AGP Executive Report

Trade & Tariffs Watch: A new U.S. focus on “transshipment” flags Colombia as a high-risk route for Chinese goods that may be routed through third countries to dodge duties—an approach that could spill into Caribbean trade compliance. Food Imports: Canada regained access to the Dominican Republic for beef and beef products after DR audits cleared Canada’s inspection and animal-health controls, reopening a key market after restrictions since 2003. AI for Workers: President Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” aiming to train 1 million Dominicans in AI literacy via ITLA, targeting students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, public servants, SMEs and the general public. Tourism Skills Push: Turio, a new specialized tourism academy, was launched to professionalize training beyond hotels, covering management, operations, hospitality, tech, innovation and sustainability. Banking & Diaspora Real Estate: Banco BHD held its 4th New York Real Estate Fair (Sept. 11–13) to connect Dominicans abroad with DR property options and financing guidance. Retail Pressure on Payments: Anadegas says 780 gas stations will disconnect Verifone on Sept. 25 over high electronic-payment costs, with merchants warning similar impacts across retail. Business Climate Tension: The Dominican Federation of Merchants urged stronger DGII oversight of Chinese-owned stores, alleging unfair competition via tax and import-valuation practices. Regional Diplomacy: Nicaragua closed its embassy in Santo Domingo, adding another layer to Latin America’s widening democratic divide. Infrastructure & Investment Talk: The Punta Cana Forum 2026 will bring leaders together to debate infrastructure, investment, legal certainty and the next generation of political leadership.

Real Estate & Diaspora Finance: Banco BHD opened the 4th New York Real Estate Fair for Dominicans abroad, running Sept. 11–13 in Washington Heights, with 20+ developers offering projects from pre-construction to ready units plus financing guidance. Retail Competition & Tax Oversight: The Dominican Federation of Merchants urged DGII to tighten scrutiny of Chinese-owned stores, alleging tax evasion and undervalued imports that they say distort competition for formal merchants. Tourism Skills Push: Turio launched as a specialized tourism academy at JW Marriott Santo Domingo, aiming to modernize training for a more diverse, tech-driven sector. AI Workforce Drive: President Abinader rolled out “RD Inteligente” to train 1 million Dominicans in AI literacy via ITLA, targeting students, workers, entrepreneurs, public servants, and SMEs. Payments Cost Fight: Anadegas says 780 gas stations will disconnect Verifone services on Sept. 25, citing high fees and calling for broader business action. Critical Minerals Deal: DR and the U.S. signed a cooperation framework to develop critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to strengthen supply chains and attract investment.

Border Security & Defense Industry: The Dominican military industry is booming as the government pushes ahead with a reinforced-concrete perimeter fence along the Haiti border, adding patrol lanes, watchtowers, and a fiber-optic surveillance network to tighten control at key crossings. Critical Minerals Diplomacy: The DR and the U.S. signed a cooperation framework to develop critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to attract investment and strengthen supply chains for tech and energy. Semiconductor Push: President Abinader backed PUCMM’s plan for a shared semiconductor lab after the university developed its first microchip, with international partners supporting design, manufacturing, and validation. Business Formation Acceleration: The government launched “Empresas en 24 Horas,” a single-window digital platform to cut company incorporation to 24 hours by integrating ONAPI, the Chamber/Registro Mercantil, and DGII. AI Skills at Scale: AWS will fund 50,000 free scholarships for Dominicans in AI and cloud computing through 2028, partnering with local institutions and ministries. Trade & Tariffs Talks: The DR began discussions with the U.S. on the bilateral tariff agenda via USTR to improve competitiveness and expand market access. Finance for Productive Sectors: Banreservas announced RD$7 billion available to finance construction, commerce, agriculture, and manufacturing, citing low delinquency. Tourism Business Signals: Abinader opened the HUB Camara Santo Domingo 2026, highlighting trade momentum and new exporter-buyer connections. Insurance Ratings: AM Best assigned Multiseguros a B (Fair) strength rating and affirmed/raised outlooks for La Colonial, reflecting improved underwriting performance. Urban Redevelopment: A bill proposes creating CITELF to transform underused land in Ensanche La Fe, including a possible MLB-standard stadium as part of a long-term public-private plan.

