SANTO DOMINGO – Chinese Ambassador Chen Luning articulated a vision of strengthened bilateral cooperation during a reception for Dominican journalists at the Chinese Embassy last Friday. Framing the relationship as a cornerstone of China’s regional strategy, the ambassador detailed significant advancements across trade, investment, and agriculture since diplomatic relations were formalized seven years ago.
Ambassador Luning emphasized that the Dominican Republic is viewed in Beijing as both a trusted friend and a pivotal partner for expanding China’s presence in the Caribbean and Central America. He reported that mutual political trust has consistently deepened, creating a stable foundation for collaboration guided by the principles of “mutual respect, equal treatment, and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
Economically, China firmly holds its position as the Dominican Republic’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $5 billion. Notably, trade volume saw a 2.3% increase in just the first three quarters of 2025. This growth is propelled by heightened interest from Chinese manufacturers, with several companies establishing operations in free trade zones in Santiago, San Pedro de Macorís, and Las Américas. The ambassador cited the nation’s political stability and investment-friendly policies as key drivers.
Agricultural cooperation represents another strategic pillar. A flagship project with Bioarroz in Bonao, where Chinese technicians are introducing hybrid rice seeds and advanced cultivation techniques in collaboration with the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture, has yielded “good results” over its four-year duration. Opportunities for further collaboration in fruit, coffee, and cocoa production, alongside the introduction of Chinese agricultural machinery, were also highlighted.
Beyond commerce, China’s contributions to Dominican public welfare were underscored, most visibly through the donation of 120 ambulances that have “effectively strengthened emergency response capabilities” across the country.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Luning positioned this bilateral alliance within China’s broader global economic framework. He outlined China’s monumental growth, noting its $20 trillion GDP and its role as the top exporter of automobiles, lithium batteries, and renewable energy components. He also highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative’s impact in Latin America, having generated over one million jobs through 200 infrastructure projects, with regional trade ballooning to $500 billion.