AGP Executive Report

Social Impact Funding: Cibao Association just announced the winners of its José Santiago Reinoso Lora Competitive Funds, awarding RD$20 million to 12 high-impact community projects under the 2025-2026 call. Infrastructure Pipeline: RD Vial says a feasibility study is underway for the Central Cibao Expressway, aiming to link the San Francisco de Macorís highway with the Duarte Highway near Cibao International Airport. Tourism & Travel Demand: Wingo expects 700,000+ passengers in the mid-year season and is adding new routes that include Punta Cana demand; meanwhile, Dominican tourism keeps pulling in Canadians, with the country surpassing 1.1 million visitors from Canada. Construction Reform Push: CONSTRUEXPO 2026 opened in Punta Cana with new construction-permitting measures, including a strengthened single-window process. Health Cooperation: PAHO and The Carter Center signed a pact to accelerate elimination efforts for river blindness and other diseases across Hispaniola. Business & Exports: ProDominicana highlighted continued momentum in tobacco and rum exports, with double-digit growth in early 2026.

Construction Push: CONSTRUEXPO 2026 opened in Punta Cana with new construction-permitting reforms, including an upgraded Single Window for Construction and the NORM system to standardize technical reviews—plus a 93% jump in construction licenses in the first four months of 2026 (380 to 665), signaling RD$230B+ in investment momentum. Labor Market: The Dominican Republic added jobs in early 2026, reaching 5.24 million workers in Q1, with employment up 2.3% year-on-year and women driving much of the growth, even as informality still accounts for most new positions. Energy & Cities: President Abinader inaugurated the Esperanza Renovable hybrid wind-solar plant (200 MW) and also moved to strengthen URBE’s leadership for Greater Santo Domingo urban renewal. Trade & Enforcement: Exports to Haiti rose 23.3% in Jan–Apr 2026 to US$442.7M, while prosecutors sought preventive detention for a migration inspector accused of airport bribery. Regional Politics: Omar Fernández took the Caribbean vice presidency at ParlAmericas, aiming to bring legislatures closer to citizens.

Tourism Momentum: The Dominican Republic just topped 1.1 million Canadian visitors, with officials citing strong air links (6,700+ flights in 2025) and high intent to return (92% in a survey). Trade & Exports: Exports to Haiti stayed resilient despite Haiti’s turmoil, rising 23.3% in the first four months of 2026 to US$442.7M, led by steel bars, cement, and wheat flour. Public Integrity: Prosecutors moved to seek preventive detention for a migration inspector accused of taking US$200 at Las Américas Airport in an alleged bribery scheme. Energy & Cities: President Abinader inaugurated a 200MW wind-solar hybrid plant in Valverde and also reshuffled URBE leadership to push urban renewal in Greater Santo Domingo. Business & Culture: ProDominicana highlighted tobacco and rum’s export growth, while a new push for accessible cruise excursions (Xploratur Access) targets more inclusive tourism experiences. Regional Watch: The DR joined a U.S.-led call for calm as Bolivia protests raise diplomatic tensions.

URBE Push in Greater Santo Domingo: President Luis Abinader promoted Rocío Vidal Carballo to executive director of URBE, keeping the agency focused on urban renewal and neighborhood readequacy around the Ozama River. Trade Resilience with Haiti: Dominican exports to Haiti rose 23.3% in the first four months of 2026 to US$442.7M, even as Haiti’s crisis continues—cement, steel bars and wheat products led the mix. Tourism Access Upgrade: Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence trained Dominican operator Xploratur for “Xploratur Access,” aiming to raise standards for inclusive, accessible excursions for cruise passengers. Business-Policy Spotlight: First Lady Raquel Arbaje told AmChamDR that sustainable development needs stronger public-private alliances. Global Signals: Diageo is rolling out Don Julio and Casamigos World Cup activations across 34 airports, including Santo Domingo. What’s missing: No major new DR-only finance or energy deal was confirmed in the latest hours beyond URBE and the Haiti trade update.

