Business sector drives growth as Dominican Republic adds 18,000 companies

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s business sector is experiencing strong growth, supported by increased investment, expanding exports and policies aimed at improving the country’s business climate, according to Lucile Houllemont, president of the Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking at the opening of the seventh Santo Domingo Chamber Hub 2026, Houllemont said 18,000 new companies were created during the first six months of 2026, describing the increase as a positive sign for entrepreneurship, job creation and economic development.

She also highlighted the Dominican Republic’s five trade agreements covering nearly 50 countries and markets with more than 800 million consumers, providing greater opportunities for local producers and exporters.

Houllemont pointed to the country’s road network, modern ports, deep-draft vessel capacity and 24-hour dispatch programs as key advantages supporting international trade. Dominican exports reached US$9.267 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 12% from the same period in 2025.

Industry and Commerce Minister Eduardo Sanz Lovatón said commerce has become a major source of employment, with more than one million people employed in the sector, representing 20.2% of total jobs nationwide. He also highlighted the growing incorporation of technology and added value into the Dominican economy.

The event also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence in business. Paula Bellizzia, Amazon Web Services’ vice president for Latin America, said 76% of companies in Central America and the Caribbean use chatbots or generative AI assistants, while 13% have already deployed AI agents in strategic areas with dedicated budgets.

The forum brought together government officials, business leaders and international buyers with the goal of promoting investment, exports and stronger connections between Dominican companies and global markets.