AGP Executive Report

Trade & Security: Canada has regained access to the Dominican Republic market for beef and beef products after a DR audit confirmed Canada’s animal-health and food-safety controls. Public Health: The Dominican Republic says it has no anthrax cases, but has boosted surveillance as Haiti investigates 13 suspected cases in Grand’Anse. Education: The Dominican Evangelical Alliance is calling for a national response to weak PISA results, pushing measures like limits on cellphone use during school hours. Business & Economy: Banco BHD opened its fourth New York Real Estate Fair for Dominicans abroad, linking diaspora buyers with DR property projects and financing guidance. Technology & Skills: President Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” an AI literacy push aimed at training one million Dominicans. Local Economy & Costs: Anadegas announced 780 gas stations will disconnect Verifone payment services on Sept. 25 over fees. Regional Politics: The OAS urged that Haitian elections bar politicians with ties to criminal gangs. Sports: The DR is set to compete in NORCECA volleyball in Moncton, with qualification stakes for LA 2028.

Trade & Food Safety: Canada regained access for Canadian beef exports to the Dominican Republic after a DIGEMAPS/DIGEGA audit confirmed Canada’s BSE controls, ending restrictions dating to 2003. Public Health: DR’s Ministry of Public Health said it has strengthened anthrax surveillance amid 13 suspected cases in southwestern Haiti, stressing no DR emergency. Education: The Dominican Evangelical Alliance urged a national response to low PISA results, citing that only 9% of students hit minimum math proficiency, with calls to limit cellphone use during school hours. Regional Security & Elections: The OAS warned that Haitian elections should exclude politicians tied to criminal gangs and urged Haiti to speed up verification steps. Tech & Skills: President Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” an AI literacy program targeting one million Dominicans to improve digital skills. Business & Diaspora: Banco BHD held its fourth New York Real Estate Fair for Dominicans abroad, linking buyers with DR projects and financing guidance. Commerce Pressure: Merchants’ groups pressed for tougher oversight of Chinese-owned stores over alleged unfair competition and tax issues. Energy Retail: Anadegas announced 780 stations will disconnect Verifone services on Sept. 25 over high electronic payment costs.

Critical Minerals Deal: The Dominican Republic and the U.S. signed a cooperation framework to develop critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to strengthen supply chains and attract investment. Semiconductor Push: President Abinader backed PUCMM’s plan for a shared semiconductor lab after the university developed the country’s first microchip, with international partners supporting design and manufacturing. Border Security & Haiti: The Dominican military fence project is advancing, with defense officials saying it targets vulnerable border points and boosts surveillance and rapid response. Immigration & Courts: U.S. Catholic bishops urged the Supreme Court to reject indefinite detention without judicial review in a case involving a Dominican Republic permanent resident. Business/Finance: AM Best assigned ratings to Dominican insurer Multiseguros and revised La Colonial’s outlook to positive, citing improving underwriting performance. Sports Spotlight: Abinader opened HUB Camara Santo Domingo 2026; and in baseball, the Dodgers moved toward placing Shohei Ohtani on the injured list while recalling Dominican prospect Josue De Paula. Public Safety: Police in Edmonton asked for help locating two Dominican-origin children and their father, last seen Aug. 28.

Trade & Business Modernization: President Luis Abinader backed a new “Empresas en 24 Horas” platform to cut company formation to 24 hours, and pushed Ensanche La Fe’s transformation via a proposed Real Estate Corporation (CITELF) with a new MLB-spec stadium planned for the area. Tech & Skills for Growth: AWS will fund 50,000 free AI and cloud scholarships for Dominicans through 2028, while MESCyT and Arajet are teaming up to train the aviation workforce. Semiconductors Push: Abinader also endorsed PUCMM’s first university microchip project and a shared semiconductor lab among Dominican universities. Banking & Credit: Banreservas announced RD$7 billion available to finance productive sectors, citing strong disbursements and low delinquency. Tourism & Economy: Asonahores reports tourism’s GDP contribution and growth, and British Airways says the Dominican Republic is among the Caribbean destinations driving winter demand. Public Safety & Justice: Authorities issued a commemorative stamp for the Cocoa Commission’s 50th anniversary, while Dominicanos Primero offered RD$100,000 for tips to locate “Nice B” in a Haiti homicide case. Politics Watch: Historian Bernardo Vega predicts a runoff may be needed in the 2028 presidential election.

