Cocoa & Chocolate Exports: Dominican cocoa exports hit a record US$669M in 2025 (+55% YoY), driven by higher international prices (avg US$7,798/ton), with the sixth Dominican Chocolate Festival set for Sept. 11–13 in Santo Domingo to spotlight the full value chain. Banking & Productive Financing: Banreservas’ new executive president, Leonardo Aguilera, marks his first year in charge with RD$282,430.2M disbursed (Aug 2025–Jul 2026), including RD$135,349.7M to productive sectors and support for MSMEs, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and housing. Trade Policy & Tariffs: Senator Félix Bautista filed a bill to ban imports made with forced labor, aiming to strengthen traceability and enforcement and to support negotiations for a reduction in the U.S. tariff gap on Dominican exports. Construction & Infrastructure: MOPC will close the Ozama River floating bridge for two hours this Saturday (10:00–12:00) for vessel transfers, urging drivers to use alternate bridges. Housing Rules: A legal explainer says tenants can challenge unjustified rent increases under Decree 4807, including procedures to request reductions through the Housing Rent Control and Evictions Office. Tourism & Credit: Tourism continues to power Dominican growth, with private-sector credit up 9.1% YoY by June 2026, and banks reporting more than RD$80B added in the first half. Cement Exports: The Dominican Republic led regional exports of cement, lime and gypsum in 2025, taking 25.4% of the total (US$581.3M), according to Adocem. Seismic Risk Focus: Experts urge continued evaluation and reinforcement of buildings and essential infrastructure amid high seismic vulnerability, citing ongoing national studies and assessments. Public Sector Shake-Up: President Abinader issued cabinet changes as he completes two years of his second term, including leadership shifts across foreign affairs, housing, ports, transport, and emergency agencies. Regional Industry Leadership: CMEx named seven new 2026 Leadership Laureates spanning aviation, cruise, hospitality, sustainability, destination leadership, and media, to be honored Dec. 6 in Miami.