AGP Executive Report

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.

Public Health: The Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO support, is pushing stronger tobacco smoke-free policies and youth-led action through “Unfiltered: Youth, Tobacco, and Reality.” Workforce & Training: Infotep says technical-professional training must evolve fast as AI and automation reshape jobs, with a new focus on future-oriented programs. Tech & Innovation: Dominicana Tech Week kicks off in the DR with 70+ events across Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Punta Cana to boost AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Tourism & Transport: The DR and ITF sign a cooperation deal to improve safety, quality, and sustainability in tourism-linked transportation. Aviation Growth: Arajet surpasses 1 million passengers in the first half of 2026, strengthening regional connectivity. Energy Demand: Electricity demand hits a new DR record peak of 4,277 MW, driven by summer temperatures and economic activity. Health Tourism Policy: The Senate advances a bill to create a national council to develop and regulate health tourism. Infrastructure & Industry: The Amber Highway project is set to cut Santiago–Puerto Plata travel time to about 30 minutes, aiming to improve safety and regional growth. Mining: Precipitate Gold reports results from a 2,050m diamond drill program in Pueblo Grande Norte, with no economically significant mineralization found. Consumer Protection: Pro Consumidor and COB-RD sign an agreement to curb abusive debt collection practices and unwanted contact. Trade & Tariffs: U.S. forced-labor Section 301 tariffs are reported as hitting Dominican exports, with analysts pointing to a Chinese-owned aluminum manufacturer as a key target. Hospital Upgrade: Abinader delivers the renovated Hacienda Estrella Municipal Hospital after a 20+ year delay.

Tourism & Hospitality: Lopesan Hotel Group opened three new all-inclusives in Punta Cana—Caoba Lagoon, Serenity Bay, and Splash Cove—adding 1,000+ rooms with a $350M investment and a shared resort campus feel. Public Health & Infrastructure: President Abinader delivered the renovated Hacienda Estrella Municipal Hospital in Santo Domingo Norte (RD$103.8M), completing a 20+ year backlog with expanded emergency services. Road Safety & Logistics: Industrias San Miguel (ISM) received national recognition for corporate road safety, certifying 389 drivers and training 85%+ of its heavy fleet. Trade & Industry Pressure: The U.S. imposed 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariffs on Dominican exports to the U.S., with Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L. flagged as a key catalyst. Energy: SENI hit a new July record demand of 4,203 MW, driven by heat, air conditioning, and ongoing economic activity. Digital Border & Travel Tech: Punta Cana International Airport rolled out $22M automated border-control kiosks for faster, more secure arrivals. Agriculture & Food Security: Abinader credited farmers as the DR exits the FAO Hunger Map, pledging continued support for modernization and access. Tobacco & E-commerce: TOPCIGARSHUB launched a digital marketplace to connect Dominican premium cigar brands with buyers in the U.S. and Europe. Construction & Mobility: The planned Amber Highway is expected to cut Santiago–Puerto Plata travel time to about 30 minutes, with a RD$28.8B, four-lane design and tunnels.

Electricity & Energy: SENI hit a new July record, meeting peak demand of 4,203 MW at 8:56 p.m., with officials pointing to expanded generation capacity and expecting more highs through August and September. Agriculture & Food Security: President Abinader celebrated the Dominican Republic’s exit from the FAO Hunger Map, crediting producers and policies that boosted production and access to food, while pledging continued support for modernization. Infrastructure & Transport: The planned Amber Highway (RD$28.8B) is set to cut Santiago–Puerto Plata travel from about 90 minutes to around 30 minutes, with tunnels and safety-focused design. Tourism Tech: A new KnowMe RD app is being promoted to connect visitors with verified local guides and services, aiming to personalize itineraries and improve the mobile travel experience. Consumer & Debt Collection: Pro Consumidor and COB-RD signed an agreement to curb abusive debt collection, including limits on unwanted calls and rules for digital and AI-driven communications. Trade & Exports: Reports say Dominican exports to the U.S. are facing a 12.5% tariff under forced-labor Section 301 scrutiny, with analysts pointing to a Chinese-owned aluminum extrusion firm as a key target. Logistics & Border Processing: Punta Cana airport introduced six automated border-control kiosks for arriving travelers to speed processing and reduce direct contact with agents. Legal/Power Sector: A court authorized up to US$5M in precautionary asset seizures in an Azua power project dispute involving Dynex Energy and related parties.

