean Strategy, with UNDP and INTEC support. Labor Standards: The IAM Union helped advance a landmark partnership with the Dominican Republic’s tourism ministry and unions to raise worker standards and strengthen transportation and sustainable tourism. Business Regulation (Gambling): A revised gambling bill would impose tough personal liability and sanctions—up to 10 years’ disqualification for executives and up to 10 years in prison for the most serious illegal betting offenses—now moving through the legislative process. Health & Safety: A gas tank explosion at a fried food stand in San Francisco de Macorís killed a 10-year-old and left his father in critical condition. Aviation/Business Aviation: Bombardier will showcase its Challenger 3500 at LABACE 2026, with a multi-city Latin America tour that includes Santo Domingo.

New Penal Code Takes Effect: The Dominican Republic’s updated Penal Code enters into force Aug. 3, replacing the old framework, adding new crimes, raising penalties, and expanding rules on areas like anti-corruption and minors. Tourism & Travel Demand: A report from DentaVacation says dental tourism is surging in 2026, driven by big cost gaps versus the US and long waits at home—an affordability story that keeps feeding cross-border demand. Electricity Pressure in Santo Domingo: Heat is pushing electricity demand to new records again, underlining how extreme weather is turning into a power-market issue. Finance & Banking Leadership: Alejandro Fernández is set to conclude a six-year tenure as Superintendent of Banks, a notable governance moment for the country’s financial oversight. Trade & Border Controls: US CBP revoked a traveler’s Global Entry after confiscating more than US$21,000 in unreported cash tied to a trip to Santiago, Dominican Republic—another reminder that compliance can hit hard at the border. Baseball Talent Flows: Dominican players remain central to MLB deal chatter and trades, including Luis García Jr. moving to the Yankees and Luis Castillo heading to the White Sox, keeping DR-linked talent in the spotlight.

Penal Code Update: The Dominican Republic’s new Penal Code takes effect Aug. 3, reshaping crimes, sanctions, corporate liability, and protections for minors—an immediate compliance test for courts and prosecutors. Energy Strain: July heat pushed Santo Domingo’s heat index to 43–48°C and drove record electricity demand above 4,400 kW, raising blackout and grid-stress concerns. Migration Enforcement: The Migration Policy Observatory reports more than 226,500 people deported this year and flags binational trafficking networks operating between Haiti and the DR. Tourism & Ports: Puerto Plata is set for 29 cruise ship calls in August, with Amber Cove and Taíno Bay splitting 15 and 14 stops, including peak days with three ships arriving at once. Business Travel Perks: U.S. CBP revoked a traveler’s Global Entry after confiscating over $21,000 in unreported cash at Philadelphia—another reminder for DR-bound flyers to follow reporting rules. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela’s imprisoned ex-leader Maduro said he welcomes “any path to dialogue,” while Venezuela and the DR agreed on a roadmap to gradually normalize diplomatic ties.

Electricity Crunch in Santo Domingo: July heat pushed the heat index to 43–48°C and drove record power demand above 4,400 kW, straining the grid and contributing to blackouts. Tourism Infrastructure: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the Juan Dolio wastewater treatment plant and said more systems are planned for Boca Chica, La Caleta, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Higüey and Verón to protect coastal tourism. Banking Leadership Change: Alejandro Fernández W. will step down as Superintendent of Banks on Aug. 16, ending a six-year tenure. Migration Enforcement: The Migration Policy Observatory reported that authorities have deported over 226,500 foreigners in irregular status and identified binational trafficking networks. Cruise Momentum in Puerto Plata: Apordom says Puerto Plata will get 29 cruise calls in August, with Amber Cove handling 15 and Taíno Bay 14. Compliance in Health Sector: Funglode launched a Criminal Compliance Plan for healthcare providers following amendments to the Penal Code. Markets & Trade: U.S. egg exports to Cuba surged after Dominican shipments resumed, with May sales jumping sharply. Tourism Demand Signals: A new industry ranking places the Dominican Republic among the top beach destinations in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026.

