AGP Executive Report

Border Security Buildout: The Dominican Republic kicked off construction of a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence in Jimaní, Independencia, with a 13-foot height, six surveillance towers, culverts and patrol roads to tighten control along the Haiti-facing Enriquillo Basin. AI Adoption in Business: New national statistics show 35% of formal Dominican firms with internet access already use AI, led by large companies and with mining/quarrying, construction and manufacturing among the highest adopters. Tourism Trade Momentum: Asonahores’ 2026 hotel and tourism trade expo in Punta Cana closed with record scale—323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies and 5,000+ visitors—plus 85% company retention. Energy & Power Costs: A Santo Domingo event saw a brief blackout while the vice president addressed electricity-bill complaints, with authorities pointing to higher summer consumption and tariff-block effects. Health Update: The country reported zero malaria deaths in 2026 and an 82% drop in incidence, with transmission concentrated in rural, agriculture-linked areas. International Business Push: Dominican Week in France was announced for Oct. 17–22, aligning with SIAL Paris to drive food-sector exports and investment links.

AI Adoption in Business: New ENAE 2025 data shows 35% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI, led by larger firms (52%) and with mining/quarrying topping the list (45.7%); construction (39.1%) and manufacturing (38.1%) also show strong uptake. Tourism as an Economic Engine: Asonahores reports tourism generated US$21.62B in 2025 and contributed 15.9% of GDP (8.3% direct), supporting about 882,419 jobs and driving US$11.866B in foreign exchange plus US$1.288B in FDI. Trade & Investment Push: Dominican Week in France (Oct. 17–22) launches in Paris alongside SIAL, with B2B meetings and a ProDominicana pavilion to spotlight renewable energy, fintech, cybersecurity and food exports. Energy Storage Policy: Nepra approved making Battery Energy Storage Systems mandatory for wind/solar bidders in an upcoming 800MW auction, aiming to stabilize supply amid “duck curve” challenges. Legal/Contracts: The Dominican Republic won an international arbitration tied to a dismissed solid-waste garbage management concession, with the tribunal dismissing a French investor’s claims over US$100M. Health Progress: DR recorded zero malaria deaths in 2026 and an 82% drop in incidence, with transmission concentrated in rural, agricultural-linked areas. Mining M&A Watch: Industry analysis flags valuation gaps and execution risk as mining deal values rise faster than deal confidence, with buyers more selective on cash-flow timing. Tourism Safety & Litigation: A $100M lawsuit alleges “Survivor Greece” production negligence after a spearfishing accident in the Dominican Republic left contestant Stavros Floros with a severed leg.

Tourism & Trade: Asonahores says tourism hit US$21.62B in 2025 and powered 15.9% of GDP, with 882,419 jobs supported and US$11.866B in foreign exchange. Hotel & Services Sector: Asonahores’ 2026 trade expo in Punta Cana closed with record 5,000+ visitors and 323 occupied spaces across 200+ companies. International Business Push: Dominican Week in France (Oct. 17–22) will run alongside SIAL Paris, with B2B meetings and a ProDominicana pavilion to boost food, energy, fintech and cybersecurity deals. Public Health: The DR recorded zero malaria deaths in 2026 and an 82% drop in incidence, with transmission concentrated in rural, agriculture-linked areas. Energy & Utilities: Nepra approved making Battery Energy Storage Systems mandatory for upcoming wind/solar auctions, aiming to stabilize supply. Governance & Legal: The DR won an international arbitration over a dismissed garbage contract, with the tribunal rejecting the investor’s US$100M+ claims. Infrastructure & Water: COPRE adjusted dam operations amid a projected rainfall deficit through November. Electricity Costs: A Santo Domingo event saw a brief blackout during VP Raquel Peña’s remarks on rising bills, with utilities pointing to higher summer consumption.

