AGP Executive Report

Industrial Cooperation: Dominican Republic and Mexico discussed deeper industrial cooperation and investment, with Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez pointing to DR manufacturing capacity and Mexico’s supplier network as a path to joint competitiveness. Public Development & Infrastructure: Abinader and Raquel Peña launched the National Forum for Full Development under Meta RD 2036, aiming to turn consultations into public policy priorities. Transport & Urban Works: Residents near the Villa Mella–Yamasá highway complain about slow progress on the 2.5-km elevated Metro Line 1 extension, citing traffic bottlenecks and business losses. Air Connectivity: Dominican tourism faces new pressure as JetBlue suspends Newark–Santo Domingo, Wingo cancels Bogotá–Punta Cana, and Spirit exits operations, raising concerns about fewer options and higher fares. Energy & Utilities: Edesur Dominicana installed, replaced, and standardized nearly 10,000 streetlights across 12 districts to improve safety and reduce energy use. Regulation Watch: The Oversight Council for Gambling says once the new Gaming Law is approved, irregular operations should be reviewed and suspended. Maritime Security: Nations including the DR joined PANAMAX 2026 pre-sail drills in Panama to strengthen interoperability for port and shipping protection. Tourism & Hospitality: MSC Cruises will start year-round Southern Caribbean sailings from La Romana and unveil Catalina Sugar Beach as a new on-trip destination.

Public Utilities Modernization: Edesur Dominicana installed, replaced, and standardized nearly 10,000 streetlights across 12 districts, updating its inventory with georeferenced data to cut energy use and improve road safety. Healthcare & Trade Tech: MEDITECH 2026 in Bogotá drew 12,700 visitors and nearly 300 exhibitors from 16 countries, signaling strong regional demand for medical devices and partnerships. Agriculture & Irrigation Investment: TNR promoted cooperation opportunities for Chilean firms in irrigation and agriculture, highlighting the Registry of Authorized Suppliers and projects tied to free-trade access. Pensions System Planning: SIPEN unveiled its 2026-2030 strategic plan for the Dominican Pension System, centering on affiliate access to benefits, retirement well-being, digital transformation, and generational funds. Energy & Industry Links: A new Caribbean energy working group (Guyana-Jamaica) adds momentum to regional integration, building on a Dominican Republic oil-and-gas partnership framework. Business & Exports Pressure: CONEP’s Celso Juan Marranzini warned a 12.5% U.S. tariff could hurt Dominican exports and urged preferential access to benefit nearshoring value chains. Hazardous Materials Safety: Two tanker explosions in San Cristóbal and San Francisco de Macorís have reignited calls to enforce fuel and gas handling protocols.

Healthcare Industry: MEDITECH 2026 in Bogotá hit a record 12,700 visitors, with nearly 300 exhibitors from 16 countries—another sign of growing medical tech demand across the Andean, Pacific, and Caribbean region. Agriculture & Water: Dominican irrigation technification (TNR) met Chilean partners to push investment and know-how for irrigation modernization, linking projects to free-trade access and producer competitiveness. Environment Enforcement: Authorities detained 113 Haitians in protected areas over alleged illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming, land occupation, and illegal fishing, seizing vehicles, tools, animals, and dismantling illegal plots. Pensions Reform: SIPEN unveiled its 2026-2030 strategic plan, centered on faster benefit access, retirement well-being, generational funds, and digital modernization of supervision. Trade & Tariffs: CONEP’s Celso Juan Marranzini warned a 12.5% U.S. tariff could hurt DR exports and urged a preferential deal to capture nearshoring value. Energy & Ports: DP World advanced port decarbonization in Chile with electric internal transfer vehicles and fast charging—an example of electrification trends spreading in the region. Safety in Logistics: New calls to enforce tank truck fuel and gas handling protocols follow deadly tanker explosions in San Cristóbal (Haina) and San Francisco de Macorís. Pension System Governance: SIPEN’s plan also targets pension education and results-based management to strengthen savings culture. Business Diplomacy: Sharjah Chamber (SCCI) discussed boosting trade and investment ties with the Dominican Republic through B2B delegations and sector partnerships. Industry Policy Forum: The government launched the 1st National Forum for Meta RD 2036 to align public-private actions aimed at doubling the economy by 2036. Gambling Oversight: The National Horse Racing Commission rejected betting-industry allegations, saying some complainants operate unlicensed virtual horse racing and defending the current tax model.