Electricity & Heat Stress: INDOMET says Santo Domingo’s heat index hit record 43–48°C in July, pushing peak power demand above 4,400 kW and straining the grid. Tourism & Cruise Growth: Apordom reports Puerto Plata will host 29 cruise calls in August (15 at Amber Cove, 14 at Taíno Bay), with three ships arriving on Aug. 5, 18 and 19. Banking Leadership: Alejandro Fernández W. will step down as Superintendent of Banks on Aug. 16, ending a six-year term. Anti-Corruption & Compliance: Funglode launched a Criminal Compliance Plan for the health sector as the new Penal Code expands anti-corruption tools and introduces criminal liability for legal entities. Justice & Piracy Crackdown: Dominican prosecutors blocked 256 domains and suspended another tied to illegal streaming of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches under Operation Red Card. Migration Enforcement: The Migration Policy Observatory says authorities have deported over 226,500 foreigners this year and detected binational trafficking networks. Wastewater for Coastal Tourism: President Abinader inaugurated the Juan Dolio wastewater treatment plant and outlined expansions for Boca Chica and other coastal/tourist areas. Corporate/Trade Signals: The U.S. resumed fresh egg shipments to Cuba, with Dominican exports surging in value—an example of how DR food trade can swing quickly. Business/Innovation: PUCMM students presented “Inventing the Future,” a docuseries on youth employment and labor informality.

Banking Leadership Change: Alejandro Fernández W. will step down as Superintendent of Banks on Aug. 16, ending a six-year tenure and signaling a new phase for the regulator. Anti-Corruption & Corporate Compliance: The Dominican Republic’s newly approved Penal Code expands anti-corruption tools, lengthens investigation timelines, and introduces criminal liability for legal entities to push stronger compliance programs. Health Sector Compliance: Funglode launched the Criminal Compliance Plan for the Health Sector, tied to recent Penal Code updates that raise the minimum elements for prevention programs. Public Works & Tourism Protection: President Abinader inaugurated the Juan Dolio Wastewater Treatment Plant and said wastewater treatment will expand to Boca Chica and other coastal/tourist areas. Trade & Enforcement: Authorities blocked 256 domains and suspended another in “Operation Red Card,” targeting illegal streaming of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cross-Border Contraband Crackdown: A joint operation seized 580,000 contraband cigarettes worth 6.9 million pesos from Haiti in Villa Vásquez. Aviation & Tourism Demand: Arajet surpassed 1 million passengers in the first half of 2026, with the U.S. now its biggest international market. MICE Business Push: SDQ MICE 2026 returns Sept. 21-23 in Santo Domingo to attract international buyers and spur meetings-industry deals. Sports Piracy Risk: The crackdown also highlights cybersecurity threats tied to piracy sites, adding pressure on platforms and users.

Banking Leadership: Alejandro Fernández W. will step down as Superintendent of Banks on Aug. 16, ending a six-year tenure and signaling the next phase of DR’s financial reforms. Anti-Corruption & Justice: The Dominican Republic’s newly approved Penal Code expands anti-corruption tools, including tougher penalties, longer investigation timelines, and criminal liability for companies tied to crimes. Sports Piracy Crackdown: Operation Red Card led prosecutors to block 256 domains and suspend another tied to illegal streaming of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. Tax Enforcement: Authorities seized 580,000 contraband cigarettes from Haiti in a truck interception worth RD$6.9 million, with cases set for legal proceedings. Tourism & Air Connectivity: WestJet launches a new Winnipeg–Punta Cana nonstop on Nov. 28, while Arajet topped 1 million passengers in the first half of 2026 and grew Jamaica–DR traffic by 16.3%. MICE & Business Development: Santo Domingo Hotel Association announced SDQ MICE 2026 (Sept. 21-23) to attract international buyers and boost the meetings industry. Climate Finance: JMMB’s DR arm placed about US$11m into solar and wind via its Sustainable Energy Fund. Renewable Energy & Compliance Finance: LINK FOREX highlighted continued international expansion tied to compliance upgrades and HSBC’s annual business review.