Tourism & Trade: Asonahores says tourism hit US$21.62B in 2025 and 15.9% of GDP (direct 8.3%), while its 2026 trade expo in Punta Cana drew record 5,000+ visitors and 323 occupied spaces. Water & Agriculture Tech: DR and Israel are deepening cooperation on irrigation and water management as TNR meets Ambassador Oren Bar-El, focusing on efficiency and cutting losses in systems where agriculture uses about 82% of water. Energy Regulation: Nepra approved allowing the government to mandate Battery Energy Storage Systems for wind/solar bidders in an upcoming 800MW renewable auction. Public Health: DR reports zero malaria deaths in 2026 and an 82% drop in incidence, with transmission concentrated in rural, agriculture-linked areas. Legal/Investment: The Dominican Republic won an international arbitration case, dismissing a French investor’s $100M+ claim tied to termination of a solid-waste concession. Business Diplomacy: Dominican Week in France (Oct. 17–22) will run alongside SIAL Paris, with B2B meetings and a ProDominicana pavilion to push trade and investment. Infrastructure/Power Costs: A blackout interrupted Vice President Raquel Peña during remarks on electricity bill increases, while officials point to higher summer consumption and tariff-block effects. International Spotlight: A Survivor Greece contestant, Stavros Floros, filed a $100M lawsuit over a leg-severing boat accident during filming in DR, alleging unsafe production conditions.

Health Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic advanced landmark legislation to make health tourism a national priority, aiming to tighten quality and patient safety through international accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination. Water & Irrigation Tech: DR and Israel are deepening cooperation on water management and agricultural irrigation, with a focus on efficiency and reducing losses in irrigation systems. Drought Watch: COPRE is adjusting dam operations as forecasts point to a rainfall deficit through November, prioritizing aqueduct and irrigation supply based on reservoir conditions. Business Growth: The formal business sector expanded in 2025, with formal units up 5% and formal employment rising 3.2%, while new restaurant openings helped keep the food-and-beverage segment active. Environmental Enforcement: The government declared “environmental terrorism” a high national interest, setting tougher enforcement and prison terms for attacks on national parks and protected resources. Aviation & Trade Links: The U.S. extended Haiti HOPE/HELP duty-free access through 2028, reinforcing the DR-Haiti textile and apparel co-production and logistics model. Tourism & Industry Signals: Asonahores rejected claims of widespread restaurant closures, citing continued openings and tourism recovery momentum. Legal/Production Safety: A Survivor Greece contestant filed a $100M+ lawsuit tied to a boating accident during filming in the Dominican Republic, alleging unsafe production conditions around open-water spearfishing.

Water & Irrigation Tech: The Dominican Republic and Israel are deepening cooperation on water management and agricultural irrigation, with Israel’s ambassador meeting TNR officials to discuss efficiency upgrades and reducing losses in existing irrigation systems. Health Tourism Push: The Senate approved landmark legislation to make health tourism a national priority, aiming to raise quality and accreditation standards, attract investment, and strengthen public-private coordination. Dam Operations: COPRE is adjusting dam and reservoir operations as forecasts point to a rainfall deficit through November, prioritizing aqueduct and irrigation supply based on updated reservoir levels. Trade & Logistics (Haiti): Dominican customs tightened controls on containers transiting to Haiti, adding more inspections and requiring service requests at least 24 hours in advance amid security disruptions. Business Growth: The formal business sector expanded in 2025, with formal business units up 5% and formal employment surpassing 2.56 million jobs. Tourism & Hospitality: Asonahores says the restaurant sector is still expanding, citing 68 new restaurant openings in Santo Domingo over the past year, while Casas del XVI joined IHG’s Vignette Collection. Aviation & Costs: Airport fee increases are drawing criticism as operators warn charges are “getting out of hand.” Energy/Environment: The government declared “environmental terrorism” a high national interest, signaling tougher enforcement for attacks on protected areas.

Trade & Industry Security: Dominican Customs (DGA) is tightening controls on containers headed to Haiti, adding more staff to private warehouses, requiring transit service requests at least 24 hours ahead, and stepping up traceability after complaints of tax fraud amid Haiti’s security disruption. Cross-Border Manufacturing & Jobs: The U.S. Congress approved a two-year extension of Haiti’s HOPE/HELP programs, extending duty-free access for thousands of textile and apparel lines through Dec. 31, 2028—an update AMCHAMDR says helps the DR-Haiti-U.S. co-production supply chain and protects formal jobs. Investment Outlook: JPMorgan signaled interest in expanding investment activity in the Dominican Republic after talks with the central bank, citing renewed growth (6.4% YoY in June) and rising FDI (US$3.28B in H1 2026). Infrastructure & Logistics: The government plans to replace the Ozama River floating bridge with a bascule-style viaduct to cut long traffic bottlenecks during maritime crossings. Tourism & Hospitality: Casas del XVI in Ciudad Colonial joined IHG’s Vignette Collection, adding a Michelin Key and a wider loyalty platform without losing its historic-house concept. Aviation & Mobility: Arajet launched “Purple Days,” with promotional fares starting at US$4 one-way for its fourth anniversary. Agriculture & Food Markets: IMA announced agricultural fairs for Sept. 3 and said its permanent stores will close nationwide Sept. 4 for IT upgrades. Cruise Demand: Puerto Plata’s Taíno Bay port welcomed Celebrity Beyond, as September cruise calls expand across major lines.

