AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic logged 585,363 flight operations over the past three years, moving 50 million passengers, and IDAC says a new ninth international airport in Pedernales is set to start in 2027. Regional Growth & Infrastructure: Government projects are boosting development beyond Santo Domingo, including a Santiago monorail trial in October and major water and hospital investments, while tourism and exports hit record highs in the first eight months of 2026. Rice Trade Stand: President Luis Abinader told journalists in New York the country will keep defending its rice production, drawing a direct comparison to how the U.S. protects its own. Diaspora Services Upgrade: Abinader launched the electronic biometric passport for Dominicans abroad, starting with New York, New Jersey and Boston, including up to US$9,000 for repatriation coverage. Labor Market Snapshot: The Central Bank reports employment reached about 5.27 million in Q2 2026, up 2.9% year-on-year, with informality still high but below the historical average. Public Safety & Environment: A major fire damaged a Colonial City home and nearby vehicles, while Sierra de Bahoruco faces serious wildfire pressure threatening endemic biodiversity. Business & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó coordinated DR’s UN General Assembly agenda, and 45 Dominican business leaders will head to the U.S. for Dominican Week 2026.

Biometric Passport Rollout: President Luis Abinader delivered the first biometric passport to a Dominican family in New York, valid for 10 years and including up to US$9,000 insurance for repatriation of remains. Diaspora Travel Support: The consulate said the new document modernizes consular services and adds stronger protections for Dominicans abroad. Jobs Update: The Central Bank reported employment rose 2.9% year-on-year to 5.27 million workers in Q2 2026, with informality at 53.8%. Airport Wellness: Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón airport opened a Green Garden Wellness Lounge offering massages and recovery treatments for travelers. Tourism & Growth: A new fly-cruise concept highlights demand for Dominican Republic travel routes, with operators pointing to rising north-coast investment and airlift. Regional Cooperation: Parlatino’s Caribbean Commission was formed to tackle shared challenges like sargassum and food security. Hispanic Heritage Events: La Fiesta del Pueblo celebrated Hispanic heritage with music, dance, and a Unity Walk, featuring Dominican food vendors.

Tourism & Travel: Puerto Plata’s international airport opened the Green Garden Wellness Lounge, a Caribbean-first wellness center inside the terminal offering massages and recovery therapies for arrivals and departures. Jobs & Economy: The Central Bank reported 5,271,005 people employed in Q2 2026, up 2.9% year-on-year, with formal work driving about half of the net job gains and informality at 53.8%. Real Estate Watch: A new map of Greater Santo Domingo construction shows Santo Domingo Este leads by projects, while Santo Domingo de Guzmán leads by square meters—highlighting where building activity is concentrating. Justice Update: A Dominican court granted a one-week recess in the Jet Set nightclub collapse trial that killed 236 people, with the hearing set to resume Sept. 25. Youth & Culture: Dominican youths hit 430 hours of continuous group reading, surpassing Nigeria’s Guinness mark, and are now aiming higher toward 500 hours. Business & Hospitality: Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana officially opened in Cabeza de Toro as a 467-room, adults-only all-inclusive with a major wellness program. International Mobility: The U.S. added the Dominican Republic to its Global Entry partner list, allowing faster airport immigration clearance for eligible travelers.

Budget Approval: President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña chaired the 60th Council of Ministers, approving the 2027 General State Budget at about RD$2.037 trillion, with priorities including education, health, social protection, infrastructure, and border security. Tourism & Investment: Abinader visited the Punta Bergantín project in Puerto Plata, a major “New North” development near Playa Dorada expected to attract investment, create jobs, and expand sustainable tourism. Court Update: A Santo Domingo court granted a one-week recess in the trial over the 2025 Jet Set nightclub collapse that killed 236 people, with the hearing set to resume Sept. 25. Youth Record: Dominican youths behind “Youth Out Loud” hit 430 hours of continuous group reading, surpassing Nigeria, and are now aiming higher toward 500 hours. Fuel Prices Backlash: Fuel price hikes drew public criticism, with neighborhood groups and civil organizations saying the increases hit basic necessities and daily life hardest. Global Mobility: The U.S. added the Dominican Republic to its Global Entry partner list, allowing faster immigration clearance for eligible travelers. Sports: The Dominican Republic’s Delfines del Este featured in regional football action, while Dominican baseball and volleyball results continued to draw attention across the Caribbean.

