The Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic (MICM), Ito Bisonó, highlighted collaboration opportunities and the availability of investment in key sectors of the country, including tourism, energy, free zones, and agribusiness. His remarks came during the business forum “Dominican Republic: Strategic Caribbean Platform for Spanish Investment,” held in the Ibero-American Conference Series.
The event was inaugurated by Miguel Garrido, Vice President of CEOE and President of CEIM, alongside Jaime Montalvo, Director of International Affairs at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. The Dominican Ambassador to Spain, Tony Raful Tejada, also participated. The forum provided a direct platform for exploring investment opportunities, solidifying the country’s position as a strategic partner for Spain with concrete projects in priority sectors.
Montalvo emphasized that the Dominican Republic’s numerous advantages—its strategic location, trade agreements, infrastructure, legal framework, and investment incentives—position it as an attractive destination for foreign investment, particularly from Spain. He also noted that the country’s potential extends beyond established industries such as food production and tourism, reaching into emerging sectors like healthcare, strengthening its role as a gateway to major markets, including the United States.
Thanks to its preferential access to multiple markets, a favorable regulatory environment, and its geographic positioning, the Dominican Republic has become a key player in the region. Ambassador Tony Raful underscored that the country provides access to 1.2 billion consumers through its various trade agreements. In 2023, the nation attracted more than $4.3 billion in foreign investment, focusing on tourism, infrastructure, and energy, where Spain plays a fundamental role.
During his speech, Bisonó emphasized that the Dominican Republic has overcome major challenges, consolidating itself as a stable and modern economy, with a projected growth rate of 5% in 2024, reinforcing its status as a regional leader in Latin America. This progress is largely attributed to strong public-private partnerships, which have enhanced the country’s competitiveness in a world that demands more efficient and resilient supply chains.
He cited key strategic initiatives, including the Logistics Centers Law, the Manzanillo Industrial and Logistics Project, and the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone, which will expand air connectivity to more than 300 cities worldwide. Additionally, he mentioned the expansion of ports and modernization of airports, further strengthening the Dominican Republic’s role as a regional logistics hub.
Finally, the minister affirmed that the Dominican Republic is an ideal platform for accessing third-party markets and establishing industrial and commercial operations, noting that in 2024, the European Union has become the second-largest destination for Dominican exports, while the United States remains its primary economic partner. (https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2025/05/03/government-promotes-dominican-tourism-potential-to-spanish-investors/)