Aviation & Trade Links: SCCI (Sharjah Chamber) discussed boosting economic and trade cooperation with the Dominican Republic, pushing for business-to-business partnerships and reciprocal delegation visits. Business & Investment Outlook: New IMF and U.S. Trade.gov updates highlight the DR’s 2026 momentum across tourism, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, logistics, and finance, with strong U.S. commercial ties. Renewables & Energy Tech: RAAS Solar launched Tesla Solar Roof in the Dominican Republic, adding integrated solar roofing plus local installation and support, with incentives under Law 57-07 and net metering. Port Decarbonization (Regional Signal): DP World expanded electrification at its Chilean port terminal with electric internal transfer vehicles and fast charging—an example of the cleaner logistics trend the DR’s ports can watch. Quality & Jobs: ANEIH opened entries for the National Quality Award for the Private Sector (deadline Sept. 18), while ONE reported formal-sector employment at 881,265 workers in 2024 and wage gains in key industries like mining and electricity. Agrifood Trade: A record 701 companies joined a virtual agrifood matchmaking round, generating about US$25.5M in new opportunities, including Dominican participants. Construction Standards: MIVHED and SINEDOM trained nearly 200 professionals on the updated Dominican Republic Building Code, focusing on structural analysis and seismic design. Sargassum Research: UFHEC hosted the first SARGARD Symposium, showcasing research turning sargassum into bioenergy, materials, and food-industry applications. Climate Pressure: A new study flags $53.2bn in Caribbean disaster damage (2000-2024) and points to slow-onset impacts like dust and sargassum disrupting agriculture and livelihoods in the DR.

Legal & Trade Risk: The Dominican Republic urged the U.S. D.C. Circuit to overturn a ruling that upheld a nearly US$44M arbitration award for Michael Lee-Chin, arguing the tribunal enforced an award without a valid arbitration agreement. Port Decarbonization: DP World says it’s cutting emissions at Chile’s San Antonio terminal with seven electric internal transfer vehicles and a 300kW charging station powered by renewables. Macroeconomic Outlook: New IMF and Trade.gov updates highlight the DR’s 2026 growth and trade scale, pointing to diversified sectors from tourism to manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and logistics. Agrifood Business: A record 701 companies joined a regional agrifood matchmaking event, generating about US$25.5M in new opportunities, with DR participants among the buyers and suppliers. Renewables & Energy Tech: RAAS Solar launched Tesla Solar Roof in the DR, pairing solar generation with local installation and support, with incentives tied to Law 57-07 and net metering. Quality & Industry Standards: ANEIH opened entries for the 8th National Quality Award for the Private Sector, with registration due Sept. 18. Construction & Safety: MIVHED and SINEDOM trained nearly 200 professionals on the updated Dominican Building Code Volume I, focused on structural analysis and seismic design. Workforce Snapshot: ONE reports formal business employment at 881,265 workers in 2024, with mining and electricity among the highest-paying sectors. Climate Pressure on Industry: A new study flags $53.2B in Caribbean disaster damage (2000-2024) and notes DR agriculture and livelihoods are being hit by slow-onset impacts like Saharan dust and sargassum. Renewable Project Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including sargassum-linked energy.

Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a proposal call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, prioritizing submissions before Sept. 1 and covering solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, bioenergy, green hydrogen, clean transport and even sargassum-linked energy. Building Code Training: MIVHED and SINEDOM trained nearly 200 professionals on the Dominican Republic Building Code (Volume I), focused on structural analysis, seismic design and foundations, rolling out the updated framework via Resolution 007-2026. Energy Demand Response: The energy minister urged electricity conservation as extreme heat pushed demand to new records, alongside a mandatory Energy Efficiency Plan for public institutions. Trade Pressure on Exports: The U.S. tariff-rate quota and forced-labor-linked import tariffs are hitting Caribbean exporters, with the Dominican Republic named among affected countries. Industrial Aviation Boost: Bombardier will showcase its Challenger 3500 at LABACE 2026 with a multi-city Latin America tour that includes Santo Domingo. Labor Standards Pact: The IAM Union, via ITF, signed an MoU with the Dominican Republic’s tourism ministry and unions to raise labor standards and improve transportation for sustainable tourism. Sugar Sector Update: Raw sugar production fell 10.98% in July to 1.85 million MT, while refined output rose, as the SRA adjusted the planting calendar to improve yields. Media Shift: El Nacional ends its print edition and moves fully digital, signaling continued change in Dominican news consumption.