Public Health Crackdown: President Luis Abinader warned that the SeNaSa 2.0 probe will bring fraud-linked health workers “full force of the law,” as raids reportedly targeted doctors and other professionals. National Budget: The government approved the 2027 General State Budget bill of about RD$2.037 trillion, prioritizing education, health, social protection, infrastructure, and border security. Tourism Development: Abinader visited the Punta Bergantín project in Puerto Plata, a major “New North” investment expected to expand hotels, jobs, and a more sustainable tourism model. Youth Record: Dominican youths in “Youth Out Loud” hit a Guinness World Record with 430 hours of continuous reading and are now aiming for 500. Court Update: A Santo Domingo court granted a one-week recess in the Jet Set nightclub collapse trial that killed 236 people. Fuel Prices Backlash: Fuel price increases sparked public criticism and protests over rising costs of transport and basic goods. Travel Perk: The U.S. added the Dominican Republic to a list of 23 countries whose citizens can get faster airport immigration clearance via Global Entry. International Spotlight: A Russian singer went viral for performing Dominican merengue in Moscow, boosting global attention on the genre.

Public Health Crackdown: President Luis Abinader warned that fraud linked to the SeNaSa 2.0 probe will be met with the full force of the law as prosecutors carried out raids and arrests across the country. State Budget Vote: The Council of Ministers approved the 2027 General State Budget bill totaling about RD$2.037 trillion, with priorities including education, health, infrastructure, and border security. Tourism Development: Abinader visited the Punta Bergantín project in Puerto Plata, a major “New North” investment expected to expand hotel capacity, jobs, and a new tourism model. Court Update (Jet Set): A Santo Domingo court granted a one-week recess in the trial over the 2025 Jet Set nightclub collapse that killed 236 people, with the hearing set to resume Sept. 25. Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic and Jordan began a visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders starting Sept. 19, easing official travel between the two countries. Culture & Youth: Dominican youths hit 430 hours of continuous group reading in the Guinness “Youth Out Loud” challenge and are now aiming higher toward 500 hours. Sports (Regional): Defence Force’s CONCACAF Caribbean Cup run ended after a loss to Delfines del Este, while the tournament’s next domestic focus shifts to the TTPFL.

State Budget 2027: President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña approved the 2027 General State Budget at the 60th Council of Ministers, setting it at about RD$2.037 trillion, with priorities including education, health, social protection, infrastructure, and citizen/border security. Public Health Crackdown: Abinader warned that fraud and irregularities in the SeNaSa 2.0 probe will face the full force of the law, as prosecutors carried out raids and reportedly arrested doctors and other health professionals. Tourism Push in Puerto Plata: Abinader visited the Punta Bergantín tourism and urban development project to review progress and reaffirm support for the “New North” investment drive. Diplomacy & Travel: The Dominican Republic and Jordan will start a visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders on Sept. 19, and the DR also formalized defense cooperation with Portugal. International Spotlight: A Russian singer, Regina Roskina, is going viral for performing Dominican merengue in Moscow, boosting attention on artists like Miriam Cruz. Global Entry Update: U.S. Customs listed the Dominican Republic among countries whose citizens can use Global Entry for faster airport clearance.

Drug Policy & Security: The U.S. has added the Dominican Republic to its FY2027 list of 23 major drug transit or illicit drug producing territories, while stressing the designation doesn’t automatically mean a country is failing on counterdrug efforts. Consumer Protection: The Dominican Republic was named to the ICPEN Advisory Group for 2026/2027, joining a roster of countries working on international consumer protection and enforcement practices. Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic launched a new “Feel Dominican Republic” campaign in Miami, pitching culture, food, music, nature and baseball beyond beach tourism. Trade & Investment: The Dominican Republic will host “Dominican Week in France” in October, aiming to deepen economic, trade and cultural ties alongside SIAL Paris. Environment & Resilience: DP World Dominican Republic and Deep Green Foundation reported an 86% survival rate for mangrove seedlings in Boca Chica, with early signs of marine life returning. Agriculture Warning: ANPA says the country isn’t ready for a full opening of the rice market and warns that repealing Decree 693-24 could threaten rice self-sufficiency. Women in Work: New labor and education statistics show women’s formal employment and university participation have continued rising in the Dominican Republic.

US-DR Drug Designations: The U.S. named the Dominican Republic on its FY2027 list of major drug transit/illicit drug producing countries, while also publishing a separate “failed drug list” update that removed Venezuela for the first time in over 20 years. Tourism & Business Links: The Dominican Republic will host “Dominican Week in France” in Paris (Oct. 17–22) to deepen trade, investment and culture, and the country is back in the top 10 for French long-haul tour operators as direct air links expand. Local Economy & Policy: The National Association of Agricultural Professionals warned the DR is not ready for a full opening of the rice market, arguing that repealing Decree 693-24 could threaten rice self-sufficiency. Environment & Infrastructure: DP World and Deep Green Foundation reported an 86% survival rate for mangrove seedlings in Boca Chica, and a new Fondo Sur conservation fund aims to protect watersheds and marine ecosystems in the southwest. Governance & Justice: President Abinader will lead a CNM session to advance Supreme Court judge selections, and the Nido/Indisarq case hearing was postponed to Sept. 23. Tech & Migration: INM met UN agencies to strengthen joint migration research and training, while INDOTEL said it is investigating a Claro Dominicana mobile data exposure.

