Dominican Republic launches workshop series with UK to boost Commonwealth trade

Santo Domingo.- The president of the Round Table of Commonwealth Countries in the Dominican Republic, Fernando González Nicolás, emphasized the strategic importance of expanding ties with Commonwealth nations to diversify the country’s exports, attract investment, and strengthen tourism. Speaking at a business workshop focused on opportunities with the United Kingdom, he highlighted diversification as a national priority.

In 2023, the Dominican Republic exported US$1.4 billion worth of goods to Commonwealth countries and received a significant share of its tourists from these nations. Key export markets included India, Canada, Jamaica, and the UK. Dominican exports mainly consisted of gold, rum, cigars, bananas, coffee, cocoa, textiles, and medical products. Commonwealth investments were concentrated in banking, energy, mining, textiles, and rum production.

The event, hosted at ProDominicana, marked the start of a workshop series aimed at strengthening economic links with countries like Canada, India, Australia, and Jamaica. British Ambassador Carol Van der Walt welcomed the initiative, stressing the shared values and economic potential within the Commonwealth, which spans 56 countries and a combined GDP of $15 trillion.

Panels featured industry leaders discussing trade, investment, and the role of a potential free trade agreement between the Dominican Republic and the UK. The workshops are expected to foster long-term partnerships, improve market access, and identify new development opportunities for the Dominican economy.