Dominican Republic’s MIREX and DGA forge strategic alliance to bolster exports and streamline trade

Santo Domingo.- In a landmark move aimed at reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s position as a regional trade powerhouse, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) and the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) have signed an interinstitutional agreement to amplify export opportunities and enhance administrative efficiency. This collaboration is poised to redefine the country’s role in global trade, strengthening its standing as the premier logistics hub in the Caribbean and Central America.

The agreement, signed by Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Customs Director Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, marks a significant step toward integrating diplomatic efforts with commercial strategies. By leveraging up-to-date trade data and modernized processes, the partnership seeks to empower Dominican diplomatic missions worldwide with real-time information, enhancing their ability to attract investment, promote exports, and streamline import processes.

“This agreement elevates our capacity to act decisively and strategically in the global market,” said Foreign Minister Álvarez. “With real-time access to trade data, our diplomatic missions will operate with unprecedented precision, promoting Dominican exports and solidifying our position as a key logistics hub in the region. This is more than a partnership; it’s a gateway to innovation and efficiency.”

Director Sanz Lovatón highlighted the importance of the initiative in showcasing the Dominican Republic as a global example of logistics excellence. “Under President Luis Abinader’s administration, we have transformed our customs operations, increasing our contribution to state revenue from 18% to 25%. This agreement strengthens our ongoing initiatives, such as the successful ‘Exporta +’ program, which now includes 109 registered companies,” Sanz Lovatón remarked.

The agreement focuses on modernizing trade processes by automating cross-border trade requests to Haiti, thereby eliminating the need for in-person submissions and significantly reducing bureaucratic hurdles. It also emphasizes capacity building, with MIREX facilitating international training opportunities for Customs personnel in areas such as foreign trade, customs security, and modernization. Additionally, the initiative aims to optimize the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE) system, streamlining trade processes and drastically reducing response times for administrative requests.

Catalyst for economic growth

This historic partnership underscores the Dominican Republic’s commitment to fostering economic growth and regional leadership. By integrating sea, air and land transportation systems, the agreement enhances the country’s appeal as a trade and logistics hub. Moreover, it positions the Dominican Republic as a model for customs operations worldwide, aligning with international standards of efficiency and innovation.

“This is not just an agreement; it is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Minister Álvarez emphasized. “With our united efforts, the Dominican Republic is set to lead the region in trade and logistics, demonstrating that innovation and efficiency go hand in hand.”

The MIREX-DGA alliance represents a bold step forward in the Dominican Republic’s quest to become a global trade leader. By combining cutting-edge technology, diplomatic expertise, and strategic vision, this initiative lays the foundation for a future where the country’s economic potential is fully realized.