Bolivia-Colombia Diplomatic Fallout: Bolivia expelled Colombia’s ambassador after Petro called protests a “popular insurrection,” escalating a regional standoff that drew U.S. backing for La Paz and warnings from Rubio about “a coup in progress.” Air Travel Shake-Up: JetBlue is cutting 11 summer routes and exiting Manchester-Boston entirely, redeploying capacity to Fort Lauderdale—good news for Florida flyers, but a hit for Caribbean/Atlantic connections. Cuba-US Pressure: On Cuba’s Independence Day, Marco Rubio told Cubans the “real” obstacle is GAESA, as the U.S. moves to indict Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown of humanitarian planes. Santo Domingo Urban Stress: Architect Cristóbal Valdez says arbitrary sidewalk use and zoning violations have turned the capital into a “no man’s land.” DR Business & Policy: First Lady Raquel Arbaje pushed public-private alliances at AmChamDR, while the DR is moving toward national real-estate licensing to curb unregulated brokerage and misleading listings. Tourism Demand: Allianz data keeps Punta Cana and nearby Caribbean hotspots near the top for U.S. summer travel.

Public-Private Push: First Lady Raquel Arbaje told AmChamDR leaders in Santo Domingo that the Dominican Republic can’t reach true sustainable development without tighter alliances between government and business—arguing executives should turn their networks into social impact. Payments Upgrade: PayPal expanded PayPal USD (PYUSD) to users in 70 markets, aiming to make cross-border sending faster and cheaper for consumers and merchants. Caribbean Finance: The IFC is set to invest US$10m in a Sygnus-managed CARICOM resilience fund, with the Dominican Republic among the targeted markets for sustainability-focused projects. Trade & Industry: Dominican free zone exports hit US$2.803b in the first four months of 2026 (+4.3%), led by medical/pharma and tobacco. Logistics Decarbonization: DP World added 12 electric internal transfer vehicles at Caucedo, cutting diesel use and CO₂ over the next decade. Health Diplomacy: The DR was elected to preside over the 79th World Health Assembly, with Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah leading for a year.

Air Travel Push: JetBlue is adding more Caribbean flying from Fort Lauderdale, with extra frequencies to Aruba, St. Maarten, and a second daily flight to Santo Domingo starting July 9—while also trimming routes elsewhere, including ending Manchester service and cutting additional Newark flying. New Nonstop Options: Breeze Airways will launch a new nonstop Tampa–Punta Cana route (twice weekly from July 2) plus its first-ever Tampa–San Jose, Costa Rica service. Free Zones Exports: Dominican free zone exports hit US$2.803B in the first four months of 2026, up 4.3%, led by medical/pharma and tobacco. Port Decarbonization: DP World says it completed phase one of electrifying Port of Caucedo operations, adding 12 fully electric internal transfer vehicles (24 total), cutting diesel use and CO₂. Water Security: Indrhi and PUCMM signed a three-year pact to modernize water resource management. Food Trade Signal: US pork exports to the Dominican Republic surged 50% in March, with value hitting a record.

Real Estate Regulation: The Dominican Republic is moving toward a national overhaul of its property market, with proposed legislation that would finally require licensing and set rules for real estate agents, agencies, developers, and advertising—aimed at curbing unlicensed brokerage, misleading promotions, and fraud. Port Decarbonization: DP World is pushing greener logistics at Puerto Caucedo, adding 12 fully electric internal transfer vehicles, bringing the total to 24 and targeting big cuts in diesel use and CO₂. Free Zones Exports: Free zone exports hit US$2.803B in the first four months of 2026, up 4.3%, led by medical/pharma and tobacco. Mobility Boom: Motorcycle imports surged to 103,774 in Jan–Apr 2026 (+32.2%), underscoring how fast the country’s transport mix is shifting. Tech & Water: ITLA and Fortinet signed a digital defense pact, while Indrhi and PUCMM locked in a three-year agreement to modernize water resource management.

