AGP Executive Report

Trade & Logistics: DP World is expanding its Caucedo port, Punta Cana air-cargo hub and manufacturing capacity, strengthening the Dominican Republic’s role as a regional trade gateway. Investment: Spain was the country’s largest foreign investor in 2025, contributing US$1.086 billion, or about 21% of total FDI. Energy: The government signed a clean-energy partnership with IRENA as it advances plans to tender more than 2,500 MW of power and battery-storage projects by 2028. Food & Agriculture: Authorities plan inspections of farms and agribusinesses over undocumented labor, while the opposition is pressing for a plan to protect rice production after a decree was repealed. Fashion: RD Fashion Week runs Oct. 15–17 in Santo Domingo, aiming to build commercial links between Dominican designers, the diaspora and international markets.

Trade & Logistics: DP World is expanding its Dominican platform by linking Caucedo port, the Punta Cana air-cargo hub and new manufacturing capacity to global markets. Clean Energy: The country signed an agreement with IRENA to speed renewable-energy investment, grid upgrades and storage as part of a new regional alliance. Foreign Investment: Spain led Dominican foreign investment in 2025, contributing US$1.086 billion—about 21% of the total—with companies active in energy, infrastructure and tourism. Agribusiness: Migration authorities plan inspections of farms and agribusinesses to pursue employers hiring undocumented workers. Infrastructure: Work continues on a major redesign of República de Colombia Avenue, including a viaduct, bridge and tunnel intended to ease travel for more than one million Greater Santo Domingo residents. Food Security: At the FAO forum, President Luis Abinader said domestic production now supplies more than 85% of food demand; the government also offered Ecuador technical cooperation on social protection and hunger reduction.

Technology & Manufacturing: ITLA won the 2026 Project of the Year award for its ProtoScanner 3D system, which designs and produces custom prosthetics. Agriculture & Labor: The Migration Agency plans inspections of farms, construction sites and agribusinesses to target employers hiring undocumented workers. Food Security: At the FAO forum in Rome, President Luis Abinader highlighted undernourishment below 2.5% in 2025 and domestic production covering more than 85% of food demand; the FAO will award him its Agricultural Medal. Energy & Trade: Abinader and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez discussed possible fuel purchases through Refidomsa and PDVSA, alongside cooperation on sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture. Rice Production: The repeal of rice tariff protections has prompted calls for a contingency and modernization plan as producers face changing trade conditions. Tourism Sustainability: Grupo Puntacana executive Jake Kheel will be honored for more than two decades of work on conservation, waste management and sustainable agriculture.

Energy Cooperation: Abinader and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez discussed potential Dominican purchases of Venezuelan fuel, including LPG, through Refidomsa and PDVSA. They also agreed to promote climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture. Rice Production: The repeal of a decree protecting domestic rice from imports has prompted opposition calls for an urgent modernization and contingency plan. The change raises questions about how farmers will compete as trade protections end. Food Security: At the World Food Forum in Rome, Abinader said undernourishment fell below 2.5% in 2025 and local production supplies more than 85% of food demand. FAO announced he will receive its Agricultural Medal for his role in the fight against hunger. Renewable Energy: IRENA launched a regional partnership in Santo Domingo to help turn renewable-energy plans into projects and investment, signing a cooperation agreement with the Dominican government. Power Distribution: State electricity distributors are losing more money despite lower power purchase prices, with rising energy purchases and distribution losses driving the shortfall. Mining: Emidom says rare-earth development in Pedernales still depends on processing tests, cost estimates and proof of commercial viability.

Food and Trade: President Luis Abinader is in Rome for the World Food Forum, where the Dominican Republic is set to be recognized for reducing undernourishment; his agenda also includes a business forum to strengthen trade ties with Italy. Electricity: State distributors Edenorte, Edesur and Edeeste are losing more money as energy purchases rise, with growing distribution losses and unbilled power identified as key drivers—not higher purchase prices. Mining: Emidom says rare-earth deposits in Pedernales still need processing tests, cost assessments and feasibility studies before they can be declared viable reserves. Energy Transition: A new IRENA-backed regional partnership launched in Santo Domingo aims to turn renewable-energy plans into investable projects, while regional leaders called for long-term grid planning. Tourism: Bayahíbe and La Romana led the country in September hotel occupancy at 78%, ahead of Bávaro-Punta Cana’s 56%. Manufacturing and Jobs: Grupo M founder Fernando Capellán urged the Dominican Republic and Haiti to deepen business cooperation and job creation, citing 18,000–19,000 jobs linked to his operations. Transport: Port of Caucedo has joined a South Florida–Dominican Republic shipping route, expanding cargo options.