Business Incorporation Push: The government launched “Empresas en 24 Horas” (E24H), a single-window digital portal to cut company formation from weeks or months to 24 hours by routing name, mercantile registry, and tax registration through ONAPI, CCPSD/Fedocámaras, and DGII. AI Skills Drive: Amazon Web Services will fund 50,000 free scholarships for Dominicans via “AWS Entrena República Dominicana,” training people in AI and cloud computing through 2028, alongside Banreservas, OGTIC, INFOTEP and other partners. Trade & Investment: President Abinader inaugurated Hub Camara Santo Domingo 2026, highlighting export deal-making with buyers from ~30 countries and a broader push for trade expansion and digital registry upgrades. Banking Credit Line: Banreservas set aside RD$7 billion to finance productive sectors, reporting RD$44 billion already disbursed this year and a low 0.18% delinquency rate (as of Aug. 19). Education for Industry: Abinader backed PUCMM’s shared semiconductor lab after the university’s first microchip, aiming to build specialized talent for a national semiconductor push. Aviation Workforce: MESCyT and Arajet signed an agreement to train and certify the future aviation workforce, aligning scholarships and programs with IDAC standards. US Tariff Talks: The DR began discussions with the U.S. on the bilateral tariff agenda through USTR to improve competitiveness and expand market access. Tourism Demand Signal: British Airways’ head of destination partnerships says the Caribbean—including the Dominican Republic—has strong winter demand, with capacity added for the season. Real Estate Transformation: A bill proposes creating CITELF, a state-backed real estate corporation to redevelop Ensanche La Fe under a public-private partnership, including an MLB-spec stadium timeline. Currency Watch: The Central Bank set the dollar reference at RD$57.18 (buy) and RD$59.66 (sell), and the euro at RD$66.32 (buy) and RD$70.35 (sell).

Tourism Tax Boom: Tourism-related tax revenue in the Dominican Republic has tripled over the past decade, reaching over RD$45 billion in 2025, with the sector’s wider economic impact hitting 15.9% of GDP. Business Growth & Trade: The Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce says 18,000 new companies were created in the first half of 2026, while exports rose 12% year-on-year to US$9.267 billion in the first seven months. Tech Skills Push: Government and Amazon launched AWS Entrena República Dominicana with 50,000 free scholarships to train Dominicans in AI and cloud computing by 2028. Consumer Protection Results: Pro Consumidor marked its 18th anniversary, reporting more than RD$3.5 billion returned to consumers and over 62,000 complaints handled in recent years. Education Debate: A Creole/English/French mandatory-classes bill is stirring controversy, while new PISA 2025 results show reading and math declines across OECD countries, putting education quality under renewed scrutiny. Cross-Border Travel Demand: Canadian travel to the DR is surging, with airlines adding winter routes and more capacity to Puerto Plata, Samaná and Santo Domingo. Regional Diplomacy: Nicaragua ended its diplomatic mission in the DR after nearly 75 years, following a deterioration in relations. Disaster Readiness: During the national earthquake drill, Alerta RD reached over 72% of the population, with Cell Broadcast rollout still underway. Haiti Border Security: The DR continues expanding border-fence efforts with Haiti to curb smuggling and manage migration pressures.

Tourism & Taxes: Tourism-linked tax revenue in the Dominican Republic has tripled over the past decade, climbing from about RD$15B to over RD$45B in 2025, with tourism’s wider economic impact reaching 15.9% of GDP (vs 8.3% direct). Business Growth: The Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce says 18,000 new companies were created in the first half of 2026, alongside rising exports (US$9.267B in the first seven months, +12%). Tech Skills Push: Amazon Web Services and the government launched AWS Entrena República Dominicana, offering 50,000 free scholarships in AI and cloud training by 2028. Air Connectivity Boost: Canadian travel to the DR is surging—up 13% in Puerto Plata and 62% in Samaná—prompting new winter routes including Air Canada’s Montreal–Santo Domingo service. Consumer Protection: Pro Consumidor marked its 18th anniversary, reporting more than RD$3.5B returned to consumers over the last five years. Education Pressure: PISA 2025 highlights a major student disengagement crisis, with the DR showing the steepest global drop in persistence and perseverance. Labor Reality Check: New jobs growth is heavily informal: 82.7% of net job gains in Q1 2026 came from the informal sector. Policy & Trade: The DR and Honduras moved to expand trade and investment ties through a CABEI-backed business forum. Finance Watch: DGII reported RD$671.87B in tax collections through August 2026 (+RD$8.55B year-on-year). Regional Environment: A study warns Caribbean queen conch marine protected areas may lose suitable climate conditions abruptly within two decades, threatening livelihoods tied to the species.

