Abinader calls for greater regional cooperation at ECLAC Session in Santiago

Santiago de los Caballeros.- President Luis Abinader called Wednesday for greater cooperation among Latin American and Caribbean countries, arguing that the region cannot address its current challenges independently and that economic growth must translate into better wages, lower poverty and improved living conditions.

Speaking at the opening of the 41st Session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago de los Caballeros, Abinader highlighted the importance of sustained growth, macroeconomic stability, strong institutions, investment and regional integration.

He noted that Latin America and the Caribbean have a market of more than 660 million people, but trade among regional countries accounts for only 14% of total exports. He said greater integration could help businesses access new markets, connect to regional supply chains and benefit from improved connectivity and more efficient trade procedures.

Abinader also highlighted the Dominican Republic’s long-term development strategy, Meta RD 2036, which aims to double the real size of the economy by 2036, maintain average annual growth near 6% and increase per-capita income from about US$11,000 in 2024 to nearly US$23,000. The plan also includes creating 1.7 million jobs, tripling the average wage and eliminating extreme poverty.

The president said foreign direct investment surpassed US$5 billion in 2025 for the first time, while exports approached US$16 billion. He also reported that monetary poverty fell from 25% in 2019 to 14% during the first half of 2026.

Addressing broader global changes, Abinader said artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming employment, knowledge and services, creating both opportunities and challenges for governments. He urged countries to turn regional knowledge and analysis into concrete policies that improve people’s lives.

The Dominican Republic assumed the presidency of ECLAC for the period through 2028. Abinader said the country will promote dialogue, cooperation and agreements among governments, the private sector, universities, international organizations and civil society.