AGP Executive Report

Haiti Security: El Salvador has sent about 1,000 soldiers to Haiti after four members of the UN-backed force went missing. The Dominican Republic says it will not join combat operations, but is providing logistical support and strengthening its border, where 11,000 troops are deployed. Regional Crime: President Luis Abinader opened a Santo Domingo conference with security officials from 19 countries, calling for stronger intelligence-sharing and coordinated action against cartels. Food Security: The FAO removed the Dominican Republic from its Hunger Map after undernourishment fell below 2.5% in 2023–25; Abinader honored FAO chief Qu Dongyu for his work on food systems. Trade and Energy: Merchants urged the government to organize border trade as Haitian gangs demand fees for goods to pass. New rules for battery storage are expected in 2027 to support grid stability and renewable energy. Mining Accountability: Dominican representatives are among witnesses at a regional human-rights hearing accusing Canada of failing to address abuses linked to its mining companies.

Haiti and Border Security: Foreign Minister Víctor Bisonó ruled out Dominican troops joining military operations in Haiti, citing the risk to neutrality and regional stability. The government says it has contributed about US$20 million to the international gang-suppression force and provides logistical support, while President Luis Abinader has reinforced the southern border with two battalions and says gangs have not crossed into Dominican territory. Economic Growth: The economy grew 5.6% in September, with the central bank projecting 4.5% growth for the year. Tourism and Flights: Tourism Minister David Collado called a Canadian industry roadshow “historic,” with 1,250 participants. Arajet aims to increase passenger numbers on Canadian routes and raise flights to Montreal and Toronto from four to six per week.

Haiti Security: The Dominican Republic has reinforced its southern border with two additional battalions, heavy equipment and artillery, on top of roughly 11,000 troops already deployed. Santo Domingo also disclosed about US$20 million in support for the international gang-suppression force in Haiti, including logistics and medical assistance. Consular Support: Foreign Ministry officials arranged the safe return of four Dominicans who had traveled to Russia and decided against joining its armed forces. Economic Growth: The Central Bank says economic activity rose 5.6% year over year in September, with growth of 4.6% for the first nine months; it projects 4.5% growth for 2026. Tourism and Food Security: Tourism Minister David Collado says arrivals remain strong, with a record year in sight. Officials say the sector buys more than RD$98 billion in Dominican agricultural products annually.

Haiti and Border Security: President Luis Abinader said he would speak again with El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele about the search for four Salvadoran personnel missing in Haiti. The Dominican Republic is providing logistical and intelligence support while reinforcing its southern border; officials say the situation does not justify closing it. Economic Outlook: The Central Bank reported economic activity grew 5.6% year over year in September and forecasts 4.5% growth for 2026. Rice Tariffs: Protesters in Nagua urged the government to restore tariff protections, warning that cheaper imports could threaten local farmers, jobs and food security. Social Assistance: An economist’s review found more than 86% of households receiving Supérate cash transfers were above the official poverty threshold, raising concerns about aid reaching families most in need. Migration: The U.S. Coast Guard returned 63 migrants to the Dominican Republic after intercepting an overloaded boat in the Mona Passage.

Rice Tariffs: Social and political groups marched in Nagua against the repeal of protections for locally grown rice, warning that cheaper imports could threaten farmers, jobs and food security. Haiti Border: The Dominican Republic says it will keep the border open, but President Luis Abinader has deployed two additional battalions and military equipment to the south and plans to discuss Haiti’s gang crisis with El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele. Migration: The U.S. Coast Guard returned 63 migrants to the Dominican Republic after rescuing an overloaded boat in the Mona Passage; three others remain in U.S. custody. Energy Costs: From Nov. 1, some early rooftop-solar customers will pay a new fee on electricity they send to the grid, based on the amount exported. Tourism: Santo Domingo’s Colonial City now draws about 14% of monthly visitors to the country, as officials continue restoration work and prepare new projects.

Solar Costs: From Nov. 1, some early rooftop-solar customers will pay a fee on surplus electricity they send to the grid, reducing the value of exported power. Haiti Border: The Dominican Republic says it will keep the border open despite escalating violence in Haiti, while maintaining heightened security and monitoring. Dominicans in Russia: Three men say they were lured to Russia with job offers and sent to fight in Ukraine; the government is monitoring their case and has hired legal counsel. Public Health: Health officials confirmed 15 dengue cases in the latest week, bringing the 2026 total to 415, with La Altagracia reporting the most. Tourism: Santo Domingo’s Colonial City now attracts 14% of monthly arrivals, while Miches is drawing major hotel brands, including a planned Four Seasons. Economy: The Central Bank reported 5.6% year-on-year growth in September and 4.6% growth for January through September, led by construction and services.

