The governments of the Dominican Republic and the People’s Republic of China have signed two key cooperation agreements, strengthening their bilateral relationship. The agreements include a financial cooperation pact to fund development projects and a memorandum of understanding to provide scholarships for Dominican public officials.
The financial agreement provides the Dominican Republic with a non-reimbursable grant of US$40 million from China. This funding is earmarked for emergency response and disaster relief projects.
The second agreement outlines a plan for 450 scholarships for Dominican public servants. The scholarships are designed to boost technical and institutional capacity in critical fields such as agriculture, construction, transportation, renewable energy, and public health.
Minister of Foreign Relations Roberto Álvarez, emphasized the impact of the initiatives. “The 2025 Human Resources Development cooperation plan will advance institutional capabilities and improve the services the state provides to its citizens, directly impacting their well-being and quality of life,” he said. He added that the economic and technical cooperation agreement is a “concrete step” toward implementing sustainable development and innovation projects.
Chinese Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Chen Luning, praised the growing partnership. “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than seven years ago, China and the Dominican Republic have cultivated a bond based on mutual respect, equality, and reciprocity,” he stated. “In a complex international environment, both countries have forged a path of mutual support and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
The agreements were formally signed by Minister Álvarez and Ambassador Luning, who both highlighted the importance of these accords in strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
After the establishment of full diplomatic relations with China, Chinese imports have surged. In 2020, Dominican imports were US$2.92 billion, increasing to US$5.21 billion in 2024. A report in Listin Diario indicates that Chinese vehicle imports are increasing in considerable numbers.
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Listin Diario
8 September 2025