In a global climate marked by uncertainty, the Dominican Republic is emerging as a beacon of stability and strategic leadership, attracting a record-breaking flow of foreign investment and enhancing its reputation as one of the most competitive and dynamic destinations in Latin America.
President Luis Abinader announced during the Monday, 3 November 2025 press conference that the Dominican Republic is increasingly strengthening its position among Latin American nations that generate the highest confidence and attract the largest volume of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025 highlights a continued decline in global foreign direct investment (FDI), driven by factors like trade tensions, geopolitical uncertainty, and high interest rates, overall FDI has been up 6% in the Caribbean, with the Dominican Republic leading the way. The Dominican Republic saw a 7% increase in inflows year-on-year.
Globally, FDI fell by 11% in 2024 due to political tensions, global conflicts, and diminished investor confidence, according to the World Investment Report. However, the Caribbean region saw a 21% increase, largely propelled by surging investments in the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Presidency reports.
Biviana Riveiro, director of ProDominicana, the local export and investment agency, highlighted the nation’s rising international profile. According to the Global Soft Power Index 2025, the Dominican Republic holds the most valuable country brand in Central America. Furthermore, fDi Markets 2024 identifies it as the premier regional destination for FDI projects in renewable energy and tourism.
The country has also received international accolades for its performance, including the best anti-corruption index performance over the last five years in the region (Transparency International, 2024) and global leadership in tourism recovery (UN Tourism, 2022).
Investments continue to rise
The Dominican Republic captured US$2.89 billion in FDI in the first half of 2025, marking a 15.3% increase over the same period in 2024. Total FDI for the full year 2024 reached a historic record of US$4.52 billion, with a projection of US$4.86 billion for 2025. Over the 2019–2024 period, FDI grew by 49.7%.
Key investing countries were:
United States (US$1.16 billion)
Spain (US$1.12 billion)
Brazil (US$229.2 million)
Canada (US$207.4 million)
Panama (US$192.2 million)
The most active sectors were tourism (28.4%) and energy (25.2%), underscoring the strong interest in renewable energy. These achievements are bolstered by a series of government reforms promoting fiscal incentives for civil aviation, border development, the circular economy, public-private partnerships, and enhanced institutional efficiency.
Trade, tourism, and talent
The Dominican Republic maintains extensive trade agreements, including DR-Cafta, Caricom, Cariforum-EU, and preferential access to markets like Australia, Japan, and Switzerland. Its exports grew by 28% since 2019, reaching an all-time high of US$12.92 billion in 2024, granting access to over 1.2 billion consumers.
Connectivity: The nation boasts 8 international airports and 17 cruise and cargo terminals, handling over 370 daily flights and 19 million passengers annually.
Human capital: The workforce is supported by a robust talent pipeline, including over 85,000 graduates in business and economics, 24,000 engineers, and 16,000 ICT professionals.
Tourism: The sector remains a regional leader, logging 11.2 million air and sea visitors in 2024, a 48% increase from 2019, and generating a record US$10.97 billion in revenue. Hotel occupancy stood at 76.4%.
Free Trade Zones: This sector saw constant growth, with over 90 parks and 850 companies, yielding US$8.6 billion in exports in 2024 and generating 198,600 direct jobs.
Foreign-capital companies are a major economic force, representing nearly 70% of national exports and contributing 28% of total tax revenue. The cumulative FDI stock was estimated at US$60.87 billion at the end of 2024.
Looking Ahead: The 2025–2036 Investment Plan
Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, introduced the new national investment plan. It targets traditional sectors like tourism and agribusiness while heavily promoting innovative areas of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, aeronautic and aerospace industry, automotive and electronics, life sciences, logistics and distribution centers.
ProDominicana pledged to continue reinforcing the country’s status as the most competitive and reliable investment destination in the region, fostering sustainable growth and inclusive development.
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Presidency
UNCTAD
4 November 2025