Free Zones Surge: Dominican free zone exports hit US$2.803B in the first four months of 2026, up 4.3% year-on-year, with medical/pharma leading at US$966M. Port Decarbonization: DP World advanced its green push at Port of Caucedo, adding 12 electric internal transfer vehicles (now 24 total), targeting big cuts in diesel use and CO₂. Climate Governance: The government approved a National Climate Transparency System to track emissions, adaptation and climate finance—aimed at unlocking more international funding. Aviation Expansion: Arajet received its 15th Boeing 737 MAX (“Isla Catalina”), and launched a new Mendoza–Punta Cana route, adding more South America–Caribbean connectivity. Inflation Watch: Inflation is now 5.1% year-on-year, with April up 0.49% tied to fuel pressures. Health Diplomacy: DR’s Víctor Atallah was elected to preside over the World Health Assembly.

Spain-DR Business Push: Spanish Ambassador Lorea Arribalzaga Ceballos says ties run deeper than diplomacy, pointing to Spain as the DR’s top foreign investor in 2025 with US$1.086B (21.5% of FDI) and citing legal certainty as a magnet for Spanish firms. Aviation Expansion: Arajet keeps scaling up—its 15th Boeing 737 MAX, “Isla Catalina,” is set to arrive and enter service, reinforcing the DR’s role as a regional air hub. Policy & Freedom Message: President Abinader received the Champion of Freedom Award in Miami, stressing that freedom needs responsibility, stronger institutions, transparency, and rule of law. Cost Pressure: Inflation ticked up to 5.1% year-on-year, with April’s rise linked to fuel-price pressure. Cybersecurity Boost: ITLA and Fortinet announced a digital defense partnership aimed at strengthening local talent for secure nearshore operations. Tourism Reality Check: “Survivor Greece” filming was paused after contestant Stavros Floros was seriously injured off Saona Island.

Tourism & Aviation: Arajet is restoring nonstop Punta Cana–Guayaquil service from October 2026, starting with two weekly flights, a boost for travel links and business connectivity. Energy & Cost Pressure: The government is keeping LPG prices frozen with RD$1.435B in subsidies while adjusting gasoline and diesel retail prices amid a global oil uptick. Local Governance & Growth Risks: In La Altagracia, Senator Rafael Barón Duluc warns tourism-led expansion is “punished by success,” pushing for a special census to fix gaps in education, transport, and basic services. Legal/Investigation: Authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the tourist boat captain tied to the Survivor Greece injury near Saona Island, as the investigation continues. Regional Resources: Rare earth exploration in the Dominican Republic is progressing, with studies expected to deliver estimates by year-end. Human Stories: A Dominican-born Arcadia University graduate, Jangeli Guzman, capped her accounting degree with an EY job offer—an education-to-career win that stands out amid broader economic strain.

Rare-Earth Race: Dominican officials say rare-earth studies in Pedernales are moving fast, with results on quantity and quality expected by year-end—after thousands of boreholes, test pits, and samples—positioning the country for a future supply-chain role as global demand rises. Tourism Pressure Points: In La Altagracia, lawmakers warn the province is “punished by success,” citing unplanned growth and service gaps despite the Punta Cana boom, pushing for a special census to fix distorted population data. Aviation & Travel: Arajet is bringing back nonstop Punta Cana–Ecuador service from October 2026, while local aviation authorities say Spirit’s exit will be “moderate” for low-cost capacity as other carriers absorb routes. Cost-of-Living Echo: A U.S. report highlights how rising food, rent, and transport costs are squeezing Dominican and other Latino households—fueling broader economic anxiety. Legal/Crime: Dominican authorities opened proceedings tied to a tourist-boat accident that seriously injured a “Survivor Greece” contestant, and a separate case alleges a couple tried to smuggle monkeys into the country.

