AGP Executive Report

Disaster Preparedness Upgrade: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the new CEMED emergency and disaster mitigation headquarters at the August 16 Military Camp, a RD$454.6M investment with crisis rooms, training spaces, and new response gear including drones, drones, rescue vehicles, fire trucks, and mobile communications to speed up prevention and coordination. Investment Push: Abinader used the Americas Investment Forum (AIF) 2026 to pitch the DR as a trusted investment hub, citing legal certainty, transparency, and record 2025 FDI and free-zone jobs; VP Raquel Peña added that the country is ready to attract more investment aligned with sustainable development and nearshoring. Climate & Urban Resilience: A PUCMM study found Bayahibe’s urban heat is driven by building materials, facade colors, and limited vegetation, pointing to lighter surfaces, more trees, and shaded public spaces. Agribusiness Development: FEDA started the “Saving the Mountains” Avocado Agroecological Park in San Cristóbal with nearly RD$194M to boost the avocado value chain through production, research, and agritourism. Quality Infrastructure for Industry: ODAC expanded the TDP Dominicana lab’s accredited scope for pressure and temperature, helping energy, manufacturing, construction, telecoms, food, and pharma reduce costs and dependence on foreign calibration services. Social Protection Innovation: The DR became the first in LAC to integrate parametric insurance into Supérate’s adaptive social protection, targeting 3,030 climate-vulnerable households with faster payouts triggered by verified rainfall/wind data. Mobile Services Disruption: Altice Dominicana said it’s still working to definitively resolve intermittency affecting some mobile services, with technical teams and manufacturer specialists working around the clock. Seismic Prevention Call: INTEC’s seismic network urged urgent microzoning and strict compliance with structural rules, offering engineering support for Santiago and tourism areas like Punta Cana.

Seismic Preparedness: INTEC’s Red Sísmica director Claudia Germoso urges urgent earthquake prevention in the Dominican Republic, calling for comprehensive seismic microzoning and strict building-rule compliance, with INTEC engineering ready to support efforts for Santiago, Santo Domingo and tourism hubs like Punta Cana. Humanitarian Logistics: As Venezuela’s twin quakes drive a major relief push, the Dominican Republic is coordinating donations and sending supplies via Rio Haina, with a tugboat (K Marine V) departing loaded with food, hydration products and medical aid. Investment & Trade: President Luis Abinader opened the Americas Investment Forum 2026 in Santo Domingo, stressing legal certainty and trust to attract foreign capital; the event also spotlights sectors like advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics and AI. Quality Infrastructure for Industry: ODAC expanded accredited calibration services at TDP Dominicana (pressure and temperature), helping energy, manufacturing, construction, telecom, food and pharma cut costs and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Climate Risk Financing: The DR became the first in Latin America/Caribbean to integrate parametric insurance into Supérate’s adaptive social protection, with payouts triggered by verified satellite/meteorological data for climate-vulnerable households. Tourism Ecosystem: MarketHub Americas 2026 in Punta Cana (HBX Group) brought together travel partners to discuss AI-driven change and evolving traveler expectations, reinforcing the DR’s role as a regional tourism hub.

Quality Infrastructure Boost: ODAC expanded the TDP Dominicana lab’s accredited scope in pressure and temperature, giving Dominican firms in energy, manufacturing, construction, telecoms, food, pharma and technical services faster access to internationally recognized calibration services. Climate Risk Financing: The Dominican Republic became the first in Latin America and the Caribbean to plug parametric insurance into its adaptive social protection system, with payouts triggered by verified satellite/meteorological data for 3,030 Supérate households in Santo Domingo Norte and Puerto Plata. Investment Push: The country will host the Americas Investment Forum 2026, bringing together officials and investors from 52+ countries, with focus on sustainable tourism, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, creative industries and AI. Urban Growth Watch: Santo Domingo East is approving up to 50-story buildings, accelerating vertical development while raising concerns about whether infrastructure can keep up. Tourism & Sports Momentum: Cap Cana is doubling down on sports tourism with major international events and plans to expand its global competition calendar. Energy/Regional Context: Haiti’s electricity buildout via mesh grids highlights how the region is tackling power access beyond the traditional grid. Disaster Link: Coverage of Venezuela’s earthquake response underscores equipment shortages and the pressure on regional partners, including the Dominican Republic, as rescue needs grow.

