The Dominican Republic’s free trade zone model has been hailed as one of the most robust and dynamic in the region, with exports projected to hit US$8.6 billion by the end of 2024, according to Víctor Bisonó, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs. The sector has already generated over 198,000 direct jobs and 450,000 indirect jobs, contributing 3.1% to the national GDP in the previous year. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, exports surpassed US$5.7 billion, underscoring the country’s growing economic momentum. Bisonó shared these insights during his presentation, ‘Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem in the Dominican Republic,’ held at the Mapfre Foundation as part of Dominican Week in Spain. He emphasized the nation’s transformation into a regional hub for innovation, logistics, and skilled talent, attracting 49 new companies this year. These additions expand the network of 97 industrial parks across diverse sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, premium tobacco, textiles, jewelry, and medical devices. The latter sector boasts world-class firms such as Baxter, Jabil, B. Braun, and Cardinal Health. Bisonó also spotlighted the National Semiconductor Strategy (Decree 324-24), which aims to integrate the Dominican Republic into global microelectronics value chains. Citing the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), he noted the country’s potential to produce printed circuit boards and test components, positioning it as a trusted partner for the United States in advanced manufacturing. Inviting Spanish investors to collaborate, Bisonó described the Dominican Republic as a nation that ‘produces, innovates with purpose, and exports with identity,’ supported by legal stability, robust logistics, and a highly skilled workforce.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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MIREX honors Juan Luis Guerra as “Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic”
In a grand celebration of artistic excellence, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) bestowed the title of ‘Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic’ upon the iconic musician and composer Juan Luis Guerra. The event, graced by the presence of First Lady Raquel Arbaje and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, delved into Guerra’s illustrious four-decade career, which has profoundly shaped and elevated Dominican music globally through his innovative contributions to merengue and bachata. Minister Álvarez emphasized that Guerra’s genius transcends his numerous accolades, highlighting his unique ability to encapsulate the Dominican spirit—its humor, faith, and aspirations for justice—in his evocative lyrics. A distinguished panel, moderated by Jochy Herrera and featuring intellectuals Pedro Delgado Malagón, Soledad Álvarez, and César Muñoz, reflected on Guerra’s far-reaching influence, underscoring how his music has resonated with audiences worldwide while showcasing Dominican culture. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Guerra expressed deep gratitude for the honor, dedicating his artistic achievements to his faith and homeland. The ceremony also marked National Merengue Day and National Bachata Day, reaffirming these genres as vital instruments of cultural diplomacy. Attended by government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and media representatives, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of Juan Luis Guerra, a true ambassador of Dominican artistry.
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Adrian Morales of Dominican Today receives special mention at the PEL 2025 National Tourism Journalism Awards
Journalist Adrian Morales, renowned for his incisive feature in Dominican Today, has been awarded a special mention in the “Opinion Journalism” category at the 21st Premio Nacional de Periodismo Turístico Epifanio Lantigua (PEL 2025). Organized by the Asociación Dominicana de Prensa Turística (Adompretur) under the leadership of Sarah Hernández, the event celebrated excellence in tourism journalism. Morales was recognized for his article, “Influencers, ‘sinvergüencers,’ ‘fakevergüencers,’ and other figures in tourism promotion,” which critically examines the role of social media influencers in tourism marketing. The piece, praised for its clarity and ethical rigor, incorporates insights from communications analyst Edgar Argüello, who coined the terms “sinvergüencers” and “fakevergüencers” to describe unqualified influencers. Morales’s work calls for greater accountability in tourism communication, urging media and policymakers to prioritize accuracy and sustainability over viral metrics. The article had previously garnered international acclaim, winning the “Pasaporte Abierto” prize from the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO) in August 2025. This dual recognition underscores the article’s significance as a critical contribution to tourism journalism. Morales’s achievement highlights the growing importance of ethical, well-researched commentary in an era dominated by superficial content. The PEL 2025 ceremony, held at the Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel, celebrated Dominican identity and the legacy of Epifanio Lantigua, a pioneer in tourism journalism. The event also honored other outstanding contributors across various categories, reaffirming Adompretur’s commitment to ethical and creative communication in the tourism sector.