Survivor Greece Shock: A contestant, Stavros Floros, was seriously injured off Saona Island while spearfishing during a filming break, after a tourist boat struck him; AcunMedya says he’s in “serious but stable” condition and Dominican authorities have opened a criminal case against the boat captain, with the show suspended pending investigation. Tourism Pressure in La Altagracia: Senator Rafael “Cholitín” Duluc warns the province is “punished by success,” citing unplanned growth, poverty, and strain on schools and services—pushing for a special census to fix data gaps. Aviation Watch: The Civil Aviation Board says Spirit’s exit from the DR will have only a “moderate” impact as other low-cost carriers absorb routes. Energy Costs: The government announced RD$1.435B in subsidies to freeze LPG prices and partially cushion fuel increases for May 16–22. Citizenship Update: 149 people from 30+ countries were sworn in as Dominican citizens.

Fuel Shock Control: The Dominican government is keeping LPG prices frozen and partially absorbing higher gasoline and diesel costs for May 16–22, with subsidies totaling RD$1.435 billion as WTI rises near US$105. Aviation & Tourism: Arajet resumes nonstop Punta Cana–Ecuador flights from October 2026 (two weekly 737 MAX 8 services), boosting connectivity for leisure and business travel. Energy Talks: Santo Domingo and Georgetown are in deeper discussions on oil, gas and energy cooperation, including possible interest tied to Guyana’s Berbice Block. Legal & Public Safety: Authorities opened criminal proceedings in the Survivor Greece boat accident near Saona Island, with a closed-door hearing set for the boat captain. Citizenship Push: 149 foreign nationals became Dominican citizens in a ceremony led by Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful. Business & Investment: Incabide’s first public auction raised RD$562.8 million from seized assets, signaling momentum for asset-forfeiture sales.

Fuel Shock: The Dominican government raised fuel prices by up to RD$8.00 for May 16–22 as global oil climbed, while the state set RD$1.435 billion in subsidies to partially cushion the hit. Citizenship Push: 149 foreign nationals from 30+ countries were sworn in as Dominican citizens in Santo Domingo, including large groups from Venezuela, Cuba, and Colombia. Energy & Deals: President Abinader returned from Panama and Guyana after pushing investment and signing an oil-exploration cooperation agreement; meanwhile, DR and Guyana advanced talks tied to Guyana’s Berbice Block. Aviation: Arajet is resuming nonstop Punta Cana–Ecuador flights from October 2026. Legal/Justice: Authorities opened criminal proceedings in the Survivor Greece boat accident near Saona involving contestant Stavros Floros. Climate Finance: CDB and FRLD trained Caribbean countries—including the DR—on how to tap a US$250M loss-and-damage grant facility. Travel/Business: Santo Domingo will host Funds4impact Summit 2026, aiming to turn funding conversations into co-investment partnerships.

Oil & Gas Deal: The Dominican Republic and Guyana signed an agreement to jointly explore and potentially develop oil and natural gas tied to Guyana’s Berbice Block, with Refinería Dominicana de Petróleo (Refidomsa) set to represent the DR and receive a 10% stake without upfront capital—aimed at boosting long-term energy security. Foreign Investment: Spain overtook the U.S. as the DR’s top foreign investor in 2025, putting Spanish capital ahead for the first time as the country logged a fourth straight FDI record year. Aviation Connectivity: The Senate approved a Greece air services deal, opening the door to expanded passenger and cargo routes. Public Assets: Incabide held the DR’s first public asset-forfeiture auction, raising RD$562.8 million from 100 sold assets. Justice Watch: The Attorney General ordered an investigation into the killing of Esmeralda Moronta, after prosecutors’ handling of gender-violence protocols came under scrutiny. Health & Travel: Cruise “stomach bug” outbreaks are rising globally, with norovirus driving more incidents—an ongoing risk for tourism operators. Entertainment: “Survivor Greece” was suspended after a contestant suffered a serious leg injury in the DR.