Bilateral Water & Irrigation Tech: The Dominican Republic’s irrigation technification body (TNR) met Israel’s new ambassador, Oren Bar-El, to deepen cooperation on irrigation technification, efficient water management, and agricultural development. Disaster Readiness at Airports: COE and the Airport Department agreed to tighten emergency coordination, using heliports, airfields, and hospital landing facilities to speed rescue and emergency logistics. Cross-Border Trade Controls: AIRD backed new Customs (DGA) rules for goods transiting to Haiti, calling for clear procedures, deadlines, and enforcement to reduce disruptions and improve compliance. Finance & Investment Outlook: JPMorgan signaled interest in expanding in the Dominican Republic after talks with the Central Bank, citing renewed growth and strong FDI momentum. Construction Infrastructure Upgrade: The government plans to replace the Ozama River floating bridge with a bascule-style viaduct to cut long bottlenecks and improve logistics. Cruise Tourism Momentum: Puerto Plata’s Taíno Bay welcomed Celebrity Beyond, with September cruise calls across major lines supporting the country’s push to strengthen terminals and local benefits. Industrial Expansion (Cement): Cemento Panam (Grupo Estrella) acquired Cementos Fortaleza in El Salvador, adding a 350,000-ton capacity hub to its regional footprint. Aviation Innovation: Dominican AI aviation initiative SARA won a Women in Tech LATAM Most Disruptive Award, positioning the tool for broader regional evaluation. Remittances Funding: Félix Pago raised $200M to scale WhatsApp-based remittances and expand into lending and savings, aiming to leverage regulatory advantages for digital transfers.

Infrastructure Upgrade: The Dominican government will replace the aging floating Ozama River bridge with a modern bascule-style viaduct to cut long port-and-city bottlenecks and speed maritime crossings. Tourism Momentum: The Region of Murcia (Spain) logged a record July for international arrivals, a reminder of how travel demand is still rewarding destinations that streamline access and visitor experience. Industrial Expansion (Cement): Cemento Panam (Grupo Estrella) is buying Cementos Fortaleza’s Acajutla plant in El Salvador, adding 350,000 tons/year capacity and strengthening regional supply chains across Central America and the Caribbean. Trade Facilitation: AIRD backs new Dominican Customs rules for goods transiting to Haiti, asking for clear procedures, deadlines, and sanctions to keep formal trade moving smoothly. Agri Exports Under Pressure: Organic banana exports from the Dominican Republic fell sharply since 2022, with producers citing costs, certification hurdles, productivity gaps, and weather plus phytosanitary threats. Energy Strategy: The Energy and Mines ministry says the DR is exploring nuclear technology options (including non-power uses) as electricity demand rises, while not committing to a plant yet. Tech for Aviation: Dominican AI aviation initiative SARA won a Women in Tech LATAM award, positioning the country for broader aviation digital services.

Fintech & Remittances: Félix Pago, a Miami platform used by Latino immigrants via WhatsApp, closed a $200M Series C and said a new 1% federal excise tax favors digital transfers over cash/money orders—setting up expansion into lending, savings, and AI guidance. Construction Materials: Cemento Panam (Grupo Estrella) bought Cementos Fortaleza’s Acajutla plant in El Salvador, adding 350,000 tons/year capacity and strengthening its cement footprint across the Dominican Republic, Panama, and now El Salvador. Customs & Trade: AIRD backed new Dominican Customs rules for goods transiting to Haiti, including 24-hour advance requests, departure deadlines, and tighter cargo supervision to reduce disruptions and irregularities. Infrastructure: The Ministry of Public Works laid out a road agenda focused on Greater Santo Domingo access, overpasses on the Duarte Highway, and highway expansion tenders to cut congestion. Energy Policy: The Dominican Republic is exploring nuclear technology opportunities with U.S. cooperation, while stressing grid reliability needs as solar and wind expand. Agriculture Exports: Organic banana exports fell 22.6% in volume since 2022, with producers citing costs, certification hurdles, weather impacts, and tougher competition. Mining & Environment: Unigold reported local support to start an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Neita gold project in Restauración, moving feasibility work toward late-2026. Housing Delivery: MIVED says it will deliver 1,600–2,000 homes from September to December and schedule groundbreakings for about 2,600 more. Electricity Rights: A new electricity-market regulation sets compensation for “unserved electricity” during outages tied to company/system failures, at no less than 150% of the tariff.