Digital Diplomacy: President Luis Abinader met Google Cloud’s Latin America chief Eduardo López in Santiago, highlighting support for Dominican digital modernization, public-sector tech cooperation, and new submarine cable links. Border Trade & Security: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó convened talks to launch a pilot of dry ports in the Comendador–Belladere corridor, aiming to formalize cross-border commerce and strengthen frontier logistics. Cocaine Crackdown: Dominican authorities launched Operation LM2, with prosecutors and DNCD agents conducting raids across Greater Santo Domingo, Hato Mayor and Santiago, seizing 168 cocaine packages and arresting “El Viajero.” US Drug List Update: The U.S. again included the Dominican Republic on its FY2027 “major drug transit/illicit drug producing” list, with Washington stressing the designation is based on geography and trade factors, not necessarily enforcement failure. Tourism Ports: Apordom says the Dominican Republic is pushing cruise terminal expansion—targeting nine by 2028—while advancing the Manzanillo project. Environment: Government officials are exploring a dedicated sargassum unit and offshore mesh-boom barriers, including a pilot approach with a Dominican-based firm. Sports: Club Sando fell 1-0 to Haiti’s Violette AC in the Caribbean Cup group stage after a late goalkeeper own goal.

Drug Policy & Diplomacy: The U.S. kept 23 countries on its “major drug transit or illicit drug-producing” list for FY27, naming the Dominican Republic alongside India, China and Pakistan, while Trump separately said Venezuela is no longer on the “failed demonstrably” blacklist. Anti-Crime Operations: Dominican authorities launched Operation LM2, with 13 prosecutors and 150 DNCD agents conducting raids across Greater Santo Domingo, Hato Mayor and Santiago, seizing 168 cocaine packages and arresting “El Viajero.” Human Rights & Security: The Dominican Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) says at least 50 Dominicans traveled to Russia between June and August 2026 to be recruited as combatants, with others allegedly lured by job offers. Border Trade Planning: Foreign Minister Ito Bisonó convened agencies to coordinate Decree 166-26, aiming to develop dry ports along the Dominican-Haitian border, with the Comendador–Belladère corridor proposed as a pilot. Public Order & Economy: The MICM and Ceccom destroyed 28.35 million units of illicit goods worth RD$362.8 million, targeting smuggling, tax evasion and unfair competition. Digital Transformation: President Abinader met Google Cloud’s Latin America president, highlighting support for the country’s digital agenda and new submarine cable links. Tourism & Ports: Apordom says it’s pushing for nine cruise terminals by 2028, including a planned Manzanillo cruise terminal in Montecristi.

Culture & Arts: Edanco returns to Santo Domingo for its International Contemporary Dance Festival, running 22 September to 4 October, with performances, workshops, and photography at venues across the capital. Weather Watch: Greater Santo Domingo faces an unsettled 48-hour period with moderate to heavy rains, strong wind gusts, and possible hail; the COE raised the National District and surrounding areas to yellow alert, while several southern provinces remain on green. Consumer Protection: Pro Consumidor says talks are underway to resolve a dispute over Anadegas removing verifones from more than 700 fuel stations starting 25 September, aiming to protect card payment options for users. Public Safety: Police arrested a suspect in the Serrallés knife attack on Gustavo Adolfo III Mejía-Ricart Risk; the victim remains hospitalized. Trade & Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic and South Korea launched a trade and investment dialogue to create a permanent business platform, with interest flagged in semiconductors, manufacturing, medical devices, and electronics. Border Tensions: Dominican lawmakers urged dialogue with Haiti after new restrictions on land entry of Dominican products, warning of a hit to binational trade and local producers. Aviation/Travel: Air France extended its Dominican Republic agreement through May 2027, supporting seasonal Punta Cana–Paris service. Sports (Regional): Club Sando and Defence Force suffered losses in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup in the Dominican Republic, with Club Sando knocked out 1-0 by Violette AC.