Baseball & Dominican Talent: The Dodgers are calling up Dominican outfield prospect Josue De Paula, with the move tied to Shohei Ohtani’s injured-list situation as LA manages right-arm and knee soreness. Education & Youth: New PISA 2025 results put Dominican students under renewed pressure, with reading and math declines highlighted alongside broader regional setbacks. Tourism & the Economy: Tourism-linked tax revenue in the Dominican Republic has tripled over the past decade, reaching more than RD$45 billion in 2025, with the sector’s wider GDP impact emphasized. Tech Skills Push: AWS and the Dominican government launched “Entrena República Dominicana,” offering 50,000 free scholarships in AI and cloud computing. Consumer Protection: Pro Consumidor marked its 18th anniversary, saying it has returned over RD$3.5 billion to consumers in the last five years. Diplomacy: Nicaragua decided to close its embassy in Santo Domingo amid a diplomatic crisis, after escalating tensions with the Dominican Republic. Water & Sanitation: The DR will present its progress on drinking water and coastal sanitation at an OAS meeting in Washington.

Diplomatic Rift: Nicaragua has ordered the closure of its embassy in the Dominican Republic, escalating tensions after Managua’s stance on Nicaragua’s elections and Santo Domingo’s recall of its ambassador for consultations. Tourism & Taxes: Tourism-related tax revenue in the DR has tripled over the past decade, reaching more than RD$45 billion in 2025, with the sector’s wider economic impact now estimated at 15.9% of GDP. Tech Skills Push: Amazon Web Services and the Dominican government launched AWS Entrena República Dominicana, offering 50,000 free scholarships in AI and cloud computing by 2028. Business Momentum: The Santo Domingo business sector says 18,000 new companies were created in the first half of 2026, alongside rising exports and trade agreements. Education Pressure (PISA): New PISA 2025 results highlight a major reading and math slump, with the DR also flagged for the sharpest global drop in student perseverance. Consumer Watch: Pro Consumidor marked its 18th anniversary, saying it has returned over RD$3.5 billion to consumers in the last five years. Water & Sanitation: The DR will present progress on drinking water and coastal sanitation at an OAS CIDI meeting in Washington. Sports Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Domínguez won Miss World 2026, bringing the crown back to the DR after 44 years.

Tourism Push: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a “new stage” for the Dominican Republic’s tourism model—higher hotel rates and higher visitor spending, so growth benefits more Dominicans, with stronger territorial planning flagged for fast-growing areas like Bávaro-Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata and La Romana. Education & Workforce: MESCyT will award 4,000 additional English scholarships for tourism workers, after earlier demand filled quickly, aiming to boost service quality and employability. Infrastructure & Trade: President Luis Abinader highlighted ports as the backbone of economic development at REPICA 2026, pointing to modernization and new projects including Pedernales, La Romana expansion, and the upcoming Port of Samaná. Public Safety Drill: The National Earthquake Evacuation Drill mobilized 3.2 million people across 12,500+ institutions, topping last year’s participation. Border & Security: Authorities seized 30,000+ illicit goods from Chinese-owned businesses in Santiago, including medicines and products lacking required permits/labeling. Regional Diplomacy: The DR is listed among countries joining the U.S.-backed “Shield of the Americas” coalition aimed at countering drug cartels.

Tourism & Economy: President Luis Abinader stressed that modern ports and logistics are central to Dominican Republic growth, pointing to projects from Pedernales to La Romana and Samaná. Higher-Value Travel: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a “new stage” for tourism—raising hotel rates and visitor spending, not just arrivals—while Asonahores leaders say the sector is diversifying toward luxury and niche experiences. New Air Links: Air Canada launched seasonal Montreal–Santo Domingo service, offering a full-service option beyond resort-bound flights. Workforce Upskilling: MESCyT will fund 4,000 additional English scholarships for tourism workers, with a focus on employability and leadership training. Education Watch: PISA 2025 results again show low performance in math, reading and science, with most students below basic proficiency. Public Safety Drill: A nationwide earthquake evacuation exercise mobilized 3.2 million people across 12,500+ institutions. Trade & Enforcement: Authorities seized 30,000+ illicit goods from Chinese businesses, including unregistered medicines and sexual stimulants. Tax Compliance: DGII is extending its “Scoring Tributario” tool to small businesses via its Virtual Office portal. Energy Planning: ETED opened an expression of interest for up to 600 MW/1,200 MWh of battery storage.