Tourism Regulation: Tourism Minister David Collado says the Dominican Republic will create an Airbnb-style national registry aimed at improving tourist safety and emergency response, not raising taxes—helping authorities identify properties and share basic info when incidents involve foreign visitors. Aviation & Connectivity: Arajet reported 16.3% passenger growth on the Jamaica–DR route in the first half of 2026, carrying 922,593 passengers to/from the country and surpassing one million total passengers in H1 when including connecting traffic. Energy Demand: The Dominican Republic set a new electricity demand record for a second straight day, underscoring how fast consumption is rising. Public Health & Fraud Crackdown: Health authorities shut down 1,100+ medical centers for operating without proper authorization, urging patients to verify credentials after a case involving an alleged imposter physician. Trade & Food Costs: Asomaprom urged President Abinader to route imported agricultural products through wholesalers to help lower the cost of the basic food basket. Business & Finance: LINK FOREX says it’s advancing its international growth plan with stronger compliance, AI integration, and expanded Latin America operations after completing an annual business review with HSBC. Corporate Leadership Change: ProDominicana’s Biviana Riveiro Disla left to become executive vice president at Fiduciaria Reservas, with Vladimir Pimentel stepping in as acting executive director. Governance & Justice: Court ordered a trial for councilman Walky Cuevas Charles and W. Cuevas Autoimport over alleged drug trafficking and money laundering charges.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: American Airlines’ nonstop Miami–La Romana route is being pitched as the most seamless “resort arrival” in the Caribbean, cutting transfer time to minutes and making Casa de Campo feel like the end of the runway. Tourism Policy: Tourism Minister David Collado says the Dominican Republic will create a national registry for Airbnb-style rentals to improve tourist safety and emergency response—without changing the tax role of Finance and DGII. Public Health & Consumer Protection: The Ministry of Public Health warns the public to verify physician credentials after an alleged imposter performed a cosmetic procedure that led to the death of Rebecca Brizard; authorities have shut down 1,100+ noncompliant medical centers. Security & Organized Crime: Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez warns traffickers are increasingly coercing victims into organized crime, including fraud, cybercrime, and money laundering, urging faster victim identification to avoid prosecuting compelled offenders. Trade & Food Costs: Asomaprom calls on President Abinader to route imported agricultural goods through wholesale channels to help lower the basic food basket. Business Leadership Change: Biviana Riveiro leaves Pro Dominicana for Fiduciaria Reservas, with Vladimir Pimentel stepping in as acting executive director. Wildlife & Enforcement: Santo Domingo Zoo is absorbing a surge of confiscated exotic animals as seizures rise sharply amid tougher anti-trafficking crackdowns. Economy & Markets: The DR’s electricity demand hit a new record, while the country’s June growth and broader housing affordability debates underscore pressure on household budgets.

Public Health at the Games: SNS director Dr. Julio César Landrón says the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games showcased the Public Health Network’s response capacity, with free care backed by 200+ hospitals, 1,710 primary care units, and nearly 89,000 collaborators. Tourism & Tech Push: DR inaugurated its first Dominicana Tech Week with 70+ events to boost innovation, while Arajet surpassed 1 million passengers in the first half of 2026. Energy Demand Pressure: The country set a new electricity demand record for a second straight day, with national power demand hitting 4,203 MW. Legal/Finance Scrutiny: A tax consultant challenged Pastor Yesenia Then’s explanation for ministry funds, arguing the materials don’t amount to real accountability. Business & Trade: TOPCIGARSHUB connected the Dominican tobacco industry with U.S. and Europe buyers, and the government moved to restrict imports tied to forced labor.