Dominican Republic positions itself as Caribbean hub for sustainable trade and investment

With historic growth in both exports and foreign direct investment, supported by structural reforms and innovative tools such as the Single Investment Window, the country is presenting itself as a strategic partner for Europe and the wider world, writes John E. Kaye

The Dominican Republic is consolidating its position as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports, according to figures from the country’s Export and Investment Center (ProDominicana).

The nation attracted a record US$4.52 billion in FDI in 2024, up three per cent on the previous year, despite global inflows falling eight per cent worldwide and nine per cent across Latin America and the Caribbean.

In the first half of 2025 alone, FDI reached US$2.89 billion, a year-on-year increase of 15.3 per cent. Officials say the performance reflects international confidence in the Dominican Republic’s stability, competitiveness and legal framework for investment.

Exports have also risen sharply. Merchandise exports reached US$12.93 billion in 2024, an annual increase of 8.3 per cent and nearly 30 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Between January and July 2025, exports totalled US$8.26 billion, up 10.3 per cent on the same period in 2024 – the highest level recorded in the first seven months of any year.

Growth was driven mainly by raw gold (up US$430.6 million), cocoa beans (up US$195.9 million), and medical instruments and devices (up US$38.3 million).

“With a solid economy, diversified export supply, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation, the Dominican Republic reaffirms its position as the Caribbean hub for sustainable export and investment,” ProDominicana said.

The country’s export mix is described as diverse and competitive, from fine flavour cocoa, high-altitude coffee and organic bananas to premium cigars, rum and medical devices. Services exports are also expanding, particularly in tourism, outsourcing and creative industries.

Officials highlight policies promoting renewable energy, logistics infrastructure and sustainable development, alongside incentive regimes in free zones and industrial parks. A key initiative has been the Single Investment Window one stop shop for investment, which integrates 41 procedures across 26 institutions to streamline approvals for investors.

READ MORE: ‘Biviana Riveiro Disla speaks to The European about the Dominican Republic’s role as a hub for trade and investment‘. As Executive Director of the Dominican Republic’s Export and Investment Center, Biviana Riveiro Disla has championed reforms and record-breaking results; John E. Kaye meets the lawyer turned policymaker shaping the country’s international profile.

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