The Embassy of the Dominican Republic recently embarked on a significant outreach initiative across southern Chile, visiting key locations such as Puerto Montt, Valdivia, and Chiloé. Led by Ambassador Juan Cohen, the delegation aimed to strengthen connections with the Dominican diaspora and reinforce the nation’s presence in the region. The tour adopted a dynamic ‘diplomacy in motion’ approach, engaging directly with the community to address their concerns, aspirations, and proposals. A central focus of the visit was the expansion of mobile consular services, designed to provide government support to Dominicans residing in remote areas. The mission also included a series of cultural and diplomatic activities, such as participation in the IV International Meeting ‘The Rivers to the World’ in Valdivia and the VI Meeting of Cultures in Puerto Montt, which showcased the Dominican Republic’s vibrant Caribbean identity. Additionally, the delegation held strategic meetings with local institutions, including the Presidential Delegation, Fosis, Sernac, and the Social Security Institute, to enhance inter-institutional cooperation and develop initiatives benefiting the Dominican community. The outreach was widely praised by attendees, with residents like Ursula Ramirez expressing gratitude for the unprecedented level of engagement and support from their diplomatic representation.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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Dominican Republic climbs 11 places in World Justice Project Rule of Law Index
The Dominican Republic has demonstrated exceptional progress in fortifying the rule of law, ascending 11 positions to secure the 76th spot out of 143 countries in the 2025 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index. This achievement represents the most significant global improvement, with a notable increase of 2.1%. The nation’s overall score advanced from 0.49 to 0.50, underscoring advancements in critical domains such as constraints on governmental authority, civil justice, and criminal justice. The WJP, an autonomous international initiative, assesses the extent to which nations adhere to the principles of the rule of law in everyday life, evaluating factors like corruption absence, justice accessibility, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights. Luis Henry Molina, President of the Supreme Court, attributed this progress to the relentless efforts of judges and court personnel in fostering a justice system characterized by transparency, efficiency, and a human-centric approach. Criminal justice reforms have been pivotal, with marked enhancements in due process, non-discrimination, procedural efficiency, and corruption mitigation, largely due to the national criminal case management system and collaborative efforts through the Inter-institutional Criminal Justice Roundtable. Additionally, the expansion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation and settlements, has significantly alleviated court backlogs and bolstered public confidence. The report ranks the Dominican Republic among the top 16 nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, showcasing a consistent trajectory of institutional reinforcement since 2019. The Justice of the Future 2034 vision aims to further cultivate a justice system that is agile, accessible, transparent, and trusted by the populace.
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Franco-Dominican Chamber to Celebrate France Week 2025 in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is set to host France Week from November 12 to 15 at the JW Marriott Hotel, organized by the Franco-Dominican Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFD). This prestigious event, themed “Blue Economy and Smart Cities,” will bring together over 800 participants, including business leaders, investors, and government officials, to strengthen economic ties between France and the Dominican Republic. The forum will focus on key areas such as sustainable mobility, energy innovation, waste management, and green finance, aiming to foster collaboration and showcase cutting-edge projects. The opening day on November 12 will feature a welcome cocktail to celebrate Franco-Dominican business excellence. On November 13, President Luis Abinader will officially inaugurate the event alongside CCIFD President Eury Vásquez and French representatives. Sessions will highlight technological innovation and the energy transition, followed by a business luncheon led by Minister Ito Bisonó and B2B meetings to connect companies across sectors. The event will conclude on November 15 with a cultural day celebrating French art and elegance, including a conference at the Alliance Française and the Chic à la Française Walk at Blue Mall, offering exclusive activities for visitors. France Week, held biennially, is organized by the CCIFD, a non-profit network of over 210 companies dedicated to promoting economic relations between the two nations. The event is supported by the French Embassy, ProDominicana, Business France, AFD, Proparco, Sofratesa, Aerodom/Vinci Airports, Alstom, Altice Dominicana, and Banco Popular Dominicano, among others.
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PEPCA uncovers alleged corruption in INTRANT’s RD$1.3 billion traffic light contract
The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Prosecution of Administrative Corruption (PEPCA) has exposed a major corruption scandal involving a RD$1.3 billion contract for the modernization of Santo Domingo’s traffic light system. The contract, awarded by the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT), is at the heart of the Operation Chameleon investigation. Prosecutors allege that the tender process, labeled INTRANT-CCC-LPN-2022-0003, was rigged from the outset to favor Transcore Latam SRL, a company reportedly controlled by José Ángel Gómez Canaán (Jochi Gómez) through a series of shell companies.
According to the indictment, the tender was specifically designed to benefit Transcore Latam, featuring inflated costs that were 1,053% higher than the project’s actual value and technical requirements that effectively barred competitors. Despite being established in 2021 with a mere RD$100,000 in capital and no prior experience in traffic systems, Transcore Latam secured INTRANT’s largest technology contract within a year. Prosecutors claim that documentation presented to the evaluation committee falsely indicated an affiliation with U.S.-based Transcore Holdings, Inc., a connection that does not exist.
PEPCA further alleges that INTRANT officials, including members of its Procurement and Contracting Committee, collaborated in the scheme under the direction of then-director Hugo Beras. Other bidders were reportedly disqualified for minor issues, ensuring Transcore Latam’s selection. Despite the substantial budget, the modernization project remains unfinished, with much of the equipment unused. Payments totaling RD$489 million by December 2024 were allegedly funneled to companies OML Inversiones SRL and Aurix SAS, both linked to Gómez Canaán.
Prosecutors have also connected the case to a cyberattack on Santo Domingo’s traffic light network in August 2024, which was traced to a server associated with Transcore Latam. The attack is believed to have been an attempt to erase digital evidence of the contract and financial transfers. While no charges have been filed for the sabotage, PEPCA considers it a crucial element of the ongoing investigation into the financial and technological scheme.
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Bisonó promotes Dominican free trade zones to Spanish investors
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.
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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.