AGP Executive Report

Labor Market Update: The Central Bank says employment in the Dominican economy rose 2.9% year-on-year in Q2 2026 to 5,271,005 workers, with formal jobs adding 74,794 and informality still high at 53.8%. Tourism & Hospitality: Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana opened in Cabeza de Toro with 467 adults-only rooms and a big wellness focus, while Eden Roc Cap Cana retained its Two MICHELIN Keys for 2026. Airport Experience: Puerto Plata launched the Caribbean’s first airport wellness center, adding massages and recovery therapies inside the terminal. Public Finance: The government approved the 2027 State Budget at about RD$2.037 trillion, projecting 4.75% real growth and ~4.5% inflation, with higher capital spending. Energy/Costs Backlash: Fuel price hikes sparked public criticism over the impact on transport and food. Business & Trade: The U.S. added the Dominican Republic to its Global Entry partner list for faster airport clearance. Blue Economy Funding: The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund selected a Dominican initiative for seed grants under BluEFin. Water Quality: CAASD says water is potable at treatment plants, but quality can drop before it reaches homes due to network issues and household storage.

DR Budget Watch: President Luis Abinader and VP Raquel Peña approved the 2027 General State Budget Bill totaling about RD$2.037 trillion, with RD$1.51 trillion in revenues and a spending ceiling of RD$1.838 trillion, prioritizing education, health, social protection, infrastructure, and security. Tourism & Real Estate: Abinader toured the Punta Bergantín project in Puerto Plata—9.6 million sq. meters near Playa Dorada—aimed at attracting major hotel, residential, innovation, and commercial investment. Women & Work: New labor data shows persistent pay gaps in the Dominican Republic: women earn RD$102.8/hour vs RD$140.1/hour for men, and women remain underrepresented in leadership. Blue Economy Funding: The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund selected a Dominican Republic initiative for up to USD 250,000 in BluEFin seed grants. Water Quality: CAASD says water leaves treatment plants potable, but service interruptions, damaged pipes, and household storage can degrade quality by the time it reaches consumers. Consumer Protection: Azerbaijan was elected to ICPEN’s advisory group for 2026/2027, with the Dominican Republic also listed among members.

State Budget: The Dominican government approved the 2027 General State Budget bill totaling about RD$2.037 trillion, with RD$1.51 trillion in revenues and a spending ceiling of RD$1.838 trillion, projecting 4.75% real GDP growth and ~4.5% inflation, while prioritizing health, education, infrastructure, water/sanitation, security and major transport projects. Tourism & Real Estate: President Luis Abinader visited the Punta Bergantín project in Puerto Plata, a 9.6 million sq. meter development aimed at expanding hotel capacity, housing, golf, an innovation district, commercial space and film studios. Energy Costs Backlash: Fuel price increases of 9 pesos for gasoline and 5 pesos for diesel triggered public criticism, with groups saying the government raised costs without accounting for higher prices of basic goods. Trade & Agriculture: ANPA warned the DR is not ready for full rice market opening under DR-CAFTA, arguing Decree 693-24 should stay to protect producers from a sudden surge in cheaper U.S. rice. Tech & Diplomacy: The U.S. Embassy hosted Dominican leaders on tech, innovation and semiconductors through IVLP alumni exchanges, aiming to spur partnerships. Water Quality: CAASD said water leaves treatment plants potable, but quality can drop before it reaches homes due to network issues and household storage like cisterns and tanks. Consumer Protection: Azerbaijan was elected to ICPEN’s advisory group for 2026/27, with the Dominican Republic also listed among members.

Tourism & Hospitality: Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana officially opened in Cabeza de Toro with 467 adults-only rooms, swim-out suites, five pools and a full wellness program, adding another major brand to the Punta Cana all-inclusive boom. Public Finance: The Dominican government approved the 2027 General State Budget at about RD$2.04 trillion, projecting RD$1.51 trillion in revenues and prioritizing education, health, social protection, infrastructure and security. Agriculture & Trade: ANPA warned the U.S. is pushing for repeal of Decree 693-24 to fully open the rice market under DR-CAFTA, arguing DR isn’t ready and could face price pressure affecting tens of thousands of producers and a large farm value chain. Tech & Innovation: The U.S. Embassy hosted Dominican leaders from government, academia and business to explore partnerships in technology, innovation and semiconductors through IVLP alumni networks. Consumer & Policy Links: The Dominican Republic was named to ICPEN’s 2026/2027 advisory group, signaling deeper cooperation on consumer protection enforcement. Labor & Equality: New local data highlights persistent gender pay gaps in the Dominican Republic, with women earning less and facing a “glass ceiling” in leadership roles.