Energy Transition: Regional leaders meeting in Santo Domingo urged long-term power planning, while IRENA launched a Latin America and Caribbean renewables partnership to turn transition plans into investment projects. The Dominican Republic also plans to tender more than 2,500 MW of power and battery-storage projects by 2028. Mining: State-owned Emidom is still assessing processing technology, costs and commercial feasibility for rare earths in Pedernales; the announced deposits are not yet certified reserves. Cross-Border Industry: Grupo M founder Fernando Capellán called for Dominican-Haitian cooperation built around jobs and investment, citing 18,000–19,000 jobs generated by his operations near the border. Tourism: Bayahíbe and La Romana led hotel occupancy in September at 78%, ahead of Bávaro-Punta Cana’s 56%. Shipping: Accordia Shipping is adding Caucedo to its South Florida service, expanding cargo options on the Dominican south coast. Fuel Costs: Premium gasoline rose RD$5 per gallon and optimal diesel RD$12 for the week, as the government subsidizes other fuels.

Energy Transition: IRENA launched a regional renewables partnership in Santo Domingo to turn energy plans into investable projects. The Dominican Republic also plans to tender more than 2,500 MW of energy and battery-storage capacity by 2028. Fuel Costs: Premium gasoline rose RD$5 per gallon and optimal diesel RD$12 for the week, while the government set aside RD$1.5 billion to subsidize other fuels. Shipping: Accordia Shipping added Caucedo to its South Florida–Dominican Republic service, giving importers and exporters another weekly or biweekly cargo option. Tourism and Aviation: The country welcomed 9.24 million visitors through September, while Arajet ranked second among Dominican airlines by passenger traffic in September. Agriculture: A USDA report says the Dominican Republic is narrowing its rice production-cost gap with the United States, as the government promotes mechanization and weighs measures to protect local producers.

Fuel Costs: Premium gasoline rose RD$5 and optimal diesel RD$12 per gallon for Oct. 10–16, while the government allocated RD$1.525 billion to hold other fuel prices steady. Shipping: Accordia Shipping has added Caucedo to its South Florida–Dominican Republic service, expanding cargo options with weekly calls at Sans Souci and service to Caucedo every two weeks. Energy: Regional leaders met in Santo Domingo for OLACDE Energy Week, calling for closer cooperation on resilient, lower-carbon power systems. The Dominican Republic also plans to tender more than 2,500 MW in generation and battery-storage projects by 2028. Agriculture: The government has removed rice import tariffs as it pursues mechanization and seeks to protect local producers; a new USDA report says the sector is narrowing its production-cost gap with the U.S. Industry and Tourism: A free-zone industry report says the Dominican Republic offers medical-device manufacturers a 16% total-cost advantage over China. The country welcomed 9.24 million visitors through September.

Shipping: Accordia Shipping is adding Caucedo to its South Florida–Dominican Republic service, giving importers and exporters another cargo option alongside Sans Souci. The Caucedo route is scheduled to start in October, with an estimated three-day transit. Aviation: Arajet carried 158,407 passengers to and from the country in September, up 62% year over year and second only to JetBlue. Rice: A USDA report says the Dominican Republic has narrowed its rice-production cost gap with the U.S. from 113% in 2007 to 34% in 2024, citing better yields, irrigation and technology. Energy: The government plans to tender more than 2,500 megawatts of energy and battery-storage projects toward 2028. Agriculture: Milk production rose 13%, while beef exports increased in August and pork exports fell. Tourism: The country welcomed 9.24 million visitors through September, as Puerto Plata marked Disney Cruise Line’s Dominican debut and Punta Bergantín positioned itself for a new investment cycle.

Airlines: Arajet carried 158,407 passengers to and from the Dominican Republic in September, up 62% year over year and enough to rank second in passenger traffic, behind JetBlue. Agriculture: A USDA report says the Dominican rice sector has narrowed its production-cost gap with the U.S.; the difference per metric ton fell from 113% in 2007 to 34% in 2024. Connectivity: Starlink’s proposed Community Wi-Fi program lists the Dominican Republic among nine potential markets, with hourly, daily and longer access passes. Energy: The government plans to tender more than 2,500 MW in power and battery-storage projects by 2028. Tourism: The country welcomed 9.24 million visitors through September, while Punta Cana investment and cruise activity continue to expand. Manufacturing: A free-zone industry report says medical-device makers can achieve a 16% total-cost advantage in the Dominican Republic compared with China.

Trade: Dominican-Brazilian trade topped US$1 billion in 2025, but remains tilted toward Brazil; the countries’ chamber is urging stronger Dominican exports and agricultural cooperation. Energy: The Dominican Republic plans to tender more than 2,500 MW in generation and battery-storage projects by 2028, as regional leaders in Santo Domingo called for long-term energy planning. Shipping: Accordia Shipping has added Port of Caucedo to its South Florida–Dominican Republic service, strengthening cargo links. Growth: The economy expanded 4.5% through August, while the World Bank says the country remains among those sustaining strong growth in a region projected to grow 2.2% in 2026. Tourism: The country welcomed 9.24 million visitors through September, adding momentum to a major source of jobs and investment. Agriculture: Milk production rose 13%; meanwhile, rice producers are seeking protection for local output after a decree removed import tariffs.