Labor & Standards: The IAM Union, via the ITF, helped advance a landmark Dominican Republic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and local unions to raise labor standards and strengthen worker opportunities across the transport and tourism sectors. Energy Demand Management: The energy minister urged electricity conservation as extreme heat pushed Dominican demand to new records, while a mandatory Energy Efficiency Plan targets public institutions with tighter air-conditioning and usage rules. Aviation & Business Travel: Bombardier will showcase its Challenger 3500 at LABACE 2026, with Santo Domingo listed on a multi-city Latin America tour. Tourism & Ports: Apordom says Puerto Plata will receive 29 cruise ship calls in August, boosting north-coast visitor flow through Amber Cove and Taíno Bay. Media Industry Shift: El Nacional, the country’s last afternoon daily, will end its print edition and go fully digital. Diplomacy: Venezuela and the Dominican Republic agreed on a roadmap to gradually restore diplomatic ties after a break tied to the 2024 election dispute. Agribusiness & Food Supply: Sugar Regulatory Administration data shows raw sugar production down 10.98% while refined output rose, alongside demand softness. Compliance in Healthcare: Funglode launched a Criminal Compliance Plan for the health sector as the Dominican Penal Code’s prevention-program requirements were expanded.

Diplomatic Reset: Venezuela and the Dominican Republic agreed on a roadmap to restore diplomatic ties after they were cut following the 2024 Maduro election dispute, aiming for “gradual normalisation” through renewed talks. Port & Tourism Pulse: Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) says Puerto Plata will host 29 cruise ship calls in August, with Amber Cove getting 15 stops and Taíno Bay 14; August 5, 18 and 19 are the busiest with three ships arriving the same day. Sports Infrastructure & Logistics: Santo Domingo 2026 organizers detailed how the Central American Village runs like a hotel—security screening, accreditation, and luggage handling—to support 10,000+ athletes and delegates. Industry & Compliance in Health: Funglode launched a Criminal Compliance Plan for the health sector, tied to recent Penal Code amendments that expand prevention program requirements for health providers and insurers. Agribusiness Watch: Sugar Regulatory Administration data shows raw sugar production down 10.98% to 1.85M metric tons as cane milled fell 10.98%, while refined output rose 12.24%. Trade & Security: A joint operation seized 580,000 contraband cigarettes worth 6.9M Dominican pesos from a truck intercepted on the Villa Vásquez road.

Diplomatic Reset: Venezuela and the Dominican Republic agreed on a roadmap for “gradual normalisation” of ties after they were cut following the 2024 Maduro election dispute. Airport & Trade Logistics: Venezuela’s Maiquetía airport set Aug. 5 as the restart date for cargo operations after earthquake damage, aiming for passenger service later in August. Cruise & Port Activity: Apordom says Puerto Plata will host 29 cruise ship calls in August, with Amber Cove (15) and Taíno Bay (14) and peak days Aug. 5, 18 and 19. Tourism & Events: Santo Domingo’s MICE push gets a boost with SDQ MICE 2026 (Sept. 21-23) to attract international buyers for meetings and exhibitions. Environment & Agriculture: The Dominican Environment Ministry tightened forest-fire prevention and imposed a temporary ban on unauthorized agricultural burning through Aug. 31. Industry & Compliance: Funglode launched a Criminal Compliance Plan for the Health Sector, tied to updated penal-code requirements for prevention programs. Regional Security Drills: Panamax 2026 canal-defense exercises include Dominican naval participation alongside multiple countries.

Maritime Security: Panamax 2026 drills bring Colombia, Ecuador, the U.S., Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama and the Dominican Republic into coordinated patrols and interdiction maneuvers to protect the Panama Canal’s strategic routes. Tourism & Ports: Apordom says Puerto Plata will host 29 cruise ship calls in August, with Amber Cove (15) and Taíno Bay (14) driving peak days on Aug. 5, 18 and 19. Sports Logistics: Santo Domingo 2026 organizers detail security, accreditation and mobility operations for 10,000+ athletes in the Central American Village, while COD chief Garibaldy Bautista reports satisfaction with organization and Dominican performance. Environment & Agriculture: The Environment Ministry tightens forest-fire prevention with military surveillance and a temporary ban on unauthorized agricultural burning through Aug. 31. Industry & Finance: JMMB’s DR arm places US$11.07m into solar and wind via its Sustainable Energy Fund, and Arajet hits a milestone with over 1 million passengers in the first half of 2026. Trade & Compliance: MICM/CECCOM seize 580,000 contraband cigarettes from Haiti, and Funglode launches a Criminal Compliance Plan for the health sector after Penal Code updates.