State Budget 2027: The Dominican government approved a RD$2.037 trillion General State Budget for 2027, projecting RD$1.51 trillion in revenues and a spending ceiling of RD$1.838 trillion, with 4.75% real GDP growth and ~4.5% inflation; priorities include education, health, social protection, infrastructure, security, and projects like hospital expansion, water/sanitation, and metro and monorail capacity. Tourism & Real Estate: President Luis Abinader visited the Punta Bergantín project in Puerto Plata, a 9.6 million sq. meter development aimed at boosting “The New North” with hotel rooms, residences, golf, an innovation district, commercial space, and film studios. Agriculture Trade Pressure: ANPA warned the DR is not ready for full rice market opening under DR-CAFTA, after the U.S. asked the country to repeal Decree 693-24—arguing it could hit ~30,000 producers and a RD$45B annual value chain. Tech & Innovation Ties: The U.S. Embassy hosted IVLP alumni and Dominican leaders to discuss partnerships in technology, innovation, and semiconductors. Digital/Consumer Cooperation: The Dominican Republic was named to ICPEN’s 2026/2027 advisory group, signaling continued work on consumer protection enforcement. Business Diplomacy: Ras Al Khaimah Chamber explored stronger economic cooperation with the Dominican Republic, including reciprocal trade and investment visits. Tourism Product Spotlight: Eden Roc Cap Cana kept its Two MICHELIN Keys for 2026, highlighting its private-pool suites. International Recognition: Americas Society will honor President Abinader in New York with its Gold Insignia for leadership tied to economic and democratic progress.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: The Dominican Republic is back in the top 10 long-haul destinations for French tour operators, with a 7% customer increase this fiscal year as direct routes and Air France’s planned Paris–Punta Cana expansion support demand. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: The DR will host “Dominican Week in France” in Paris (Oct. 17–22), aligning with SIAL Paris to push B2B deals and sector forums on free zones, renewables, and digital/fintech. Labor & Inclusion: New labor and education stats show women’s participation in Dominican universities and formal employment continues to rise, with formal job share converging between men and women by 2025. Agriculture Policy: The rice sector is warning against a full opening of the market, arguing that repealing Decree 693-24 could undermine competitiveness and rice self-sufficiency. Consumer Protection: ProUsuario warns of scams using fake transfer receipts, urging sellers to confirm funds availability with banks before releasing items. Environment & Resilience: DP World and Deep Green report an 86% survival rate for mangrove seedlings in Boca Chica, while Fondo Sur is moving toward a US$500,000 conservation fund to protect key water and marine ecosystems in the southwest. Regional Business Links: RAK Chamber explored stronger economic ties with the Dominican Republic, focusing on new investment partnerships and reciprocal trade missions.

U.S. Drug List Update: The White House renewed its FY2027 “major drug transit/illicit producing” designation for the Dominican Republic, while stressing the label is based on geography and trade factors—not a direct judgment of current enforcement. Border Trade Plan: The government is moving to pilot “dry ports” in the Comendador–Belladere corridor to speed cross-border commerce and tighten security. Tech & Consumer Safety: INDOTEL is investigating an alleged Claro data exposure affecting mobile customers, and ProUsuario warned sellers about scams using fake transfer/deposit receipts that pressure victims to hand over goods before funds clear. Tourism & Investment: DR is set to host “Dominican Week in France” in October to court investors and buyers (including at SIAL Paris), while French tour operators report DR is back in the top 10 long-haul destinations. Environment & Finance: Fondo Sur is advancing a US$500,000 conservation fund to protect watersheds and marine ecosystems in the southwest. Business Expansion: Lopesan opened a new family-focused all-inclusive in Punta Cana with a water park and multiple pools, adding to a major Punta Cana room expansion. Digital Payments: Ualett launched international transfers from its app, with Dominican Republic among the first supported corridors.