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Dominican economy grows 2.2% in first nine months of 2025
The Dominican Republic has reported a 2.2% economic growth from January to September 2025, as announced by the Central Bank (BCRD). This growth, compared to the same period in 2024, has been fueled by robust performances in several critical sectors. Agriculture led the charge with a 3.9% increase, closely followed by mining at 3.7%, financial services at 7.4%, and tourism at 3.3%. The tourism sector, in particular, saw a significant boost with 8.6 million visitors, marking a 2.7% rise from the previous year. Governor Héctor Valdez Albizu emphasized the role of these sectors in driving the nation’s economic momentum. Additionally, exports surged by 11.7% to reach US$11.6 billion, while tourism revenues and remittances contributed US$8.5 billion and US$8.9 billion, respectively. Foreign direct investment also played a crucial role, amounting to US$4 billion, primarily directed towards mining, energy, and communications projects. The Central Bank anticipates a gradual return to potential growth in the upcoming quarters, supported by stabilizing global conditions and increased investment. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projects an overall growth rate of 3.4% for the Dominican Republic by the end of 2025.
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Dominican ports fully operational after Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) has confirmed that all ports across the Dominican Republic are fully operational and have sustained no significant damage. Comprehensive technical inspections and structural evaluations conducted at major cargo, container, and cruise terminals have verified the stability of port infrastructure, as well as the uninterrupted functionality of electrical systems and access routes.
Jean Luis Rodríguez, Apordom’s executive director, attributed this resilience to the institution’s proactive preventive measures and unwavering commitment to port safety. He detailed that emergency protocols were activated well before the hurricane’s arrival, safeguarding docks, equipment, vessels, and personnel. This strategic preparedness facilitated a swift return to normal operations.
Rodríguez also underscored the Port Authority’s advancements in modernization and climate resilience, which have significantly bolstered its capacity to maintain seamless maritime activities. Apordom has reaffirmed that cargo, coastal shipping, and cruise operations are proceeding without disruption nationwide, highlighting its dedication to ensuring the security, stability, and competitiveness of the Dominican port system.
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Abinader opens International Transport Policy Dialogue 2025 in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader officially launched the 2025 International Transport Policy Dialogue, a pivotal two-day regional conference co-organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Transport Forum (ITF). Held under the theme “Transportation as a Driver of Development for Resilience and Competitiveness,” the event convened ministers, industry leaders, and experts from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe to address pressing challenges in the transport sector.
In his opening address, President Abinader emphasized the critical role of transportation as the foundation of economic and social progress. He articulated that investments in mobility are investments in equity, productivity, and future growth. Abinader showcased significant infrastructure advancements under his administration, including the rehabilitation of highways and rural roads, the modernization of the Manzanillo port, and the expansion of integrated Metro, Cable Car, and Monorail systems in Santo Domingo and Santiago. He described these initiatives as transformative milestones in the Dominican Republic’s mobility landscape.
The forum aims to tackle key issues such as sustainable financing, the adoption of electric and clean mobility solutions, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), climate resilience, and road safety. Abinader expressed gratitude to the IDB and ITF for their ongoing partnership and called for a unified regional action pact to promote sustainable, safe, and accessible transportation systems. This dialogue follows the Dominican Republic’s 2024 accession as a full member of the ITF, a significant step in aligning the nation with global sustainable development goals.
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Indotel and ABA launch financial education campaign for Dominican diaspora in the U.S.