US Tariffs & Trade Pressure: The U.S. imposed a 12.5% Section 301 tariff on Dominican exports to the U.S., with Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L. (Chinese-owned aluminum extrusion) flagged as a key driver after a prior forced-labor finding by CBP. Airport Automation for Tourism: Punta Cana International Airport rolled out six automated border-control kiosks for arriving travelers, aiming to speed processing and reduce physical contact at immigration. Education Logistics: Minerd is ramping up the 2026-2027 school year with millions of textbooks/workbooks, INABIE school supply kits, and plans for 1,500 new classrooms by August (plus more by year-end). Agribusiness Risk from El Niño: COE warns commercial agriculture to prepare for losses as El Niño intensifies, citing banana, rice, and cocoa as most vulnerable. Water & Environment: The Environment Ministry highlighted progress protecting the Yaque del Norte River basin through reforestation, soil conservation, and climate-resilient watershed projects. Medical Supply Chain: DP World secured ISO 13485 certification in the Dominican Republic to support compliant logistics for medical device manufacturers. Food Security Milestone: FAO confirmed the DR exited the global hunger map after undernourishment fell below 2.5%, citing coordinated policy and agricultural support. Urban Mobility in Punta Cana: A Verón-Punta Cana planning proposal pushes sustainable transit-oriented development, including a first formal bicycle lane network and a clearer road hierarchy.

Jones Act Energy Shock: The Washington Post urges permanent relaxation of the Jones Act for Puerto Rico, arguing the law forces the island to buy costly propane despite a lack of compliant LPG vessels—an energy-security and cost-pressure story with spillover relevance for regional fuel logistics. Agriculture & Food Security: The Dominican Republic is pushing food-system resilience on multiple fronts: COE warns El Niño could trigger major losses for banana, rice and cocoa, while the country also plans a Latin American food security summit in August and highlights progress protecting the Yaque del Norte River basin. Public Sector Integrity & Digital Transformation: ITLA and DIGEIG announced a joint agenda to strengthen ethics, transparency, and the State’s digital transformation through training and expanded internships. Medical Supply Chain Upgrade: DP World secured ISO 13485 certification in the DR, boosting compliant logistics for medical device manufacturers in the Free Zones. Aviation & Manufacturing Capability: At AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the DR showcased the first locally built Van’s RV-8 experimental aircraft, signaling growing aircraft assembly capacity. Trade & Export Pressure: New U.S. forced-labor Section 301 tariffs (10%–12.5%) raise concerns that DR exports could lose competitiveness, with exporters calling for careful review of tariff subheadings and exclusions. Economy Watch: The DR’s Monthly Economic Activity Indicator grew 6.4% year-on-year in June, driven by mining, construction and tourism. Sports Tourism Boost: Santo Domingo kicked off the Central American and Caribbean Games with a major opening spectacle, while organizers cite large infrastructure investment. Road Safety Push: Movido warns traffic safety failures stem from weak enforcement of mobility laws and stalled photo-fine and vehicle inspection systems.

LNG Exports: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized Argent LNG to export about 25 million tons per year of LNG for 20 years, with the approved destinations including the Dominican Republic. Economic Pulse: The Dominican Republic’s Monthly Economic Activity Indicator (IMAE) grew 6.4% year-on-year in June, driven by mining, construction, and tourism. Games Boost: Santo Domingo 2026 kicked off with a high-tech opening featuring 1,100 drones and 500+ lasers, alongside major investment in sports venues. Road Safety Pressure: The Movido Foundation says traffic conditions are worsening due to weak enforcement of mobility and road-safety rules, including stalled photo-fines and limited vehicle inspections. U.S. Tariffs Fallout: Dominican exporters warn the new U.S. forced-labor tariff scheme could raise costs and reduce competitiveness, while the Dominican government issued a decree to block imports linked to forced labor. Textiles & Trade: U.S. textile groups criticized the forced-labor tariff “mechanism,” warning it could hurt domestic manufacturers; meanwhile, a study notes Dominican sourcing under CAFTA-DR remains a key supply source for U.S. fashion brands. Ports & Tourism: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide to improve safety and protect coastal operations. Food Trade: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba, shipping millions of eggs with a new subsidy for maritime transport.

