Dominican Republic and UK forge alliance for infrastructure development

Santo Domingo.- For the first time in their bilateral history, the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have inked a government-to-government agreement, pledging cooperation in priority infrastructure projects. The accord, endorsed by President Luis Abinader, was formalized in the presence of Dominican Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Álvarez, and UK Minister of Business and Trade, Lord Offord de Garvel CVO.

This groundbreaking agreement signifies a strategic alliance between the two nations, focusing on key sectors including water, transportation, health, and energy, aligning with President Abinader’s commitment to national development and citizen welfare. Minister Álvarez emphasized the significance of advancing mutual prosperity through enhanced cooperation.

Lord Offord of Garvel CVO expressed enthusiasm for this new alliance, recognizing the Dominican Republic as the Caribbean’s fastest-growing economy. The agreement is expected to stimulate trade and trigger infrastructure projects valued at over £2,000 million, fostering economic growth and boosting exports.

Both parties have agreed to establish a working group tasked with identifying and overseeing the execution of infrastructure projects. This group will coordinate project phases, monitor progress, and manage financing and delivery timelines. The UK representatives in the working group will provide support in knowledge transfer, capacity building, project financing models, and investment attraction.

Key officials including the president of the Senate and ministers from various Dominican ministries attended the signing ceremony, alongside the UK ambassador and representatives from the private sector, underscoring the significance of this collaboration between the two governments.