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President Luis Abinader appeared at “La Semanal con la Prensa”, where the Government projected that the Dominican Republic will reach US$4.86 billion in foreign direct investment by the end of 2025. Santo Domingo — Nov. 4, 2025 | Diario Libre.

Abinader stated that the Dominican Republic is strengthening its position among Latin American countries that attract the most foreign direct investment. He explained that, according to the World Investment Report, global FDI fell by 11% in 2024, while the Caribbean grew by 21%, driven mainly by increased investments in the Dominican Republic. He added that the country has seen economic growth of 4.5% in recent years and that this growth is projected to continue into 2026, reflecting both the foreign investment received in 2025 and the confidence of international economic agents in the Dominican economy.

ProDominicana’s director, Biviana Riveiro, highlighted that the Dominican Republic is considered the most valuable Country Brand in Central America according to the Global Soft Power Index 2025, and that it is the leading destination in the region for FDI projects in renewable energy and tourism, according to fDi Markets 2024.

In the first half of 2025, the country captured US$2,892.8 million in foreign investment, which represents a 15.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. For the full year 2024, investment reached a historic record of US$4,523 million, and for 2025 it is projected to reach US$4,860 million. Over the 2019–2024 period, foreign direct investment grew by 49.7%. The main investing countries, measured in millions of dollars, were the United States with 1,161.9, Spain with 1,126, Brazil with 229.2, Canada with 207.4, and Panama with 192.2. The most dynamic sectors were tourism at 28.4% and energy at 25.2%, reflecting growing interest in renewable energy.

Regarding market access, the country’s key trade agreements include DR-CAFTA with the United States and Central America, CARICOM with the Caribbean Community, 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 grown by 28% since 2019, reaching a historic record of US$12,925 million in 2024. This performance is supported by preferential access to more than 1.2 billion consumers, as highlighted during La Semanal con la Prensa.

The Dominican Republic also emphasized its strategic connectivity, noting that it has eight international airports, 17 cruise terminals and cargo ports, more than 135,000 commercial flights, and more than 370 daily flights operated by 375 air operators, with 19 million passengers recorded between arrivals and departures. In terms of human capital, the country reported more than 85,000 graduates in business and economics, over 24,000 engineers, 50,000 health professionals, more than 16,000 professionals in Information and Communication Technologies, and 97,000 students enrolled in English immersion programs.

Tourism continues to be a growth engine, maintaining a regional leadership position with 11.2 million visitors by air and sea in 2024, which is 48% more than in 2019. The sector generated record revenues of US$10,974 million in 2024, recorded 399,620 direct and indirect jobs, and reached a hotel occupancy rate of 76.4%. For January through September 2025, arrivals totaled 8.6 million visitors, representing a 2.6% increase compared to the previous year.

Free trade zones also maintain steady growth, with more than 90 parks and 850 companies in operation. Exports from the sector reached US$8,607 million in 2024, which is 6.9% more than in 2023. The sector generates 198,600 direct jobs and has attracted US$417 million in foreign direct investment.

Foreign capital has a significant impact on the economy. Foreign-owned companies account for nearly 70% of national exports, totaling US$8,914 million. They contribute US$3,850 million in taxes, representing 28% of total tax revenue, and generate more than 210,000 formal jobs, equivalent to 9% of all formal workers in the country. The accumulated FDI stock at the end of 2024 was estimated at US$60,870 million.

Finally, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, highlighted the FDI Attraction and Expansion Plan 2025–2036, which 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 2030, the Digital Agenda 2030, and the National Innovation Policy.