Cruise & Ports: Apordom says Puerto Plata will get 29 cruise ship calls in August, with Amber Cove handling 15 and Taíno Bay 14—highlighting the north coast’s growing role for major lines like Carnival, MSC, Princess and Celebrity. Sports Logistics: COD chief Garibaldy Bautista praised Santo Domingo 2026 for solid organization and logistics, while the Games’ organizing committee detailed how the Central American Village runs like a hotel—security checks, accreditation, and luggage handling to move 10,000+ athletes smoothly. Tourism Rankings: Travel And Tour World placed the Dominican Republic among the top beach destinations in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026 (ranked 9th). Health Compliance: Funglode launched a Criminal Compliance Plan for the Health Sector, tied to new Penal Code requirements for prevention programs for providers, insurers and diagnostic centers. Environment & Agriculture: The Environment Ministry tightened forest-fire prevention with military patrols and a temporary ban on unauthorized agricultural burning through Aug. 31. Maritime Energy Support: Svitzer Caribbean Dominicana added the Svitzer Manzanillo tug to back LNG transshipment operations, boosting capacity for a busier Dominican port market. Renewables Finance: JMMB’s DR unit placed about US$11m into solar and wind via its Sustainable Energy Fund. Trade & Enforcement: MICM/CECCOM seized 580,000 contraband cigarettes in a truck interception from Haiti, targeting tax fraud.

Tariffs & Trade: Trump signed a four-year tariff-rate quota on imports of quartz surface products, after U.S. findings of injury to domestic producers—an extra pressure point for regional manufacturing supply chains. Health Compliance: Funglode launched the Criminal Compliance Plan for the Health Sector in Santo Domingo, tied to new Penal Code requirements for prevention programs for healthcare providers and insurers. Public Health Infrastructure: The SNS began the first phase renovation of Salvador B. Gautier Hospital with nearly one billion pesos, aiming for modern tech and safer, faster care. Environment & Agriculture: The Environment Ministry imposed a temporary ban on unauthorized agricultural burning and boosted patrols to curb forest fires. Migration & Enforcement: Haiti and the Dominican Republic discussed stronger consular coordination for Haitian communities, while MICM/CECCOM seized 580,000 contraband cigarettes from Haiti in a Santiago-to-Montecristi operation. Industry & Energy Finance: JMMB’s DR unit placed about US$11m into solar and wind via its Sustainable Energy Fund, backing climate-linked returns. Maritime & LNG: Svitzer Caribbean Dominicana added the Svitzer Manzanillo tug to support LNG transshipment operations, signaling more capacity for Dominican port activity. Aviation & Tourism Business: SDQ MICE 2026 (Sept. 21-23) will spotlight Santo Domingo’s meetings industry with international buyer participation.

Tourism & Business Events: Santo Domingo’s meetings push gets a boost as SDQ MICE 2026 (Sept. 21-23) lines up international buyers and a Punta Cana post-tour, aiming to strengthen the local MICE supply chain. Aviation & Trade: Arajet hit a milestone, carrying over 1 million passengers in the first half of 2026, with the U.S. now its biggest international market. Energy & Finance: JMMB’s Dominican unit placed about US$11m into solar and wind via its Sustainable Energy Fund, adding more climate-linked capital to the local market. Maritime & LNG: Svitzer Caribbean Dominicana added the Svitzer Manzanillo tugboat to support LNG transshipment, signaling growing port demand. Agriculture & Compliance: The Environment Ministry imposed a temporary ban on unauthorized agricultural burning while expanding surveillance to curb forest fires. Public Safety & Health: The Health Ministry advanced 100% smoke-free environments with PAHO/WHO support, targeting tobacco and vaping exposure. Security & Enforcement: Authorities seized 580,000 contraband cigarettes from Haiti in a MICM-CECCOM operation, with cases headed to legal proceedings. Governance & Regulation: Tourism Minister David Collado said a national registry will help regulate Airbnb-style stays for safety and emergency response. Industry & Innovation: The Institute for the Future launched in Santo Domingo to promote foresight and strategic planning across sectors. Infrastructure: A semi-trailer accident on JFK Avenue caused major traffic disruption as DIGESETT rerouted drivers.