The Dominican Telecommunications Institute (Indotel) and the Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA) have unveiled a groundbreaking financial education initiative targeting Dominican expatriates in the United States. The campaign, set to commence on November 1, aims to educate individuals on the benefits of digital bank transfers as a more efficient, secure, and cost-effective method for sending remittances to their homeland. Training sessions will be conducted at Dominican consulates in major U.S. cities, including New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, and Miami, to facilitate the adoption of digital financial tools. During the campaign’s launch at the Dominican House of Culture in New York, Indotel chairman Guido Gómez Mazara and ABA executive president Rosanna Ruiz highlighted the program’s dual objectives: advancing financial inclusion and reducing dependency on cash-based remittance systems. Gómez Mazara pointed out that while 80% of remittances originate from the U.S., a significant portion is still sent in cash. Despite 40% of senders possessing bank accounts, only 14% utilize digital transfer services. The initiative seeks to bridge this gap through collaborative public-private sector efforts, emphasizing security, efficiency, and traceability in remittance transactions.
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Dominican Embassy holds Third EMBAJADOM-HN 2025 in Honduras
The Dominican Embassy in Honduras successfully organized the Third Business Meeting EMBAJADOM-HN 2025, themed ‘Export, Import, Investment, and Tourism.’ The event convened government officials, business leaders, academics, students, and entrepreneurs from both nations to enhance bilateral economic collaboration and explore investment prospects. Ambassador Luis García underscored the remarkable growth in trade between the Dominican Republic and Honduras, which surged to nearly US$937.7 million by May 2025, marking a 9.3% year-over-year increase. Additionally, Dominican direct investment in Honduras amounted to US$6.7 million, reflecting growing economic confidence. Significant progress was also noted in trade agreements facilitating Honduran exports, particularly citrus and pork products. The event featured high-level panels, business roundtables, and product exhibitions, focusing on technology transfer, public-private partnerships, and best practices. Key discussion topics included export diversification, AI integration in customs, foreign investment policies, MSME participation in international markets, business sustainability, tourism, and e-commerce opportunities. Notable attendees included Honduran and Dominican customs and economic officials, alongside representatives from business chambers and development organizations. Honduras’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Javier Bu Soto, and Fedecámara president Manuel Hernández commended the embassy’s efforts in fostering economic synergy. Coordinated with the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prodominicana, and the General Directorate of Customs, the meeting reinforced both nations’ commitment to economic cooperation, innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth, paving the way for strengthened bilateral relations.
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COE warns of continued rainfall and flood risks until Thursday
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Juan Manuel Méndez-Gracia, the director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), issued a stark warning on Tuesday regarding the continuation of heavy rainfall across the country until Thursday. The forecast, provided by the National Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET), underscores the urgency for residents to remain prepared, especially in provinces under red and yellow alerts. Méndez emphasized that the already saturated soil significantly heightens the risk of landslides and flash floods, posing threats to both urban and rural communities. He urged the public to stay vigilant and maintain contingency plans, even if temporary weather improvements occur, to safeguard lives and property. The COE continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating efforts to mitigate potential disasters.
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Cuban ambassador confident in UN support to end U.S. embargo
In a recent interview with La Red Habla, Ángel Arzuaga, Cuba’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic, expressed unwavering confidence that the international community will continue to back Cuba’s annual United Nations resolution advocating for the termination of the U.S. embargo. The resolution, titled ‘Necessity of ending the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba,’ is set to be presented at the UN General Assembly on October 28-29. This marks the continuation of a tradition that began in 1992. Arzuaga condemned the embargo as an aggressive and unjust policy that severely hampers Cuba’s economic and social progress while violating the fundamental rights of its citizens. He underscored the embargo’s economic toll, equating one month of its enforcement to the cost of Cuba’s solar energy investment plan and four months to the price of all national public transportation buses. The ambassador also criticized U.S. efforts to diminish international support for the resolution. Reflecting on last year’s vote, Arzuaga highlighted that 187 countries supported ending the embargo, with only the U.S. and Israel opposing it. He reiterated Cuba’s dedication to peaceful dialogue, regional stability, and solidarity with oppressed communities, including Palestinians. Arzuaga extended gratitude to nations like Mexico for their steadfast opposition to the blockade and affirmed Cuba’s commitment to defending just causes and fostering international collaborations, particularly in medical initiatives.