Aviation & MRO Expansion: Punta Cana’s new Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Center has started operations with its first JetBlue A320 entering the facility, aiming to turn the DR into a regional maintenance hub and create skilled jobs. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: The Ministry of Agriculture and Indomet signed an agreement to strengthen climate risk management, expand agroclimatic roundtables, and deliver weather info and training to help farmers cut losses from droughts, heavy rains, and extreme temperatures. Inflation Watch: The Central Bank reported July CPI rose 0.19% and year-on-year inflation eased to 5.47%, with core inflation still within the policy target range. Education Infrastructure Pressure: MINERD plans the 2026-27 school year to start Aug. 24, but the teachers’ association warns of a classroom deficit of up to 8,000, leaving students without placements. Environmental Enforcement: “Environmental Commitment 2.0” recovered 775 acres of protected land, arrested 384 people, and dismantled dozens of illegal structures across 14 protected areas. Tourism Infrastructure: Santiago’s Tourist Destination Cluster backed the Amber Tourist Highway to improve connectivity between Santiago and Puerto Plata and boost multi-destination tourism. Industry & Trade Cooperation: The DR and Mexico discussed deeper industrial cooperation, including integrating Mexican inputs into Dominican manufacturing to raise competitiveness for international markets. Branding & Marketing Wins: Banreservas collected seven Effie Awards Dominican Republic 2026, including gold for Credimás’ “The Power of Gossip” and Banreservas’ “It’s Worth It.” Mega-Event Spotlight: Katy Perry is confirmed to headline the Presidente Festival 2026, with more lineup details expected soon.