Dominican Republic: A Strategic Platform for Trade, Investment, and Sustainable Growth

Trade & Investment Framework
The Dominican Republic maintains active trade agreements with CARIFORUM–European Union, CARIFORUM–United Kingdom, and a partial scope agreement with Panama. It also enjoys preferential access to markets such as Australia, Japan, Russia, and Switzerland. In addition, investment promotion and protection agreements have been signed with Argentina, Qatar, Chile, South Korea, Spain, France, Italy, Morocco, the Netherlands, Panama, and Switzerland. As a result, Dominican exports have expanded significantly since 2019, reaching a historic record in 2024. This performance is supported by preferential access to a global consumer base exceeding one billion people, as highlighted during La Semanal con la Prensa.

Strategic connectivity
The Dominican Republic also emphasized its strategic connectivity through a strong air and maritime network, supported by multiple international airports, cruise terminals, and cargo ports. The country continues to sustain high volumes of commercial operations and daily flights, with millions of passengers moving through its system each year. This connectivity reinforces the country’s role as a regional hub for tourism, trade, and logistics.

Human capital
In terms of human capital, the country reported a broad base of trained professionals across business, economics, engineering, healthcare, and information and communication technologies, alongside strong participation in English immersion programs. This talent pool strengthens the country’s capacity to support complex operations across industrial and public-sector initiatives.

Tourism performance
Tourism continues to be a major growth engine, maintaining a leadership position in the region. The sector has shown sustained expansion compared to pre-2019 levels, achieving record performance in revenues, employment, and hotel occupancy. Recent results also point to continued growth in visitor arrivals, reinforcing tourism as a driver for infrastructure, hospitality, and real estate development.

Free trade zones
Free trade zones also maintain steady growth, supported by a strong base of operating parks and companies. The sector continues to expand exports, generate substantial employment, and attract foreign direct investment, reinforcing its role as a pillar of industrial development and international competitiveness.

Foreign capital impact
Foreign capital has a significant impact on the economy. Foreign-owned companies represent a major share of national exports, contribute strongly to tax revenues, and generate a large base of formal employment. The accumulated stock of foreign direct investment reflects long-term confidence in the Dominican Republic’s economic fundamentals and investment climate.

Future-facing investment strategy
Finally, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, highlighted the FDI Attraction and Expansion Plan for the coming decade. The plan promotes innovative sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, the aeronautical and aerospace industry, automotive, electronics, logistics and distribution centers, and life sciences, while also continuing to support traditional sectors including agribusiness, renewable energy, solid waste management, mining, tourism, the film industry, and real estate. The plan is aligned with the National Development Strategy, the Digital Agenda, and the National Innovation Policy.