Climate Policy: The Dominican Republic unveiled its updated NDC 3.0, targeting 28% emissions cuts by 2030 and 32% by 2035, with 41 adaptation measures across sectors like water, agriculture, health, tourism, and coastal resources—backed by an estimated US$23.7B investment need. Energy & Regional Deals: The DR has six months to kick off oil and gas exploration in Guyana’s Berbice onshore block, with Refidomsa holding a 10% stake and preferential access if reserves are found—part of a wider push for regional energy security. Tourism & Cruise Industry: Cap Cana is doubling down on sports tourism, citing US$4.7B invested over 24 years and plans to expand international events to drive longer stays and higher spending. Maritime Growth: The FCCA honored Tourism Minister David Collado for boosting the cruise sector, pointing to rising passenger arrivals and improved port destinations. Urban Development: Santo Domingo East is approving high-density vertical construction up to 50 stories, raising concerns about whether infrastructure can keep up. Legal/Business Risk: Urban artist Toxic Crow responded to a Public Ministry accusation over alleged electrical fraud exceeding RD$1.6M, following a May 8, 2025 prosecutor-led operation at his business. Travel Tech: HBX Group’s MarketHub Americas 2026 in Punta Cana drew about 580 participants and 350 partners, focusing on AI, shifting traveler expectations, and industry collaboration.

Climate Policy: The Dominican Republic unveiled its updated NDC 3.0 RD-2025, targeting a 28% emissions cut by 2030 and 32% by 2035, alongside 41 adaptation measures across water, agriculture, health, tourism, coastal resources, biodiversity and forests, with an estimated US$23.7B investment need. Tourism & Ports: Cruise momentum keeps building: the FCCA honored Tourism Minister David Collado for driving the sector, while the PAMAC Destination Summit in Puerto Plata highlighted cruise arrivals up to 2.8M in 2025 and a push toward 3M by end-2026. Sports Tourism: Cap Cana is doubling down on sports tourism, citing over US$4.7B invested and plans to expand international events across golf, tennis, soccer, equestrian, padel and sport fishing. Urban Development: Rapid vertical expansion in eastern Santo Domingo East is accelerating, with new approvals up to 50 stories—raising infrastructure and planning concerns. Energy & Industry: The Central Bank reported the economy grew 4.7% in May (4.2% cumulative for 2026), led by construction, mining and services; meanwhile, CUED’s electricity regulator warned system overload—not programmed blackouts—is driving losses amid heat and dust. Legal/Business: A $43.7M landfill-concession arbitration dispute is prompting a bid to seize Dominican Republic assets in U.S. court.

Central American & Caribbean Games: Santo Domingo 2026 says about 85% of sports events will be completely free, with the rest requiring online booking for entry. Cruise & Ports: FCCA honored Tourism Minister David Collado after a surge in Dominican maritime tourism; PAMAC also highlighted cruise passenger growth and new port capacity. Energy & Investment: Guyana gave the Dominican Republic six months to start oil and gas exploration in the Berbice onshore block, with Refidomsa holding a 10% stake and preferential access if reserves are found. Economy Watch: The Central Bank reported DR growth of 4.7% in May and 4.2% cumulative for 2026 so far, led by construction, mining, and services. Electricity Reliability: CUED head Marranzini blamed system overloads (not programmed blackouts) amid rising demand and dust impacts. Tourism Science: INTEC found 88% of sand on key DR beaches is made of marine organism remains, linking coastal sand production to reef health. Regional Trade: OECS is exploring cheaper food imports from the DR by adjusting tariffs and sourcing more competitively. Legal/Business: A $43.7M landfill concession dispute is pushing a bid to seize Dominican assets in U.S. court. Disaster Preparedness: Seismic monitoring is being reinforced as engineers warn large quakes can’t be predicted but the country remains at risk.