Google Cloud Expansion: President Abinader met Eduardo López, Google Cloud’s Latin America head, to discuss digital modernization, public-sector tech cooperation, and telecom infrastructure as Google deepens its Dominican footprint. Border Trade Logistics: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó convened agencies to implement Decree 166-26, launching a pilot dry port in the Comendador–Belladère corridor to formalize Haiti-border commerce and tighten security. US Drug List Watch: The White House’s FY2027 determination again names the Dominican Republic among 23 major drug transit/illicit drug-producing countries—while stressing the listing is based on geography and economics, not a verdict on enforcement performance. Anti-Crime Operations: Prosecutors and DNCD launched Operation LM2, raiding Greater Santo Domingo, Hato Mayor and Santiago, seizing suspected cocaine and arresting “El Viajero,” with more suspects sought. Baseball Pipeline Scrutiny: Fortune reports MLB’s Dominican talent pipeline relies on informal deals with prospects as young as 11–12, disrupting schooling and exposing families to exploitation. Tourism & Ports: Apordom targets nine cruise terminals by 2028, including a planned Manzanillo terminal in Montecristi designed to meet environmental standards.

Digital Infrastructure & Big Tech: President Abinader met Google Cloud’s Latin America president, signaling more support for the DR’s digital transformation as Google expands regional submarine cable links that connect the country to Latin America, the Caribbean, the U.S. and Europe. Trade & Border Logistics: The government is moving to develop dry ports along the Dominican-Haitian border under Decree 166-26, with a proposed Comendador–Belladère corridor pilot to boost customs control, trade facilitation and competitiveness. Security & Enforcement: Prosecutors and the DNCD launched Operation LM2, seizing 168 cocaine packages and arresting alleged leader “El Viajero” in raids across Greater Santo Domingo, Hato Mayor and Santiago. Customs Crackdown: MICM and Ceccom destroyed 28.35 million units of illicit goods worth RD$362.8 million, targeting smuggling, tax evasion and unfair competition. Tourism & Ports: Apordom is pushing cruise growth, including a planned Manzanillo terminal and a target of nine cruise terminals by 2028, while Puerto Plata handled four ships and 16,714 passengers in one day. Energy & Mining: The DR expects to declare its first rare earth reserves in 2027 after technical and environmental studies, with an initial resource estimate due in November 2026. Finance & Remittances: Ualett launched Ualett Global Transfer to simplify international money transfers from its app with in-app tracking and transparent pricing.

DR–South Korea Trade Talks: The Dominican Republic and South Korea launched a new trade and investment dialogue led by the Embassy and the CNZFE, aiming to connect businesses with public-sector support and spur projects in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, medical devices and electronics. Tourism & Air Connectivity: The DR is pushing deeper into Europe via IFTM Top Resa, highlighting stronger France links and new Air France and ITA Airways routes that should boost visitor flows. Exports & Markets: New data points to record DR exports of US$10.56B through August 2026, driven by gold and manufacturing gains, while Aruba explores more opportunities for Dominican meat imports. Consumer & Payments: Pro Consumidor is helping broker a solution in the dispute over Anadegas removing verifones from fuel stations, aiming to protect card-payment options for consumers. Border Trade Pressure (Haiti): Haiti began stricter enforcement at Dajabón, blocking entry of a range of Dominican goods and pushing lawmakers to demand dialogue to avoid major hits to local producers and binational commerce. Business & Finance: Banreservas set aside RD$7B to finance productive sectors, and the government launched a 24-hour business incorporation platform. Public Safety/Health: Defense Minister Onofre said there’s no anthrax alarm in the DR while authorities coordinate with Haiti as restrictions tighten. Legal/Crime: The Public Ministry sought pretrial detention for three Colombians accused of drugging victims to rob them in Santo Domingo.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: The Dominican Republic is boosting its European tourism push at IFTM Top Resa in Paris, with Air France extending its Dominican agreement through May 2027 and adding/maintaining seasonal Punta Cana–Paris service, while Air Caraïbes and ITA Airways expand links to key markets. Trade & Border Tensions: Haiti has started strictly enforcing restrictions at the Dajabón border bridge, blocking entry of multiple Dominican goods and requiring air/sea transport—prompting Dominican lawmakers to warn of a hit to producers and to call for renewed dialogue. Exports & Industry Performance: Pro Dominicana reports record exports of US$10.56B through August 2026, led by a gold surge, with manufacturing and other merchandise also growing. Infrastructure & Mobility: Santiago’s long-awaited monorail is set for October test runs, part of a broader push to decentralize opportunity and ease migration pressures. Consumer & Payments: Pro Consumidor is mediating talks over Anadegas’ plan to remove verifones at fuel stations, aiming to protect card payment options for consumers. Energy/Regional Context: A report on grid strain in Guyana highlights how fast demand growth can outpace electricity systems—an issue with clear regional relevance. Security & Justice: The Public Ministry requested pretrial detention for Colombian suspects accused of sedating victims to rob them, following complaints and card-purchase tracking.