Energy & Infrastructure: ETED opened an expression of interest for battery energy storage in the Dominican Republic, targeting up to 600 MW/1,200 MWh for the interconnected national grid, keeping the door open for private investors. Tourism & Industry: Asonahores and AIRD signed a cooperation deal to boost Dominican-made goods in hotel and tourism supply chains, with a second track on sustainability and circular economy practices. Agriculture Financing: Banreservas, FAO and the Agriculture Ministry launched about RD$1.18 billion to modernize farming, including mechanization, water management, climate adaptation and productivity gains. Diplomacy & Borders: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó met Haiti’s Raina Forbin in Dajabón to set a bilateral agenda on migration, border governance, trade and security cooperation. Disaster Preparedness: The government scheduled a nationwide earthquake evacuation simulation for Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 10am. Mining & EU Ties: The DR and the EU signed a joint declaration to study rare earth elements, gallium and scandium in Pedernales. Politics & Society: President Luis Abinader led a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at the National Palace, calling it a commitment to service and solidarity. Education: A new PISA 2025 report shows sharp declines in reading and math performance across OECD countries. US Immigration Policy: The US Green Card Diversity Visa list for DV-2026 excludes the Dominican Republic among other countries.

Miss World Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, bringing the Dominican Republic its second title since 1982, with Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés first runner-up and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty second runner-up. National Unity & Faith: President Luis Abinader led a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at the National Palace, calling the event to turn into service, solidarity, and action across denominations. Tourism & Industry Link: Asonahores and AIRD signed an agreement to connect Dominican manufacturers with hotel and tourism supply chains, including sustainability and circular-economy pilots. Agriculture Financing: Banreservas, FAO, and the Agriculture Ministry launched a RD$1.18 billion financing mechanism to modernize farming through mechanization, water management, climate adaptation, and productivity gains. Border & Migration Focus: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó met Haiti’s Raina Forbin in Dajabón to set a bilateral agenda on border governance, migration management, trade, and security cooperation. Rare Earths Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic and the EU signed a joint declaration to study rare earth elements, gallium, and scandium in Pedernales, aiming for sustainability and better decision-making. Disaster Preparedness: The government scheduled a nationwide earthquake evacuation simulation for Tuesday, Sept. 8, with public institutions participating and private sector encouraged to join. Infrastructure Scrutiny: A new report raises red flags over financing and procurement for Phase I of the Santo Domingo Monorail, questioning whether funds were properly authorized and disbursed. Sports Surprise: In FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers Window 4, the Dominican Republic beat Brazil 94-90, while Brazil went winless in the window for the first time since 2022.

Miss World Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, after a finale focused on her “Beauty With a Purpose” work promoting English education for children in vulnerable communities; she becomes only the second Dominican winner since 1982. Border Security & Trade: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence along the Haiti border in Independencia (Hoya de Enriquillo), with 13-foot height, watchtowers, culverts, and patrol lanes aimed at curbing smuggling and tightening territorial control. Immigration Crackdown: In Greater Santo Domingo, immigration inspectors raided 12 food establishments and detained 38 Haitians with irregular status, including 34 men and four women. Economy Watch: Inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year in August 2026, with the Central Bank pointing to education-related price increases as a key driver. Public Debate on Rights: Jurist José Martínez Hoepelman argued for decriminalizing “speech crimes” when they relate to state matters and public interest, warning against using criminal law to chill criticism of public management.

Border Security & Smuggling Crackdown: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence along the Haiti border in Independencia, with 13-foot height, six watchtowers, 35 culverts, and patrol lanes to boost surveillance and curb illicit trade. Migration Enforcement in the Capital: Immigration inspectors raided 12 food establishments in Greater Santo Domingo, detaining 38 Haitians with irregular status, mostly workers at “Chinese fried chicken” restaurants. Politics & Anti-Corruption: A court ordered preventive detention for the prefect of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Johana Núñez, over alleged illicit enrichment, including asset seizure and restrictions on selling or transferring property. Economy Watch: Inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year in August 2026, with education-related costs among the biggest contributors. Tourism & Environment: Sargassum is worsening into a national problem, with concerns that it’s damaging beach tourism across the eastern region, including Punta Cana/Bávaro and Bayahibe. Global Spotlight (DR Win): Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, with her “Beauty With a Purpose” centered on expanding English education for children in vulnerable communities. Humanitarian Safety at Sea: The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted an overloaded boat near Puerto Rico carrying 77 migrants and later transferred 75 to Dominican authorities.