Tourism & Aviation: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a “new stage” for the sector: raise hotel rates and tourist spending so growth benefits Dominicans, while Aerodom reported expanding Canadian connectivity (Air Canada’s new Montreal–Santo Domingo mainline route starting Dec 2026, plus more winter capacity to Puerto Plata and Samaná). Ports & Trade: President Luis Abinader told REPICA 2026 that ports and logistics are central to economic development, citing projects like Pedernales, La Romana expansion, Samaná’s upcoming opening, and Manzanillo modernization. Workforce Upskilling: MESCyT will award 4,000 additional English scholarships for tourism workers, with fast uptake and plans for management training. Education Watch: PISA 2025 results show Dominican 15-year-olds still below OECD averages in math, reading, and science, with low basic proficiency and persistent gaps. Customs Crackdown: MICM/Ceccom seized 30,000+ illicit goods from Chinese-owned businesses, including unregistered medicines and sexual stimulants, plus alcohol without proper permits. Disaster Preparedness: The National Earthquake Evacuation Drill mobilized 3.2 million people across 12,500+ institutions, exceeding 2025 participation. Policy & Governance: A lawmaker proposal would let the U.S. Embassy verify Dominican traffic fines during visa processing to boost collections. Regional Security: The U.S. welcomed Peru into the “Shield of the Americas” coalition, which includes the Dominican Republic. Carbon Credits: A new EU framework is shaping how international carbon credits may be used under the ETS review, with a 260 million-tonne figure at the center.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: Air Canada is launching a seasonal Montreal–Santo Domingo winter route in December 2026, marking the first time its mainline A220-300 will fly nonstop between the two cities, while Aerodom reports Canadian traffic up sharply across DR airports and expects more seat capacity for the 2026-27 season. Hotel Pricing Push: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a “new stage” for DR tourism that raises hotel rates and tourist spending so growth delivers more income for Dominicans, pointing to key destinations needing stronger planning. Education Watch: PISA 2025 results keep Dominican students below OECD averages in math, reading, and science, with only 9% reaching basic math proficiency and virtually no students hitting top levels. Tax Compliance: DGII is extending its “Scoring Tributario” tool to small businesses via the Virtual Office, using a five-star rating to flag pending declarations, overdue payments, and inconsistencies. Trade & Enforcement: MICM seized 30,000+ illicit goods from Chinese-owned businesses, including unregistered medicines, sexual stimulants, and cigarettes, warning of consumer and tax impacts. Energy & Grid Planning: ETED opened an expression of interest for up to 600 MW/1,200 MWh of battery storage to support the interconnected national system. Public Safety Drill: DR’s National Earthquake Evacuation Drill mobilized 3.2 million people across 12,500+ institutions, with President Abinader participating in the exercise. Visa/Travel Retail: Visa and Duty Free Americas expanded their partnership, extending cardholder discounts to DFA operations at Punta Cana and adding benefits at a major Panama–Costa Rica border store.

Energy & Infrastructure: ETED opened a new expression of interest for battery energy storage in the Dominican Republic, targeting up to 600 MW / 1,200 MWh for the interconnected national system, keeping the door open for private investors as the contracting process continues. Agribusiness Finance: Banreservas, the FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture launched a RD$1.18 billion financing mechanism to modernize farming with mechanization, water management, climate adaptation and productivity upgrades. Tourism Supply Chains: Asonahores and AIRD signed a cooperation agreement to boost the share of Dominican-made goods and services in hotel and tourism projects, including sustainability and circular-economy pilots. Trade & Investment Research: The DR and the EU signed a joint declaration to study rare earth elements, gallium and scandium in Pedernales, aiming to strengthen technical capacity and guide any future development. Remittances Policy: A Dominican economist urged a new approach to the diaspora as remittances climbed to US$11.87B in 2025, about 25.1% of main foreign-exchange earnings. Border & Governance: Haiti and the DR held talks in Dajabón focused on migration, border security, illicit finance, trade formalization and air connectivity. Public Finance Watch: A critic raised red flags over Santo Domingo Monorail Phase I funding, questioning whether certified resources were properly authorized and disbursed. Hospitality & Real Estate: A Marriott-branded hotel is planned for a major Punta Cana mixed-use development, adding another layer to the region’s ongoing tourism expansion.