Cruise Tourism Boost: The PAMAC Destination Summit 2026 in Puerto Plata highlighted the Dominican Republic’s cruise surge, with passenger arrivals up about 155% (1.1M in 2019 to 2.8M in 2025) and expectations of 3M visitors by end-2026, as ports and cruise lines discussed more routes and calls. Energy Reliability Watch: CUED head Celso Marranzini said electricity losses aren’t “programmed blackouts” but system overloads, pointing to heat-driven demand and Sahara dust as key drivers. Macroeconomy: The Central Bank reported the economy grew 4.7% year-on-year in May, with 4.2% cumulative growth for 2026 so far, led by construction, mining, and services. Semiconductors & STEM: Industry Minister Eduardo Sanz Lovatón said the DR is finalizing a U.S. university “intellectual partnership” to build semiconductor talent, building on recent tech investment and AI strategy work. Seismic Monitoring: Dominican seismic experts reiterated constant monitoring and sensor installation plans for the Septentrional fault, stressing the country’s history and preparedness. Tourism Environment: INTEC research found 88% of sand on major DR beaches comes from marine organism remains, linking coastal sand production to coral reef health. Food Waste to Community Aid: Carnival expanded its surplus meal donation program to the Dominican Republic, sending about 200 portions from ship to shore via the Archdiocese of Puerto Plata. Legal/Investment Risk: A billionaire investor is seeking to seize Dominican Republic assets over a $43.7M landfill concession termination arbitration award.

Semiconductor Push: Dominican Republic’s Industry, Commerce and SMEs minister Eduardo Sanz Lovatón says “final touches” are underway on a US university intellectual partnership to boost the local semiconductor industry, with a focus on STEM training and human capital after major tech investments like Google’s digital infrastructure push and Nvidia’s AI strategy MoU. Food & Trade Relief: OECS leaders are exploring cheaper food imports from the Dominican Republic, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne saying the bloc will study which Dominican goods can be sourced competitively and whether tariffs can be suspended to cut the cost of living. Tobacco Exports: The Dominican Tobacco Institute reports 2025 tobacco exports topped US$1.3b, supporting 122,000+ direct jobs and growing strongly since 2019, helped by government technical support and international promotion. Tourism & Environment: INTEC research finds 88% of sand on key Dominican beaches is made of marine organism remains, linking beach stability to healthy coral ecosystems and warning pollution and runoff could disrupt natural sand production. Disaster Readiness: Seismic engineers say the DR is monitoring faults and installing sensors on the Septentrional fault to better understand seismic risk, noting large quakes tend to recur over long intervals. Maritime Food Waste: Carnival Corporation expanded its surplus meal donation program to the Dominican Republic, sending about 200 meal portions from ship to shore to help families and elderly in port communities.

OECS Food-Price Push: OECS leaders are exploring cheaper food imports from the Dominican Republic by targeting specific goods and suspending tariffs on selected items to ease the cost of living across the Caribbean. Semiconductor Skills Deal: The Dominican Republic is finalizing a US university “intellectual partnership” to boost its semiconductor industry, with the Industry and Commerce minister linking the move to STEM training and recent big-tech infrastructure and AI cooperation. Seismic Monitoring Upgrade: Dominican seismic engineers say large quakes tend to recur over long intervals, and the country is expanding monitoring—installing sensors along the Septentrional fault to better understand risk near key regions. Tobacco Export Engine: DR tobacco exports topped about US$1.3B in 2025, supporting 122,000+ direct jobs and hundreds of companies under the free zone regime, with growth tied to government support for inputs and promotion. Venezuela Quake Aid Spillover: Multiple countries, including Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, are sending rescue teams and specialists to earthquake-hit Venezuela, while logistics and access constraints are shaping the response.