Forced-Labor Tariffs & Local Response: The U.S. began new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs on 60 economies (10% or 12.5%), and the Dominican Republic is among those hit; Santo Domingo responded with Decree 502-26 to let Customs block, investigate, and restrict imports linked to forced labor, including actions on shipments in transit. Export Pressure: Dominican exporters warn the tariff jump (from the expiring 10% surcharge to 12.5% for affected goods) could raise costs and cut competitiveness, with calls to review product scope and exclusions. Textiles Under Scrutiny: U.S. textile groups say the new “textile mechanism” tied to CAFTA-DR sourcing could end up hurting domestic manufacturers, even as the policy aims to steer supply chains away from forced labor. Food Cost Strain: Former President Danilo Medina says families are “stopping eating” as the basic food basket gets more expensive, while Father’s Day shopping shows consumers are still cutting back. Ports & Logistics: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks to improve maritime safety and keep coastal operations running. Games Boost & Infrastructure: Santo Domingo’s Central American and Caribbean Games opening is set for a high-tech show with drones and lasers, while organizers highlight political support behind the event. Agriculture Trade: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba with a maritime-transport subsidy to offset logistics costs, targeting over 13 million eggs monthly.

Public Health Upgrade: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the renovated and expanded Hacienda Estrella Municipal Hospital in Santo Domingo Norte, boosting care for 60,000+ residents and calling for community oversight to protect and maintain the facility. Road Safety Pressure: The Dominican Road Mobility Foundation (Movido) says traffic problems stem from weak enforcement of Law 63-17, stalled photo-fines, incomplete vehicle inspections, and poor penalty collection—urging real policy follow-through. Trade Shock from the U.S.: New U.S. forced-labor tariffs (10%–12.5%) could raise costs and cut competitiveness for Dominican exports, with exporters warning they may need to renegotiate terms and review tariff subheadings. Forced-Labor Imports Blocked: Santo Domingo issued Decree 502-26 empowering Customs to block, restrict, and even order disposal of goods linked to forced labor, with an administrative process and inter-agency coordination. Agribusiness to Cuba: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba with a subsidized maritime transport regulation, shipping 3.9M eggs in the first batch and targeting 13M+ per month. Ports & Logistics: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide, including anti-corrosion work and repairs to lighting, decking, and mooring gear. Games Spotlight: Santo Domingo 2026 opening plans include 1,100 drones and 500+ lasers, while organizers highlight presidential support behind the event.

US Tariff Shock for DR Exports: The U.S. replaced the expiring Section 122 surcharge with new forced-labor Section 301 tariffs hitting 60 economies, with the Dominican Republic facing a 12.5% rate on affected goods—exporters warn it could raise costs and squeeze margins, forcing renegotiations. DR Forced-Labor Trade Response: Hours ahead of the U.S. move, Santo Domingo issued Decree 502-26 empowering Customs to block, re-export, or destroy imports linked to forced labor, with DGA as the lead agency. Cuba Egg Trade Resumes: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba, shipping about 3.9 million eggs in the first batch, supported by a new regulation subsidizing maritime transport to offset higher logistics costs. Ports & Tourism Infrastructure: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide, including anti-corrosion work and repairs to mooring gear, to boost safety and coastal commerce. Road Safety Push: Movido Foundation criticized weak enforcement of mobility and road-safety rules, pointing to stalled photo-fines, inspection gaps, and poor penalty collection. Games Spotlight: Santo Domingo 2026 opening plans include 1,100 drones and 500 lasers, while DGBA highlighted Dominican culture through major performances.

Forced-Labor Trade Crackdown: The Dominican Republic issued Decree 502-26 to block imports linked to forced labor, empowering Customs (DGA) to halt, re-export, destroy, or otherwise dispose of covered goods and coordinate with labor, foreign affairs, industry, and other agencies as U.S. Section 301 forced-labor tariffs take effect. US Tariff Shock to DR Exports: Washington’s new 10%–12.5% tariff schedule targets 60 economies over forced-labor enforcement gaps, with the Dominican Republic listed at 12.5% for affected goods. Egg Exports to Cuba Resume: Santo Domingo restarted egg shipments to Cuba with a maritime-transport subsidy, sending the first batch of about 3.9 million eggs in 12 containers and aiming for 13M+ eggs monthly. Port Infrastructure Upgrade: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide, including anti-corrosion work, lighting repairs, and mooring equipment fixes. Santo Domingo 2026 Showcase: The Games opening ceremony is set for Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium with 1,100 drones, 500+ lasers, and 30,000 LED wristbands, as the event boosts tourism investment. Seismic Preparedness Push: FUDEC and ONESVIE highlighted the country’s seismic fault risks and urged stronger building assessments and public earthquake education. Competition Law Update: ProCompetencia proposed modernizing antitrust rules for the digital economy, platforms, AI, and cross-border operations. Aviation Industry Move: FL Technics named Saulius Bajarunas as CEO effective Sept. 1, with continued MRO expansion including Punta Cana. Tourism Development Spotlight: Airbnb backed a Dominican vacation rental registry, arguing for proportionate rules that distinguish hosts from hotels.

