Dominican Republic to chair Caribbean Trade Development Committee for 2026–2027

Panama City.- The Dominican Republic was elected to chair the Special Committee on Trade Development and External Economic Relations of the Association of Caribbean States for the 2026–2027 term during the organization’s 31st Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers, held in Panama City.

The Dominican delegation was led by Carmen Elena Ibarra Toledano, representing Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez. In its new role, the country will oversee efforts to promote trade and economic integration among the ACS’s 25 member states and territories, which comprise the Greater Caribbean’s only organization encompassing the entire region.

The appointment reflects recognition of the Dominican Republic’s active role in regional affairs and its commitment to multilateral cooperation, economic integration, and sustainable development. The new responsibility complements the country’s current position as vice chair of the ACS Special Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction, further strengthening its leadership within the Greater Caribbean.