Telecom Expansion: Viettel won INDOTEL spectrum rights (240 MHz across 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3.6 GHz) for 20 years, with a 90-day timeline to sign the concession and set up a local entity—aimed at boosting 4G/5G competition and lowering consumer costs. Energy & Transport Costs: The Dominican government approved RD$1.312B in fuel subsidies for Aug. 22–28 to cushion higher international oil prices, while regular gasoline and diesel rise RD$3 per gallon. Water Security: El Niño is driving major rainfall deficits, cutting production at key aqueducts (Haina-Manoguayabo down to 21M gallons/day vs. 90M target; Isabella down to 65% reduction), raising pressure on water supply. Logistics & Trade: Crowley launched a weekly container service linking Port Houston with Santo Tomás de Castilla (Guatemala) and Puerto Cortés (Honduras), supporting faster movement of fresh produce and consumer goods. Shipping & Compliance Risks: Authorities reported a Dominican man in New York arrested over an alleged shipping fraud scheme targeting customers sending packages to the DR, while local industry warns about mislabeled or unregistered goods transshipped via Haiti, estimated at 930 semi-trucks monthly and up to US$1B in evasion. Tourism & Culture: Arajet and the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism celebrated Dominican Heritage Day at loanDepot park in Miami with cultural programming and fan activations. Macroeconomic Outlook: ECLAC forecasts the Dominican economy to grow 4% in 2026 and 4.4% in 2027, with productivity gains tied more to the formal sector.