SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant diplomatic development, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic formally endorsed the Charter of Doral during the inaugural Shield of the Americas Summit. The signing ceremony, hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Trump National Doral resort, marked the creation of a new regional framework known as the Donroe Doctrine.
This foundational agreement establishes a strategic alliance focused on enhancing regional security collaboration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and developing secure supply chain corridors. The Dominican Republic’s participation is particularly notable as it was one of only three Caribbean nations extended an invitation to the summit. In recognition of its strategic importance, the country was designated a Tier 1 partner, a status that potentially unlocks preferential trade arrangements and significant infrastructure investments.
Executive Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic, William Malamud, emphasized the agreement’s broader economic implications. He noted that the charter solidifies the nation’s standing as a reliable U.S. ally and actively supports its national strategy to emerge as a premier regional hub for nearshoring and advanced manufacturing operations.
A key operational outcome of the summit is the establishment of the “Safe Port of the Americas” certification initiative. The Dominican Republic is set to pioneer this program, with the Port of Caucedo being the first facility to undergo certification. This designation is designed to expedite the export process for Dominican goods—most notably biomedical and textile products—to the United States. By implementing a streamlined “Green Lane” system, the initiative aims to significantly reduce transit durations and minimize customs-related obstacles, providing a substantial competitive advantage for Dominican exports.