Haiti Border: The Dominican Republic says it will keep its border with Haiti open, with trade and daily life continuing as security forces monitor escalating gang violence. Public Health: Authorities confirmed 15 dengue cases last week, bringing the 2026 total to 415; La Altagracia has recorded the most. Economy: GDP grew 5.6% year over year in September, bringing growth for the first nine months to 4.6%, the Central Bank reported. Tourism: Santo Domingo’s Colonial City now draws 14% of the country’s monthly tourist arrivals, up from 7%, as restoration work continues. Russia-Ukraine War: The Foreign Ministry says it is monitoring more than 30 cases of Dominicans recruited in Russia and has sent a mission and hired a lawyer to assist.

Public Health: The Dominican Republic is intensifying dengue prevention after 15 new cases brought the 2026 total to 415. La Altagracia has recorded 131 cases, the most of any province. Foreign Affairs: The government is tracking more than 30 Dominicans reportedly recruited to Russia and drawn into the war against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Víctor Bisonó said a mission has gone to Russia and a lawyer hired to review their cases. Canada Trade: Bisonó called for deeper economic ties in technology, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, noting Canada’s US$6.1 billion in Dominican investment from 2010 to 2025. An Ontario trade mission is planned for early 2027. Infrastructure: President Luis Abinader inspected a nearly three-kilometer drainage tunnel under construction along Santo Domingo’s Luperón Avenue, designed to carry stormwater to the sea and ease flooding. Border Security: The Defense Ministry said conditions do not warrant closing the Dominican-Haitian border; trade and daily activity will continue as authorities monitor developments. Workplace Safety: The Labor Ministry closed 24 Chinese-owned businesses over safety risks and labor violations.

Public Health: The Dominican Republic is intensifying dengue prevention, with 15 new cases reported in the latest week and 415 so far this year. La Altagracia leads with 131 cases. Infrastructure: President Luis Abinader inspected a nearly three-kilometer drainage tunnel under construction along Santo Domingo’s Luperón Avenue to reduce flooding; it is part of RD$9.5 billion in road projects funded through the Aerodom contract. Foreign Relations: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó called for deeper economic ties with Canada, highlighting opportunities in technology, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. A Canadian trade mission is planned for early 2027. Security: The Defense Ministry says current conditions at the Haitian border do not warrant closure, while security agencies continue monitoring developments. Dominicans in Russia: The government says it is tracking more than 30 cases of Dominicans recruited to Russia and involved in the war with Ukraine; a mission has traveled there and a lawyer hired to review their contracts.

Democracy and Dialogue: Dominican business groups are drawing up an agenda to strengthen democratic institutions and cooperation among government, employers and workers. Infrastructure: The government says it has spent RD$9.5 billion of Aerodom-funded proceeds on road projects, including upgrades to Isabel Aguiar Avenue and Plaza de la Bandera; major works remain underway. Trade: The Dominican Republic and Ontario plan a trade mission for early 2027, with talks focused on investment, energy and better access for Dominican products. Territorial Planning: Presidency Minister José Ignacio Paliza submitted a bill to the Senate to establish a national framework for land use and development. Tourism: Santo Domingo’s Colonial City now draws 14% of visitors to the country, double its previous share, as street and heritage-site improvements continue. Worker Safety: The Labor Ministry closed 24 Chinese-owned businesses over safety risks and labor violations.

Infrastructure: The government says it has spent RD$9.5 billion on road projects funded through the Aerodom contract renegotiation, including upgrades to Isabel Aguiar Avenue and Plaza de la Bandera; major works remain underway. Trade: The Dominican Republic and Ontario plan a trade mission for early 2027 to explore investment and business opportunities, including in mining and energy. Land Use: Presidency Minister José Ignacio Paliza submitted a bill to the Senate to approve a national plan for coordinating and monitoring land-use decisions. Tourism: Santo Domingo’s Colonial City now attracts 14% of visitors to the country, up from about 7%, as street rehabilitation and other upgrades continue. Technology: During Dominican Week in France, officials pitched the country as a base for semiconductor assembly and testing, aiming to attract investment and create skilled jobs. Education: Abinader awarded university scholarships and computers to five young Dominicans who set a world record with more than 500 hours of continuous reading.