Border Trade & Health Watch: Defense Minister Carlos Onofre said there’s no anthrax alarm in the Dominican Republic and no preventive measures at Dajabón, as authorities monitor Haiti’s restrictions and keep talking with Haitian counterparts. Customs Crackdown at Dajabón: Haiti blocked Dominican goods at the border bridge, denying entry to a long list of products and requiring air or sea transport for exports—sparking fears of lost sales for border communities. Consumer Payments: Pro Consumidor said talks led by the Industry and Commerce ministry aim to resolve a dispute over verifone card terminals at fuel stations, after Anadegas announced removal from 700+ stations starting Sept. 25. Crime Update: Police arrested a 41-year-old suspect in the Serrallés knife attack on Gustavo Adolfo III Mejía-Ricart Risk; the victim remains hospitalized. Tourism & Connectivity: The DR strengthened its European push at IFTM Top Resa, highlighting growing French arrivals and new Air France and ITA Airways links. Economy & Exports: Exports hit a record US$10.56B through August 2026, led by a gold surge and manufacturing gains. Infrastructure: Santiago Monorail test runs are now set for October. Sports (Youth): FEDOM named the DR roster for the 2026 U15 Baseball World Cup in Mexico.

Customs Crackdown: DR’s General Directorate of Customs (DGA) recovered RD$1.652 billion in undeclared taxes from 389 Asian importers in the first half of 2026, using risk-based controls and post-clearance audits. Energy Update: President Irfaan Ali said Guyana’s grid needs massive investment after InterEnergy’s assessment showed rising demand and limited reserve capacity—highlighting the wider regional push for more reliable power systems. Aviation & Security: Aerodom confirmed last-minute operational changes at Las Americas International Airport, including new luggage scanners, tighter security, and expanded camera coverage, while a transport ministry update said Defence Force FC received special flight support for a Caribbean Cup match. Tourism & Business: Carl’s Jr. opened its first Dominican Republic location at Galería 360 in Santo Domingo, and Hyatt’s new adults-only Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana is now taking reservations for April 1, 2027. Regional Cooperation: CLAC and the Dominican Republic received an invitation to the Future Aviation Forum 2027, aiming to boost connectivity with the Middle East. Sports: Club Sando and Violette set up a top-of-the-table Caribbean Cup clash in the DR, with both teams already through to the semis.

Electricity Oversight: President Irfaan Ali said Guyana Power and Light isn’t keeping pace with demand, citing InterEnergy’s recommendations after rising grid needs. Airport Upgrades: Las Américas International Airport rolled out new luggage scanners, tighter security, expanded camera coverage, and QR-based parking payments, with a new terminal and hotel slated for 2027. Prison Transfer Debate: President José Raúl Mulino defended moving high-risk inmates to the Coiba Senan base, dismissing critics as a coordinated reaction. Customs Crackdown: The DGA recovered RD$1.652 billion in undeclared taxes from 389 Asian importers via risk-based controls and post-clearance audits. U.S.-DR Trade Tension: The U.S. asked the DR to repeal Decree 693-24 on rice tariffs, arguing it conflicts with CAFTA-DR market access commitments. Tourism Numbers: The DR welcomed a record 8.56 million visitors in Jan–Aug 2026, up 6.9%, with the U.S. as the top source market. Aviation Cooperation: CLAC and the Dominican Civil Aviation Board were invited to the Future Aviation Forum 2027 after talks with Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Banking Support: Banreservas set aside RD$7 billion to finance productive sectors, targeting construction and agriculture. Airport Tech: Aerodom launched an Airport Community App to improve real-time coordination among airlines and airport stakeholders. Business Launch: Carl’s Jr. opened its first Dominican Republic location at Galería 360 in Santo Domingo.

Critical Minerals Deal: The Dominican Republic and the U.S. signed a framework agreement to boost security and resilience in critical minerals and rare earth supply chains, with Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó and U.S. Ambassador Leah F. Campos highlighting shared investment and market protection. Public Safety & Health: Public Health stepped up anthrax surveillance after suspected cases in Haiti, stressing the measures are preventive and that Dominicans should not panic while health services improve detection capacity. Crime Case Update: The Public Ministry detailed how an alleged iPhone scam on Facebook Marketplace ended in the death of Emmanuel Contreras Medina after a meeting in Los Praditos turned into a robbery attempt. Weather Watch: Indomet warned of hot, dusty conditions with scarce rainfall, plus isolated showers and thunderstorms in parts of Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces, urging hydration and sun protection. Earthquake Monitoring: USGS reported multiple quakes across Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and near Haiti, with no tsunami threat. Tourism & Jobs: A report says tourism-linked companies show lower employee turnover (about 25%–30%), tied to job opportunities beyond big cities. Tourism Tax Boost: Tourism tax revenue has tripled over the past decade, reaching over RD$45 billion last year.