Disaster Response & Logistics: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes keep escalating: the death toll is reported at 920 with 3,360 injured and more than 50,000 missing, while foreign rescue teams and aid finally start arriving and governments tighten access routes to speed emergency transport. Regional Industry Impact: The Dominican Republic is named among the countries sending rescue support, underscoring how DR logistics and civil protection ties into wider Caribbean response efforts. Trade & Jobs (Tobacco): The Dominican tobacco sector earned over US$1.3B in export earnings in 2025 and supports 122,000+ direct jobs, with 130 companies operating in free zones and exports up 41% since 2019. Economy Watch (Mining): Mining led DR’s productive sectors with 9.7% growth through May, driven by gold, silver, and construction materials, helping sustain overall 4.2% growth. Food Waste & Shipping: Carnival expands its surplus meal donation program to the Dominican Republic, aiming to move prepared, unserved meals safely from ship to shore in port communities. Tourism & Travel Tech: Advantage Travel Partnership adds Vairo to its supplier network to automate offline booking workflows, while DR’s tourism ecosystem continues to attract partnerships and new services. Governance & Events: The World Governments Summit Dialogue for Latin America and the Caribbean is set for Nov. 20–21 in Cap Cana, bringing senior officials and business leaders to the DR.

Venezuela Quake Relief via Crypto: After the June 24 twin earthquakes, the crypto ecosystem is moving fast to route donations directly between wallets, aiming to speed cross-border funding when banks and infrastructure are strained. Venezuela Earthquake Response: Aid and rescue teams are pouring into La Guaira and Caracas as the death toll climbs (reported near 920) and tens of thousands are listed missing; the U.S. has reopened a key runway to boost logistics, while countries including the Dominican Republic are among the responders. DR Trade & Jobs—Tobacco: The Dominican Republic earned over US$1.3b from tobacco exports in 2025, supporting 122,000+ direct jobs and backed by government support for production and promotion. DR Industry Growth—Mining: Mining led DR’s productive sectors with 9.7% growth through May, driven by gold, silver, and construction materials. Local Governance & Migration: A Dominican-Haitian border management report flags weak coordination, discretionary enforcement, and poor deportation transit conditions, recommending more coordinated, due-process-focused policy. Seismic Watch in the Region: A 5.8 quake hit the DR (no tsunami risk reported), adding to a week of regional seismic activity. Regional Policy Dialogue: The World Governments Summit Dialogue for Latin America and the Caribbean is set for Nov. 20–21 in Cap Cana, bringing governments and investors together.

Humanitarian Response: The Dominican Republic is sending an internationally certified Type 1 Emergency Medical Team to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including a mobile hospital and nearly 40 specialized health professionals, coordinated by the Ministry of Public Health and the COE. Regional Trade & Jobs: Dominican tobacco exports generated over US$1.3b in 2025, supporting more than 122,000 direct jobs; the sector includes 130 tobacco-related companies in free zones and has expanded sharply since 2019. Mining & Growth: Mining led Dominican productive growth in the first five months of 2026, up 9.7%, with stronger gold, silver, and construction-material output supporting overall economic expansion. Border Governance: A Dominican-Haitian border migration report (INM/World Bank) flags weak coordination, discretionary enforcement, and poor deportation transit conditions, while noting nearly 2,000 Haitian workers cross daily for construction and agriculture. Aviation Training: Sky High Dominicana inaugurated a new Aeronautical Training Center to expand pilot and airline staff training, with clean-energy operations and planned IDAC certifications. Environment & Tourism: Asonahores warns the Senate’s solid waste law amendments lack technical studies and consultation, urging waste-based contributions and recognition of existing recycling investments. Seismic Watch: A magnitude 5.2 earthquake shook the Dominican Republic, with authorities reporting no tsunami threat and no major damage or injuries.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: The Dominican Republic is moving to support Venezuela after twin quakes devastated Caracas and La Guaira, with the death toll reported at 920 and injuries above 3,300 as rescuers race through rubble and aftershocks. Regional Humanitarian Logistics: El Salvador confirmed a six-plane aid mission with 300 rescuers and 150 tons of equipment, while Spain deployed 54 USAR troops—highlighting how fast cross-border logistics are becoming the make-or-break factor for survival. DR Medical Deployment: Santo Domingo is finalizing an internationally certified Type 1 Emergency Medical Team, including a mobile hospital and nearly 40 specialists (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, and water/sanitation engineers). Mining & Growth Watch: On the home front, mining led Dominican economic growth with 9.7% expansion through May, driven by gold, silver, and construction materials. Tourism Waste Policy: Asonahores warns Senate solid-waste amendments lack technical studies and calls for a fair, industry-based contribution system. Aviation Training: Sky High Dominicana inaugurated a new Aeronautical Training Center to expand pilot and cabin crew training. Earthquake Monitoring: A 5.8 quake hit the Dominican Republic near Punta Cana, followed by a 5.2 tremor in Nicaragua, with no major damage reported.

