SANTO DOMINGO – In a landmark move for gender equality in international commerce, the Dominican Republic has become a pioneering nation in the launch of the WEIDE Fund, a $50 million global initiative designed to bolster female participation in digital trade. The program, formally unveiled on December 9, represents a strategic partnership between the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the nation’s export promotion agency, ProDominicana.
The initiative positions the Dominican Republic as one of only four selected countries globally to pilot this ambitious project. At the official commencement, a consortium of high-ranking officials—including WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton, and Minister of Industry, Commerce, and SMEs Víctor Bisonó—revealed that 34 women-led export firms have been chosen as the first beneficiaries. This support is strategically tailored to enhance the digital infrastructure, financial literacy, and market penetration capabilities of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Preceding the formal launch, the program initiated its mission with a series of intensive technical workshops. These sessions provided participants with practical, hands-on training in leveraging e-commerce platforms and mastering financial management principles. This foundational training is part of a sustained commitment, with ongoing, customized technical assistance planned to fortify the long-term competitiveness of these enterprises on the world stage.
The overwhelming response to the initiative underscores its critical need, with over 200 Dominican entrepreneurs submitting applications. This robust demand highlights a significant appetite among women business leaders for enhanced pathways to global export markets. Biviana Riveiro, Director of ProDominicana, stated that the country’s inclusion in this pilot phase is a testament to its national dedication to cultivating and championing female entrepreneurship.
By providing crucial capital, advanced digital tools, and access to international networks, the WEIDE Fund is poised to fundamentally transform trade dynamics. Its implementation is a clear indicator of the Dominican Republic’s broader commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and achieving greater gender parity through the power of digital trade.