Tourism Supply Chain Boost: Asonahores and AIRD signed a cooperation deal to link Dominican manufacturers with hotel and tourism buyers, mapping local products that can plug into supply chains and pushing sustainability and circular-economy pilots. Agriculture Modernization Financing: Banreservas, FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture launched a RD$1.18 billion program to modernize farming via mechanization, water management, climate adaptation and productivity gains. Mining & Knowledge for Rare Earths: The Dominican Republic and the EU signed a joint declaration to study rare earth elements, gallium and scandium in Pedernales’ Ávila bauxite reserve, aiming for tech transfer and sustainable, transparent decision-making. Border Infrastructure for Trade Control: The government began building a 14.5 km perimeter fence along the Haiti border in Independencia (Jimaní), with watchtowers, culverts and patrol lanes to curb smuggling and organize legal trade. Local Business Tech Adoption: The National Statistics Office reported 35% of formal companies with internet access already use AI, with mining, construction and manufacturing leading. Monorail Funding Scrutiny: A civil engineer raised concerns over Phase I of the Santo Domingo Monorail, alleging funding certifications tied to a US$500 million loan were not properly disbursed or authorized. Inflation Trend: August inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year, with education and food-related categories driving most of the monthly movement. Energy Reliability Watch: Cruise passengers reported a brief power outage on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, with power restored within about 30 minutes.