Housing Delivery Push: Dominican housing ministry (MIVED) says it will deliver 1,600–2,000 homes from September to December, with groundbreakings for about 2,600 more as it tries to speed up construction and expand supply. Energy & Consumer Protection: A new electricity-services rule (Law 186-07) sets compensation for “unserved electricity” when outages come from company or system failures, with payments tied to tariff levels. Monetary Policy Watch: The Central Bank kept the monetary policy rate at 5.25% amid persistent global uncertainty and inflation pressures from higher oil prices. Education Infrastructure: The School Infrastructure Directorate delivered 186 initial classrooms across the National District and 25 provinces, benefiting 6,500+ students under the “Aulas 24/7-365” plan. Energy Strategy: The energy ministry is exploring nuclear technology options with U.S. cooperation, while stressing no decision yet on building a nuclear plant. Water Security Pressure: Onpeco urged stronger drinking-water safeguards during drought, including tighter oversight across production, packaging, storage, transport, and sales. Tourism Trade Spotlight: The Dominican Republic will headline FIT 2026 as guest country, with a big push on tech, food, cruises, and business meetings. Bilateral Security & Industry: Honduras and the Dominican Republic agreed to deepen cooperation; Honduras is also exploring buying Dominican-made Dulus aircraft and Furia armored vehicles. Mining Deal: Capstone Copper completed its $25M acquisition of San Pietro copper assets in Chile, expanding its Atacama district footprint. Agriculture & Exports: The DR doubled pineapple production but exports fell sharply, while FAO-backed coconut training aims to revitalize regional industry.

Tourism & Trade: The Dominican Republic will headline FIT 2026 as guest country, with a major presence at the Sept. 26–29 fair in Buenos Aires and new tracks on tech, gastronomy, cruises, outdoor tourism and B2B meetings. Energy Policy: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos Echavarría said the country is exploring nuclear technologies via U.S. cooperation, while noting there’s no decision yet to build a nuclear plant. Electricity Rights: Law 186-07 sets compensation for “unserved electricity” when outages stem from company or system failures, with payments not below 150% of the tariff. Water Security: CAASD urged Greater Santo Domingo residents to rationalize water as El Niño cuts production 30–35%, with some basins down sharply; Onpeco also demanded stronger drinking-water safeguards during drought. Economy & Finance: The Central Bank kept the monetary policy rate at 5.25%, citing anchored inflation expectations despite global uncertainty. Infrastructure & Education: DIE delivered 186 initial classrooms (RD$800M+ investment) for 6,500+ students under the “Aulas 24/7-365” plan. Bilateral Security: Abinader and Honduras’ Asfura agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, security, tourism, agriculture and migration; Honduras is also evaluating Dominican-made Dulus aircraft and Furia armored vehicles. Mining & Industry: Capstone Copper completed its $25M acquisition of Chile’s San Pietro assets, expanding its Atacama copper district position. Renewables Pipeline: IRENA opened a call for renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic.

Mining & Investment: Capstone Copper has completed its acquisition of San Pietro copper-gold-iron-cobalt assets in Chile, adding ~16,000 hectares to its Mantoverde–Santo Domingo district position and boosting mineral inventory via the Rincones and Colla deposits. Defense & Local Industry: Honduras is evaluating buying Dominican-made Dulus aircraft and Furia armored vehicles after President Nasry Asfura’s visit and briefings at San Isidro Air Base, with talks discussed but no purchase deal yet. Energy & Consumers: A new electricity regulation (Law 186-07) sets compensation rules for “unserved electricity” during outages tied to company/system failures, while ETED scheduled Saturday transmission-line maintenance in Greater Santo Domingo that will interrupt service in multiple neighborhoods and institutions. Trade & Industry: ProDominicana says new U.S. tariffs of 12.5% on the Dominican Republic may not hit tariff rates immediately, but long-term extensions could create uncertainty for exporters; support will focus on market diversification. Agribusiness & Exports: The Cacao Trace project (EU-funded) wrapped up in Monte Plata, training 740+ cocoa producers and building a traceability protocol aligned with EU Regulation 2023/1115. Water Security: CAASD urged Greater Santo Domingo residents to rationalize water as El Niño has cut aqueduct production by 30–35%, with some basins down sharply. Business Climate: A BCG Global Wealth Report update says the Dominican Republic is among Latin America’s most dynamic wealth markets, driven by real assets and rising middle-class wealth.