Forced-Labor Trade Shock: The U.S. rolled out sweeping Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies over forced-labor claims, with the Dominican Republic hit at 12.5%, prompting immediate fallout across supply chains. DR Response: Santo Domingo issued Decree 502-26 to let Customs block, restrict, and even order re-export or destruction of goods linked to forced labor, with the DGA leading enforcement. Tariff Pressure on Industry: Analysts warn the new U.S. duties could raise compliance costs for textile and apparel sourcing, while DR textile exports were noted as exempt in the U.S. determination. Port & Tourism Infrastructure: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide to improve safety and extend dock life. Games as a Business Showcase: Santo Domingo 2026 opening plans include 1,100 drones and 500 lasers, while the government highlights over RD$5 billion in venues and tourism upgrades. Aviation & MRO Growth: FL Technics named Saulius Bajarunas CEO effective Sept. 1, as it expands operations including in Punta Cana. Local Economy Pulse: The Central Bank reported 6.4% year-on-year growth in June, led by mining and construction.

US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The Trump administration is rolling out new 10%–12.5% Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 economies, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, replacing emergency levies struck down by the Supreme Court. The stated target is countries accused of not adequately banning goods made with forced labour—an approach that could hit supply chains, including textiles and apparel. Dominican Economy Watch: The Central Bank reports Dominican growth of 6.4% year-on-year in June, led by mining (+18.1%), construction (+14.9%), and free-zone manufacturing (+5.8%), with services also contributing. Free Zones 4.0 Push: Adozona and CNZFE, with Unicaribe, urged Free Zones 4.0 upgrades focused on talent, logistics, innovation, and standards compliance to stay competitive in evolving global value chains. Agri Trade & Compliance: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba (12 containers, ~3.9M eggs) after logistical disruption, while former President Hipólito Mejía called for a review of phytosanitary controls after a U.S. mango suspension tied to Mediterranean fruit fly concerns. Energy Resilience: ADIE says climate risks demand stronger resilience planning for the electricity system to protect service continuity and competitiveness. Games Logistics: The government set a 1:00 p.m. workday cutoff in Greater Santo Domingo ahead of the Central American and Caribbean Games opening in Santo Domingo.

Free Zones 4.0 Push: Adozona and CNZFE, with Unicaribe, urged the Dominican Republic to upgrade free-zone competitiveness beyond cost—leaning into logistics, innovation, compliance, and specialized talent to power higher-value manufacturing and services. Agriculture & Exports: DR resumed egg exports to Cuba with 12 containers (about 3.9M eggs), aiming for more than 13M eggs as shipments move twice monthly; meanwhile, former President Hipólito Mejía called for a review of phytosanitary controls after the U.S. mango suspension tied to Mediterranean fruit fly detection. Energy & Climate Resilience: ADIE warned that climate-driven extreme events are already costing the economy and urged resilience upgrades for the national electricity system to protect service continuity and competitiveness. Water Supply Watch: CAASD announced temporary low-pressure outages in parts of Greater Santo Domingo due to reduced river flows from prolonged dry conditions, with water trucks deployed to prioritize higher-elevation areas. Games Logistics: Ahead of Santo Domingo 2026, the Public Administration Ministry ordered a 1:00 p.m. workday cutoff in Greater Santo Domingo on Friday to ease traffic, while the DAEH will deploy 70 ambulances and 300 staff for event medical coverage. Aviation & Tourism: Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón Airport won the ASQ award for the fourth time, citing improved passenger service based on independent surveys. Productivity Agenda: Government announced the first Meta RD 2036 Forum (Aug. 5) to accelerate reforms aimed at doubling the economy by 2036. Global Trade Pressure: U.S. tariff plans over alleged forced labor could include the Dominican Republic, with duties up to 12.5% under Section 301.