Trade & Logistics: The Dominican Republic moved to develop dry ports along the Dominican-Haitian border, with Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó coordinating Decree 166-26 implementation and proposing the Comendador–Belladère corridor as a pilot to boost customs control, trade facilitation, and investment. Ports & Tourism Infrastructure: Apordom says it’s targeting nine cruise terminals by 2028, highlighting the planned Manzanillo cruise terminal (first ship expected January 2028) as part of a wider Manzanillo multimodal logistics push. Mining & Energy: The Ministry of Energy and Mines projects declaring the country’s first rare earth reserves in 2027, after completing a first resource estimate in November 2026. Real Estate & Construction: ONE data shows private development remains concentrated in La Altagracia, Santo Domingo province, and the National District, accounting for nearly three-quarters of licensed private construction appraisals and most of the building area underway in 2025. Agriculture & Land Security: The government activated a protocol to address irregular occupations of Agrarian Reform lands, starting with surveys in San Juan de la Maguana, Villa Riva, Montecristi, Monte Plata, and Villa Altagracia. Consumer Protection & Anti-Smuggling: MICM and Ceccom destroyed 28.35 million units of illicit goods worth RD$362.8 million, citing smuggling, tax evasion, counterfeiting, adulteration, and missing sanitary registration. Industry & Investment Climate: Economist Luis Manuel Piantini warned that breaking DR-CAFTA rice rules could weaken the DR’s OECD bid, arguing the dispute reflects domestic negotiating credibility. International Business: The DR and South Korea launched a trade and investment dialogue focused on semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, medical devices, and electronics, with Korean firms signaling interest in visits and potential projects. Tourism Demand: France tourism to the DR rose 14.3% in Jan–Aug 2026 to 112,056 visitors, with new air connectivity plans discussed in Paris. Tech & Finance: Ualett launched Ualett Global Transfer to simplify international money transfers from its app with in-app tracking and transparent pricing.