Airport & Security Upgrade: Aerodom rolled out new tech at Las Americas International Airport, including ~US$2M in luggage scanners, tighter anti-theft measures, and a fully monitored passenger/visitor movement system (no facial recognition), plus a new terminal under construction and a QR-based parking payment rollout. Customs Enforcement: The DGA recovered RD$1.652B in undeclared taxes from 389 Asian importers in H1 2026 via risk-based controls and post-clearance audits, aiming to protect state revenue and level competition. Energy Sector Pressure: Guyana’s president cited InterEnergy’s grid recommendations after demand rose 18% (205MW in 2024 to 242.6MW in Aug 2026), underscoring the need for major investment to fix reliability issues. US-DR Trade Tension: The U.S. asked the DR to repeal Decree 693-24, which sets 20% rice tariffs within quota and 99% after quota, arguing it conflicts with CAFTA-DR market-access commitments. Tourism & Hospitality Investment: Hyatt’s Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana is now taking reservations for April 1, 2027 openings, adding 406 suites and a large dining program. Retail & Foodservice Expansion: Carl’s Jr. opened its first Dominican Republic location at Galería 360 in Santo Domingo, operated locally by DATH under exclusive franchise rights. Aviation Diplomacy: CLAC and the Dominican Republic received an invitation to the Future Aviation Forum 2027 after talks with Egypt and Saudi Arabia on connectivity and technical cooperation. Regional Migration & Security: A UK minister met DR and Turks & Caicos leaders on economic growth, clean energy, regional security, and the impact of instability in Haiti. Sargassum Solutions: Grenada’s delegation trained in Punta Cana on sargassum containment, collection, and utilization systems with support from GIZ’s BioWaste Caribbean project. Business Growth & Jobs: Banreservas set aside RD$7B to finance productive sectors, while the DR welcomed a record 8.5M visitors through August 2026.

Airport Modernization: Las Américas International Airport is rolling out new luggage scanners, tighter anti-theft security, and a fully recorded movement system using iCloud storage, while a new terminal under construction targets 4 million passengers and a new hotel is planned for 2027. Customs Enforcement: The General Directorate of Customs (DGA) recovered RD$1.652 billion in undeclared taxes from 389 Asian importers in the first half of 2026 via risk-based controls and post-clearance audits. Tourism Momentum: The Dominican Republic welcomed a record 8.56 million visitors through August 2026 (+6.9%), with 68% hotel occupancy and strong repeat intent; meanwhile, Hyatt’s new adults-only Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana is taking reservations for April 1, 2027 openings. Aviation Diplomacy: The DR and CLAC were invited to the Future Aviation Forum 2027 after talks with Egypt and Saudi Arabia aimed at boosting training and air connectivity. Trade Talks: The U.S. asked the DR to repeal Decree 693-24, challenging rice tariff rules under CAFTA-DR commitments. Banking Support: Banreservas set aside RD$7 billion to finance key productive sectors, including construction and seasonal rice. Airport Ops Tech: Aerodom launched an Airport Community App to improve real-time coordination among airlines, authorities, and service providers. Remittances: Wells Fargo expanded international transfers into its mobile app with ExpressSend 1 Mobile for sending money to 12 countries. Business Expansion: Carl’s Jr. opened its first Dominican Republic location at Galería 360, and Keller Williams is adding Montenegro to its EMEA footprint.