Renewables Finance: JMMB’s Dominican Republic arm placed US$11.07m into solar and wind via its Sustainable Energy Fund, as DR collective investment schemes grew 18% to $39.9b. Mining & Markets: Capstone Copper reported record adjusted net income of $97.6m (Q2) and record sulphide production at Chile’s Mantoverde, while Arizona results were hit by maintenance. Tourism & Safety Regulation: The Ministry of Tourism will create a national registry for Airbnb-style rentals to improve tourist safety and emergency response (not to manage host taxes). Health Infrastructure: SNS began the first phase of renovating Salvador B. Gautier Hospital with nearly one billion pesos to modernize care and facilities. Construction & Logistics Disruption: A semi-trailer crash at John F. Kennedy Ave. / Núñez de Cáceres spilled materials and triggered major traffic diversions. Agribusiness & Food Costs: Asomaprom urged Abinader to route more imported agricultural goods through wholesalers to help lower the basic food basket. Energy Demand: DR hit a new electricity demand record at 4,203 MW, signaling continued pressure on generation and grid planning. Workforce & Innovation: Infotep pushed technical-vocational training modernization, citing AI and automation as drivers of new skills needs. Culture & Talent: The Ministry of Culture opened applications for the Atelier Yubarta residency at Cayo Levantado (Sept. 15 start). Tourism Transport Partnership: ITF and Tourism Ministry signed cooperation to raise road safety and service standards for workers serving visitors.

Critical Minerals & Trade Deals: A new analysis says the U.S. is pushing “critical minerals” access through bilateral agreements tied to national security, but many are negotiated in secrecy under tariff threats and legal ambiguity. Hospital Modernization: The SNS began the first phase of renovating Salvador B. Gautier Hospital with nearly one billion pesos, aiming for modern infrastructure and safer, more humanized care. Tourism & Aviation Growth: Punta Cana’s Free Trade Zone is expanding, while Arajet crossed 1 million passengers in the first half of 2026, boosting regional connectivity. Tourism Regulation: The Ministry of Tourism plans an Airbnb-style national registry to improve tourist safety and emergency response, not to manage taxes. Public Health Push: Health authorities, with PAHO/WHO support, are advancing 100% smoke-free environments and youth-focused anti-tobacco and anti-vaping efforts. Infrastructure & Logistics: A construction-materials truck accident blocked Santo Domingo’s John F. Kennedy Avenue, and residents are demanding answers over a road expansion near the Botanical Garden. Disaster Preparedness: A geologist urges decentralized emergency response, seismic risk mapping, and construction standards that match local soil conditions. Tech & Skills: Dominicana Tech Week kicked off with 70+ events on AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Energy & Industry: The UNE denied Havana rumors that a vessel from the Dominican Republic is meant to generate electricity, saying it’s only for maintenance. Hospitality Leadership: Cayo Levantado Resort named Maria Lamarche as general manager. Culture & Talent: The Ministry of Culture opened applications for the Atelier Yubarta residency at Cayo Levantado, starting Sept. 15, 2026.

Tourism & Aviation: Arajet hit a major milestone, carrying 922,593 passengers in the first half of 2026 and topping 1 million total with connecting traffic, reinforcing its role in boosting Dominican Republic connectivity. Hospitality Expansion: Lopesan opened three new all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana—Caoba Lagoon, Serenity Bay and Splash Cove—adding 1,000+ rooms after a $350M investment. Business & Workforce Training: Infotep pushed technical-vocational modernization, focusing on how AI and automation are reshaping skills for the future of work. Tech Ecosystem: Dominicana Tech Week launched in Santo Domingo, Santiago and Punta Cana with 70+ events and 5,000+ attendees across AI, fintech, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Energy Demand: The Dominican Republic set a new electricity demand record at 4,277 MW, the second straight day of historic peaks. Public Health Policy: The Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO support, advanced smoke-free space enforcement through youth-focused dialogue. Legislation for Growth: The Senate advanced a bill to create a health tourism council (Condetusa) to standardize and promote the sector. Trade & Compliance Risk: U.S. forced-labor Section 301 tariffs are hitting Dominican exports, with analysts pointing to a Chinese-owned aluminum firm in the country as a key target. Sports & National Spotlight: DR added nine medals at Santo Domingo 2026, reaching 57 total awards, while a Dominican athlete placed sixth in the global Adobe Certified Professional World Championship.