Mining & Growth: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos said mining led the Dominican economy in Jan–Apr, expanding 10.7% year-on-year, helping lift overall growth to 4.0% for the period. Digital Government: President Abinader unveiled the country’s first fully digital Minor’s Exit Permit, letting families complete authorization online with biometric checks and digital links to passports. Energy Transition: EGE Haina inaugurated the 200-MW Esperanza Renovable hybrid wind-and-solar complex, a first of its kind feeding both sources into the national grid. Free Zones & Jobs: The National Council of Export Free Zones approved 10 new free zone companies, projecting over US$14M in investment and 480+ direct jobs. Industrial Development: Proindustria and the Santo Domingo Norte Business Council signed an alliance to boost industrial competitiveness, training, and value-chain creation for MSMEs. Logistics & Work Culture: DP World ranked No. 5 in Great Place to Work’s 2026 list for the Dominican Republic, highlighting its port and free zone operations. Tourism Workforce: INFOTEP and Asonahores began talks on a strategic alliance to modernize training for tourism and gastronomy, including pilot centers and a culinary benchmark program. Aviation Deal: DR and Trinidad and Tobago signed an Air Services Agreement to expand overflight/landing rights and support trade, tourism, and investment. Food & Retail Pressure: Mother’s Day is set to drive one of the biggest retail weekends of the year, with major corridors seeing heavy demand and gridlock. Controversy Watch: A U.S. report alleges a Dominican-linked food-stamp/charity fraud pipeline shipping groceries overseas for resale.