Sports Infrastructure: Dominican Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz called the inauguration of the remodeled Banreservas Virgilio Travieso Soto Arena “a dream come true,” highlighting upgrades like a 360-degree LED screen, modern sound/lighting, and a 1,200-ton air-conditioning system. Education Policy: The National Consultation for the Future of Dominican Education opened in Santiago, with officials pitching a more integrated path from early childhood through higher education and technical training. Industry & Regulation: The Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD) criticized the Senate’s amendment to the Solid Waste Law, saying it lacked consultation and technical impact analysis. Aviation/Tech Business: FL Technics said it’s expanding digital capabilities after acquiring MRO software firm Sensus Aero, including a Dominican Republic facility opened late last year. Regional Logistics & Trade: Reports say the Dominican Republic is among countries offering support after Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, while the U.S. Treasury moved to waive some sanctions to speed relief transactions. Climate & Agriculture Risk: FAO warns El Niño-linked drought risks are rising for the Caribbean and Central America’s Dry Corridor, with potential impacts on crops and pasturelands.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Twin quakes (7.2 and 7.5) devastated Caracas and La Guaira, with officials reporting at least 188 deaths and nearly 1,500 injured as aftershocks and communications outages complicate rescue. Regional Solidarity: The U.S., Cuba, Iran and others pledged search-and-rescue and medical support, including help coordinated through international channels that also involve the Dominican Republic. Local Industry Voice: The Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD) criticized the Senate’s rushed, non-consultative amendment to the Solid Waste Law, warning against higher special contributions without technical studies and pushing for input in the Chamber of Deputies. Tobacco Exports: Dominican tobacco exports hit $1.359B in 2025, up $19M, supporting 122,000 direct jobs, with 130 free-zone companies concentrated mainly in the north. Trade & Logistics: India’s ambassador urged more direct DR-India trade links to cut third-country routing costs, while the DR also moves to strengthen small businesses via Uber Eats partnerships. Aviation & Cargo: St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, explicitly linking improved logistics to tourism and farmer export access. Public Works & Safety: Santo Domingo’s Public Works Ministry outlined new safety measures for tunnels and overpasses. Energy Policy Debate: A former Economy Minister questioned the speed of the fiscal reform bill, citing falling oil prices and calling for transparency.

Cruise & Tourism Business: Registration opened for the FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Oct. 12–16), positioning it as the Caribbean/LATAM’s key networking hub for about 100 high-level cruise decision-makers. Public Procurement & Digital Governance: The UN Public Service Awards named a Dominican Republic real-time monitoring tool for procurement among global winners, highlighting transparency in how public contracts are managed. Tobacco Industry: DR tobacco exports hit $1.359B in 2025 (+$19M), with the sector supporting 122,000 direct/indirect jobs; 130 tobacco free-zone companies operate, mostly in the north. MSME Sales Push: MICM and Uber Eats signed a collaboration to boost micro, small and medium-sized enterprises via app visibility, business roundtables, and tech support. Energy & Cost of Living Debate: PLD deputy Charlie Mariotti Jr. criticized the fuel pricing policy, arguing taxes and the Hydrocarbons Law reform gap keep gasoline costs high despite lower global oil prices. Public Security/Justice: The Public Ministry secured the first asset forfeiture ruling under Law 340-22, ordering the handover of vehicles used to transport contraband cigarettes in La Vega. Agriculture Labor Tensions: Police dispersed an ANPA protest march toward the National Palace with tear gas as agricultural professionals demanded better pay, pensions and benefits. Regional Trade for Cheaper Goods: OECS is exploring deeper trade with the Dominican Republic (and Panama) by seeking tariff adjustments to lower consumer import costs across the Eastern Caribbean.