Border Security: The Dominican Republic has begun a second phase of a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence in Jimaní, Independencia, aimed at tightening control along the Haiti border, with a 13-foot-high structure, six surveillance towers, 35 culverts, and seven-meter patrol roads to improve mobility and monitoring in the Enriquillo Basin. Miss World Win: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, beating Spain’s Elisabeth Reynes Alabern and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty, with Mola’s “Beauty With a Purpose” centered on expanding English education for children in vulnerable communities. Tech Adoption: A new National Statistics Office bulletin says 35.0% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI, with higher uptake among larger firms and sectors like mining and quarrying. Tourism Pressure: Tourism leaders renewed calls for a firm, coherent national policy to tackle sargassum, warning that delays could push the problem into 2027. Humanitarian Concern: Rights groups say forced Haitian returns are overwhelming Haiti’s ability to receive people, noting the Dominican Republic accounted for the vast majority of deportations reported in the first eight months of 2026.

Beauty & Culture: Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic won Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, beating Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés (first runner-up) and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty (second runner-up). Her “Beauty With a Purpose” focus on expanding English education for children in vulnerable communities was central to her winning answer. Business & Tech: A new National Statistics Office bulletin says 35% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI in daily operations, with larger firms adopting faster and mining/quarrying leading among sectors. Tourism & Environment: Tourism Minister David Collado pushed a “next stage” for tourism—higher hotel rates and more tourist spending—while Grupo Puntacana founder Frank Rainieri warned there’s still no firm national policy to tackle sargassum, urging action now ahead of 2027. Humanitarian & Borders: Rights group GARR says nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026, with the Dominican Republic accounting for at least 194,465, raising alarms about Haiti’s limited capacity to receive returnees. Sports & Legal: A $100 million lawsuit was filed by Survivor Greece contestant Stavros Floros after a spearfishing accident in the Dominican Republic left him with a severed leg, alleging unsafe production conditions.

Tourism Policy Push: Tourism Minister David Collado says the Dominican Republic should move to a “new stage” by raising hotel rates and boosting tourist spending, arguing that growth must translate into bigger benefits for Dominicans, with tighter territorial planning flagged for Bávaro-Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata, La Romana and Bayahíbe. Asonahores Trade Results: The Asonahores 2026 Hotel & Tourism Commercial Exhibition wrapped with record scale—323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies and more than 5,000 visitors—plus 85% company retention. Civil Aviation & Visas: JAC president Julio Peña Guzmán met VFS Global executives to discuss improving visa services and the traveler experience. Electricity Bills Explained: A Santo Domingo power outage briefly interrupted Vice President Raquel Peña during remarks on higher electricity bills, with officials pointing to hotter weather and consumption shifts into higher tariff blocks. Public Safety Check: National Police denied a viral claim that 18 children vanished in the DR (2024–2026), saying no listed names matched missing-minor reports and urging people to verify before sharing. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Collado highlighted Mexican golf icon Lorena Ochoa’s visit as a boost for sports tourism. Legal/International: The DR said it prevailed in an international arbitration tied to a dismissed garbage management contract.

Tourism Push: Tourism Minister David Collado told Asonahores that the next phase should raise hotel rates and tourist spending so growth benefits more Dominicans, with tighter territorial planning flagged for Bávaro-Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata, La Romana and Bayahíbe. Trade & Investment: Asonahores’ 2026 Trade Expo in Punta Cana closed with record scale—323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies and over 5,000 visitors—showing strong repeat participation. International Outreach: Dominican Week in France (Oct. 17–22) was launched to boost trade and investment, pairing business meetings and SIAL Paris activities with cultural programming. Public Safety & Preparedness: The country set Sept. 8 for a nationwide earthquake evacuation drill, including sirens and a mass alert to mobile phones. Health Update: The Ministry of Public Health reported zero malaria deaths in 2026 and an 82% drop in incidence, with transmission concentrated in rural, agricultural and migration-linked areas. Energy & Transport: A power outage briefly interrupted Vice President Raquel Peña during tariff remarks, while JAC met VFS Global to improve visa services and traveler experience. Verification Alert: Police denied a viral claim that 18 children went missing (2024–2026), saying no names matched official missing-minor reports.