Electricity Rights: Law 186-07 sets rules for compensating users for “unserved electricity” during outages tied to company or system failures, with compensation not below 150% of the tariff, pushing the CAASD/ETED-style reliability debate into enforceable consumer terms. Energy & Grid Maintenance: ETED scheduled Saturday works on the 69 kV Haina–Herrera Nueva–Metropolitano L3 line, warning of power interruptions across major Santo Domingo sectors and key institutions. Trade & Industry: ProDominicana says new U.S. tariffs of 12.5% may not hit tariff rates immediately, but longer extensions could create uncertainty for exporters; the push is to diversify markets, including Europe. Agriculture & Food Costs: Market shoppers in Santo Domingo report “stable” prices don’t match lived costs, with salaries lagging and basic basket affordability still strained. Water Security: CAASD urged rationing as El Niño cuts Greater Santo Domingo water production by up to 68%, with major basin reductions cited. Renewables Pipeline: IRENA opened calls for renewable projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, aiming to unlock financing and de-risking for solar, wind, hydropower and green industrialization. Cocoa Supply Chain: Cacao Trace wrapped up EU-backed support for Monte Plata cocoa producers, training 740+ farmers and building a traceability protocol aligned with EU deforestation-free rules. Blue Economy: DR launched an initiative to mobilize US$100 million for blue economy development, linking coastal growth with investment planning.

Water & Drought Response: CAASD director Felipe Suberví asked residents to rationalize water as El Niño cuts Greater Santo Domingo output 30–35% below normal, with major basin drops like Haina Manoguayabo down 68%. Energy & Grid Reliability: ETED will replace deteriorated structures on the 69 kV Haina–Herrera Nueva–Metropolitano L3 line Saturday, causing scheduled outages across multiple Santo Domingo sectors and institutions. Tourism Development & Research: Punta Bergantín’s trust will fund a permanent program with PUCMM and the Tourism Ministry to measure the project’s economic, social, and territorial impact in Puerto Plata’s northern communities. Renewables Financing Push: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, with potential access to its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Agribusiness & Cocoa Traceability: Cacao Trace wrapped up EU-funded support for small cocoa producers in Monte Plata, training 740+ farmers and delivering a blockchain-based traceability platform plus a national protocol for EU 2023/1115 compliance. Official Data Upgrade: ONE presented the National Statistical Plan PEN 2025–2028 to close priority data gaps and improve how public policy is built on reliable statistics. Construction Labor Costs: Dominican Republic approved a 20% minimum wage increase for construction workers. Industry Tech Showcase: Santiago hosted an industrial fair highlighting German and international technologies for automotive, construction, paint, wood, gardening, and cleaning sectors. Regional Security Spotlight: Honduras President Nasry Asfura cited DR as a regional example in border security and military industry during a border tour with President Abinader.

Water & Drought Response: CAASD director Felipe Suberví urged Greater Santo Domingo residents to rationalize water as El Niño cuts aqueduct production to just 30–35% of normal capacity, with major drops in key river basins like Haina Manoguayabo (-68%). Energy Reliability: ETED will replace deteriorated structures on the 69 kV Haina–Herrera Nueva–Metropolitano L3 line this Saturday (8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.), causing planned outages across multiple Santo Domingo sectors and businesses. Renewables Financing Push: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, with potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Tourism Data & Research: A permanent research program will track the economic, social, and territorial impact of the Punta Bergantín tourism development, linking PUCMM, MITUR, and the Punta Bergantín trust. Agribusiness & Exports: Dominican pineapple output doubled to 406.2M units (2025), but exports fell sharply; meanwhile, Cacao Trace wrapped an EU-funded push to help small cocoa producers meet EU sustainability and traceability demands. Fuel Prices: The government kept weekly fuel prices unchanged under its Anti-Crisis Plan, with LPG frozen at RD$135.20 per gallon and subsidies absorbing global increases. Industry Tech Showcase: An industrial fair in Santiago is highlighting German and international technologies for automotive, construction, paint, wood, and cleaning sectors.