Tourism Supply Chain: Asonahores and AIRD signed a cooperation deal to plug Dominican-made goods and services into hotel and tourism supply chains, with matchmaking, trade missions, and a sustainability push toward circular economy practices. Agriculture Financing: Banreservas, FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture launched an RD$1.18 billion financing mechanism to modernize farming via mechanization, water management, climate adaptation, and productivity gains. Monorail Scrutiny: A transport economics consultant raised red flags over Phase I of the Santo Domingo Monorail, alleging funding certifications tied to a US$500 million loan were not properly disbursed or authorized. Border Security & Trade: The DR began building a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence along the Haiti border in Independencia/Jimaní, including watchtowers, culverts and patrol lanes, aiming to curb smuggling and formalize trade. Rare Earths Research: The DR and EU signed a joint declaration to study rare earth elements, gallium and scandium in Pedernales’ karst bauxite deposits, emphasizing sustainability and technical capacity-building. Inflation Watch: August inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year, with education and transport among key contributors. Remittances Policy: A Dominican economist urged a new approach to the diaspora as remittances climbed to US$11.87B in 2025 (about 25.1% of foreign-exchange earnings). Business & Travel: CONVIASA activated 19 routes from Maiquetía, boosting connectivity for business travelers. Tourism Demand Shift: Asonahores’ Juan Bancalari said tourism is moving toward higher-spending segments beyond low-cost all-inclusives.

Border Security & Trade: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence along its southern border with Haiti in Independencia, with a 3.9-meter height, six watchtowers, 35 culverts, and patrol lanes to curb smuggling and tighten legal trade. Immigration Enforcement: In Greater Santo Domingo, immigration inspectors raided 12 food spots (mostly “Chinese fried chicken” restaurants) and detained 38 Haitians for irregular status. Tourism & Environment: Asonahores says Dominican tourism is shifting toward a more diversified, higher-spending mix (luxury brands, new destinations, and niche segments like nautical, sports, and business). But sargassum remains a growing threat to Caribbean beaches, including in the Dominican Republic’s main areas. Inflation & Money Matters: Inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year in August 2026, while the Central Bank reiterated rules for exchanging damaged banknotes. Business Tech: A national survey finds 35% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI, led by larger firms. Human Capital: UNICEF reports 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, including in the Dominican Republic. Culture & Branding: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026, with her “Beauty With a Purpose” focused on expanding English education for vulnerable youth.

Tourism & Real Estate: Tourism Minister David Collado says Punta Bergantín in Puerto Plata sold nearly US$30M in units in a single weekend, with Meliá and Hyatt among the first hotel investors and a push toward high-end, sustainability-focused development. Border Security: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence along the Haiti border in Independencia (Hoya de Enriquillo), with 13-foot height, six watchtowers, 35 culverts and patrol lanes to curb smuggling and tighten territorial control. Inflation & Money Matters: August inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year, while the Central Bank also reiterated how damaged banknotes can be exchanged through commercial banks under clear rules. Business Tech Adoption: A new survey finds 35% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI, led by larger firms and with mining/quarrying, construction and manufacturing among the most active sectors. Social Impact & Child Safety: UNICEF reports 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with the Dominican Republic included in the study’s expanded round. Tourism Strategy: Asonahores highlights Dominican tourism shifting toward more diversified, higher-value offerings—luxury brands, new destinations, and growth in nautical, sports, gastronomic and business travel. Culture & Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, with her “Beauty With a Purpose” centered on expanding English education for vulnerable communities.

Border Security: The Dominican Republic has started a 14.5-kilometer second-stage perimeter fence in Jimaní, Independencia, with a 13-foot height, surveillance towers, culverts and patrol roads to tighten control over trafficking routes facing Haiti. Tech Adoption: A new National Statistics Office bulletin says 35% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI, led by larger firms and especially mining/quarrying, with construction and manufacturing also showing strong uptake. Tourism Value Push: Tourism Minister David Collado says the next phase should raise hotel rates and tourist spending so growth delivers more income for Dominicans, naming key destinations needing stronger territorial planning. Humanitarian Pressure: Rights groups warn that nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026, with the Dominican Republic accounting for the vast majority, stressing Haiti’s limited capacity to receive returnees. Global Spotlight (Culture/Brand): Joheirry Mola Domínguez won Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, with her “Beauty With a Purpose” centered on expanding English education for children in vulnerable communities.