AI Skills Push: President Abinader launched “RD Inteligente” to train 1 million Dominicans in AI for their jobs and studies, from basic use to automation, data and programming, with certifications backed by major tech firms. Digital Economy & Business Setup: The government also rolled out a 24-hour business incorporation platform, aiming to make it easier to start and formalize companies. Tourism Revenue & Jobs: Tourism-linked tax revenue has tripled over the past decade to over RD$45 billion, while tourism and tech firms report lower turnover (about 25%-30%) versus the broader labor market’s informality challenge. Trade & Strategic Resources: The DR and the U.S. signed a framework to cooperate on critical minerals and rare earths, targeting joint projects and financing. Real Estate Costs: A new ONE report shows apartment prices in the metro can triple depending on municipality and sector, with Paraíso and Piantini among the priciest areas. Public Safety Case: The Public Ministry detailed how an alleged iPhone scam on Facebook Marketplace led to an assault and the death of Emmanuel Contreras Medina. Environment & Health Risk: A regional push is growing around climate impacts like sargassum and plastic-waste pollution hotspots, with the DR flagged among affected areas.

Critical Minerals Deal: The Dominican Republic and the U.S. signed a framework cooperation agreement to boost security and resilience in critical minerals and rare earth supply chains, with both sides flagging joint projects and financing opportunities. Tourism Jobs & Retention: A new report highlights that tourism-linked companies in the DR see lower employee turnover (about 25%–30%) than the broader labor market, where informality remains high. Tourism Tax Surge: Tourism-linked tax revenue has tripled over the past decade to over RD$45 billion, reflecting stronger sector-linked spending and knock-on effects across commerce, manufacturing, construction and transport. AI Skills Push: President Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” aiming to train 1 million Dominicans in AI and productivity skills, with paths from basic learning to advanced specializations and international certifications. Real Estate Prices: A new ONE report shows apartment prices can triple across the Santo Domingo metro area, with Paraíso and Piantini among the priciest sectors. Education Pressure: Global PISA 2025 results point to falling reading and math performance, adding pressure on DR education outcomes as policymakers look for fixes. Public Safety Case: The Public Ministry detailed how an alleged iPhone scam on Facebook Marketplace ended in the death of Emmanuel Contreras Medina after a confrontation. Trade Access for Beef: Canada regained access to the Dominican beef market after DR audits confirmed Canada’s inspection and animal-health controls.

AI Skills Push: President Abinader launched “RD Inteligente” to train 1 million Dominicans in AI, from basics to automation, data and programming, with certifications backed by Amazon, Google, Cisco and Microsoft. Real Estate Costs: ONE data show apartment prices in the Santo Domingo metro can triple by neighborhood—RD$148,445 per m² in Santo Domingo de Guzmán vs RD$48,418 in Los Alcarrizos, with Paraíso and Piantini among the priciest sectors. Public Safety Case: The Public Ministry detailed how a phone-sale scam allegedly led to the death of Emmanuel Contreras Medina after a confrontation involving an iPhone 15 Pro Max posted on Facebook Marketplace. Trade & Food: Canada regained access to the Dominican beef market after a DR audit confirmed Canada’s animal-health and food-safety controls. Business Pressure: The Dominican Federation of Merchants urged DGII to tighten oversight of Chinese-owned stores, alleging unfair competition, tax evasion and undervalued imports. Tech for Startups/SMEs: The government also rolled out a 24-hour business incorporation platform to speed up company formation. Environment/Health: A new study flags the Dominican Republic as one of Latin America’s plastic-waste “hotspots” after China’s plastic-import ban. Diaspora Finance: Banco BHD held its 4th New York Real Estate Fair for Dominicans abroad, offering property options and financing guidance.