Trade & Logistics: Accordia Shipping is adding Port of Caucedo to its South Florida–Dominican Republic service, giving importers and exporters a second southern port and roughly three-day transit; Caucedo service is set to begin this month. Tourism & Business: Santo Domingo’s Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Cluster will coordinate projects and business connections to strengthen the city’s tourism economy. Punta Cana pioneer Frank Rainieri also received the WTTC Icon Award for his role in building the destination. Energy: The government plans tenders by 2028 for more than 2,500 MW of renewable energy, battery storage and firm generation to support energy security. Manufacturing: DRFREEZONES says a modeled medical-device supply program could cost 16% less from the Dominican Republic than from China, including tariffs and supply-chain costs. Agriculture: Caribbean Chemicals has invested in Mao-based supplier ProSADom, combining regional product access with local expertise for banana, rice and vegetable growers. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects 2.2% growth across Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026, while citing the Dominican Republic among countries sustaining strong growth.

SME Digital Security: Mastercard says 97% of small businesses across Latin America and the Caribbean accept digital payments, but cyber fears are delaying expansion and adoption of new tools. Regional Energy: Ministers from across the region are meeting in Santo Domingo on Oct. 8–9 to discuss energy security, investment and cooperation, with Guyana set to present plans for grid upgrades, renewables and battery storage. Medical Manufacturing: The Dominican Republic’s free-zone council says local production could offer U.S.-bound medical-device makers a 16% total-cost advantage over China, including lower inventory and supply-chain costs. Tourism: The country welcomed 9.24 million visitors through September, up 7.5% year over year; cruise arrivals rose sharply, and Disney Cruise Line made its Dominican debut in Puerto Plata. Rice Production: The government is expanding farm mechanization to cut costs and raise productivity, while officials say changes to rice tariffs do not mean abandoning support for local producers.

Medical Device Manufacturing: The Dominican Republic’s free-zone council says locally sourced medical devices could deliver a 16% total-cost advantage over China for U.S. buyers, based on a modeled comparison that includes tariffs, inventory and supply-chain risks. Environmental Enforcement: The country joined an Interpol operation across nine nations that reported 233 arrests, more than 1,000 rescued animals and 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest; the release did not specify Dominican results. Mining Oversight: UASD’s environmental commission is urging officials to clarify the status of GoldQuest’s Romero project after the company described its government-ordered halt as temporary. Tourism: The Dominican Republic welcomed 9.24 million visitors in January–September, up 7.5% year over year; September cruise arrivals jumped 54.7%. Puerto Plata also received Disney Dream on its first Dominican Republic call, carrying more than 3,100 passengers. Rice Production: The government says it will pair mechanization and other support for domestic growers with management of trade commitments following repeal of the rice tariff decree.

Cruise Tourism: Disney Dream made its first Dominican Republic call, bringing 3,194 passengers to Puerto Plata’s Taíno Bay terminal and expanding the country’s cruise-market reach. Mining: UASD’s Environmental Commission urged the government to clarify the status of GoldQuest’s Romero project, after the company described its suspension as temporary and outlined plans to advance exploration. Rice Production: The repeal of rice-import tariff protections has raised concern among producers as trade talks with the United States continue; an agricultural adviser says the government is considering support measures. Aviation: Airlines welcomed a new temperature adjustment for aviation fuel, saying it could improve sector competitiveness and address a major operating cost. Economic Growth: The Dominican economy grew 4.5% through August, while the World Bank cited the country as a regional growth outperformer. Mining Oversight: Barrick completed its 59th participatory environmental monitoring exercise at Pueblo Viejo, continuing a program involving communities, academics and other stakeholders.

Rice Trade Shock: The Dominican rice sector says it trusts President Abinader as the government moves to protect local production during U.S. reciprocal trade talks, while officials say compensatory support for producers is being handled “at the highest level.” Tariff Reset: The DR has repealed key rice import tariff measures via Decree 635-26, ending the 20%/99% structure tied to Decree 693-24 as negotiations align with DR-CAFTA commitments. Aviation Fuel Competitiveness: The Dominican Airlines Association welcomed Abinader’s regulated temperature adjustment for aviation fuel (avtur), arguing it brings fairer pricing and boosts airline competitiveness for tourism and trade. Cruise Growth in Puerto Plata: Disney Cruise Line makes its Dominican debut in Puerto Plata, with two ship calls projected to bring 5,500+ passengers, as October cruise schedules keep expanding. Tourism Infrastructure: Puerto Plata Cable Car begins modernization to replace the aging system with a higher-capacity double-cable tramway, adding safety and throughput for visitors. Maritime Strategy Push: The Dominican shipping agents association urges a 20–30 year national maritime strategy to strengthen logistics, connectivity, skills, and sustainability. Environmental Mining Oversight: Barrick completed its 59th participatory environmental monitoring at Pueblo Viejo, continuing quarterly community-led checks on water, air, and noise. Housing & Cities: Abinader reports a reduced housing deficit (2019–2025) alongside ongoing ravine and river cleanup and family relocations to cut vulnerability.