Higher Education: A government-commissioned study says UASD must offer more career-focused programs as enrollment has fallen more than 31% since 2019, to just over 160,000 undergraduates. Trade: The Dominican Republic and Ontario plan a trade mission for early 2027 to build business ties and explore joint ventures. Worker Safety: Labor inspectors ordered 24 Chinese-owned businesses closed after finding serious hazards among 1,016 violations at 101 establishments; officials also reported widespread overtime and benefit violations. Rice Sector: President Luis Abinader defended the government’s rice strategy amid tensions with producers as the country negotiates with the United States over DR-CAFTA tariff reductions. Tourism Investment: Accor has 23 Dominican Republic hotel projects in its pipeline, representing nearly 6,000 rooms and up to 9,000 direct jobs. Regional Funding: The Dominican Republic is among Caribbean countries covered by a U.S. package of more than $340 million for projects in energy, ports, critical minerals and digital infrastructure.

Worker Protections: The Labor Ministry ordered 24 Chinese-owned businesses closed after inspections found serious safety risks and 1,016 labor violations across 101 establishments, including unpaid overtime and dismissals that authorities say deprived workers of benefits. Rice and Trade: President Luis Abinader defended the government’s plan for the rice sector amid the final phase of DR-CAFTA tariff cuts on U.S. rice, criticizing producers who left a meeting dissatisfied. Tourism Investment: Accor’s Dominican Republic pipeline has grown to 23 hotel projects representing nearly 6,000 rooms and as many as 9,000 direct jobs, following agreements announced during Dominican Week in France. Regional Connectivity: Arajet says flights to Trinidad and Tobago are unlikely before 2028 or 2029, as it awaits more Boeing aircraft. Pensions: A proposed social security overhaul would gradually cut pension-fund administrator fees and seek higher pensions and greater transparency. Baseball: Tampa Bay star Junior Caminero received the Juan Marichal Award as the season’s top Dominican major leaguer, after helping the Rays reach the World Series.

Air Links: Arajet says flights between the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago are unlikely before 2028–29, as it waits for Boeing aircraft and focuses on current markets. Banking: Banreservas marked its 85th anniversary with a Global Finance award as the country’s safest bank; assets reached RD$1.53 trillion in September. Support Abroad: The Foreign Ministry has hired Russian legal counsel to assess options for Dominicans reportedly caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Child Welfare: A UNICEF study found 54.9% of Dominican children ages 1–14 have experienced violent discipline, despite just 12.1% of caregivers saying physical punishment is necessary. Household Costs: The government says electricity rates will remain frozen at 2022 levels, with subsidies continuing to cushion households from higher energy costs. Baseball: Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay’s Dominican star, won the Juan Marichal Award as the best Dominican player in Major League Baseball.

Household Costs: The government says electricity rates will remain frozen at 2022 levels, with subsidies across all consumption tiers, while targeted fuel aid will cushion households and key industries from rising global prices. Canada Ties: The Dominican Republic and Canada signed an aviation-security agreement allowing trained government personnel on certain flights, as Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó also discussed Haiti, investment and regional connectivity with Canadian officials. Consular Support: MIREX has hired Russian legal counsel and sent a delegation to Moscow to assist Dominicans reportedly caught up in activities linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sugar Industry: New rules for the 2026–27 harvest prioritize domestic supply and export commitments, and require government authorization for sugar exports. Tourism and Investment: Santo Domingo completed RD$61.5 million in Colonial City street upgrades; Accor is returning with a US$22 million Punta Cana airport hotel planned for 2027. Baseball: Junior Caminero won the Juan Marichal Award as the season’s top Dominican major leaguer.

Colonial City: Tourism Minister David Collado handed over renovated streets in Santo Domingo’s historic district, part of a RD$221 million project; about 14% of visitors to the country tour the area. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects 4.6% growth for 2026 and cited 4.5% growth in January–September, while praising the government’s crisis-management plan. Rice & Trade: Rice-sector groups back President Luis Abinader’s push to renegotiate DR-CAFTA terms. Former president Leonel Fernández says a surge in imports has weakened the country’s negotiating position. Haiti & Football: Concacaf postponed a Caribbean Cup semifinal in Santiago after the government barred Haitian teams from playing in Dominican stadiums, a policy endorsed by Abinader. Tourism & Investment: Eleven cruise ships brought 45,627 passengers to Puerto Plata and Pedernales in four days, with projected local spending of about US$4.56 million. Separately, the IDB approved US$16.1 million for studies of a potential rare-earths project in the southwest.