Miss World Win: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, beating Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty, with her “Beauty With a Purpose” focused on expanding English education for children in vulnerable communities. Tourism Real Estate: Tourism Minister David Collado says Punta Bergantín in Puerto Plata sold nearly US$30 million in units in a single weekend, with major hotel chains (Meliá and Hyatt) expected to invest and add 1,000+ rooms. Tourism Strategy: Collado also urged a new tourism push: raise hotel rates and tourist spending so growth delivers more direct benefits for Dominicans, alongside sustainability and better territorial planning. Business Tech Adoption: The National Statistics Office reports 35% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI in daily operations, led by larger firms and sectors like mining, construction, and manufacturing. Humanitarian Pressure: Rights groups warn that nearly 200,000 Haitians forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026—mostly involving the Dominican Republic—are overwhelming Haiti’s ability to receive and reintegrate returnees. Aviation & Travel Services: The Civil Aviation Board met VFS Global to discuss visa services and improving the traveler experience. Security Update: DNCD seized more than 10 kilos of suspected drugs in operations across North Santo Domingo, along with cash and phones.

Tourism Value Push: Tourism Minister David Collado told Asonahores in Punta Cana that the next phase should lift hotel rates and tourist spending, so growth benefits more Dominicans—not just arrivals. Hotel & Trade Momentum: Asonahores’ 2026 Trade Expo closed with record scale—323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies and 5,000+ visitors—plus 85% company return rate. Trade Diplomacy: Dominican Week in France (Oct. 17–22) was launched with a plan to plug Dominican exporters into SIAL Paris and expand B2B, investment and renewable-energy discussions. Electricity Bills Backlash: A Santo Domingo power outage interrupted Vice President Raquel Peña’s remarks on higher electricity bills, as officials pointed to hotter weather driving consumption and tariff-block shifts. Aviation/Visas: JAC chief Julio Peña Guzmán met VFS Global to improve visa services and the traveler experience. Drug Enforcement: DNCD seized 10+ kilos of suspected narcotics in Santo Domingo Norte, including cocaine and marijuana, plus cash and phones. Legal Win (Arbitration): The DR said it prevailed in a $100m arbitration tied to a dismissed garbage contract dispute. Global Water Diplomacy: GWPO launched a Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy at World Water Week, with DR among participating countries. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Mexican golf legend Lorena Ochoa visited the DR, delivering a “Winning Mindset” talk tied to sports tourism. Energy Storage Policy (Regional): Nepra approved mandatory BESS for a renewable auction in upcoming capacity procurement—relevant for DR’s power-transition conversations. Reality TV Lawsuit (DR link): Survivor Greece contestant Stavros Floros sued for $100m after a boat propeller severed his leg while filming in Dominican waters, raising fresh safety questions.

Tourism Trade Push: Asonahores’ XXXVIII Hotel & Tourism Commercial Exhibition wrapped in Punta Cana with record momentum—323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies, and 5,000+ visitors, plus 85% company retention. International Deal-Making: Dominican Week in France (Oct. 17–22) launches in Paris with a ProDominicana pavilion and B2B sessions tied to SIAL Paris, aiming to boost trade, investment, fintech, cybersecurity, and renewables. Energy & Regulation: The Vice President’s tariff explanation was briefly derailed by a Santo Domingo blackout, while authorities reiterated bills reflect higher summer consumption and possible tariff-block shifts. Aviation Services: JAC met VFS Global to improve visa-related processes and passenger experience, focusing on smoother document handling and mobility. Security Operations: DNCD seized 10+ kilos of suspected drugs in Santo Domingo Norte across 84 operations and three home raids, alongside cash, scales, and phones. Business Climate: The DR won an international arbitration case against French investor Yves Martine Garnier, dismissing claims over a solid-waste concession termination. FX Watch: Central Bank reference rates for Sept. 4 showed the dollar and euro trading at stable-to-slightly firmer levels versus the peso. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Tourism minister David Collado highlighted Lorena Ochoa’s visit as a boost for sports tourism and entrepreneurship. Data & Governance: ECLAC experts stressed the role of official statistics in protecting democracy and improving governance across the region. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reported 20 million children (12–17) faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation across 21 countries, with social media driving most cases.