The Dominican Republic is moving to solidify its role in the global high-tech supply chain. On 2 March 2026, Minister of Industry and Commerce (MICM), Yayo Sanz Lovatón, unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming the Caribbean nation into a competitive destination for semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing.
The announcement centered on the report “Analysis of the Enabling Environment for the Semiconductor and Microelectronics Industries in the Dominican Republic,” developed in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
In 2024, the Dominican Republic had declared the development of its domestic semiconductor ecosystem to be a “high national priority”, aiming to capitalize on shifts in the global semiconductor supply chain towards greater diversification and resilience.
This report, released on 2 March 2026, examines the opportunities, challenges and policy levers to support the development of the semiconductor industry, and the broader microelectronics industry, in the Dominican Republic. The report draws on both quantitative and qualitative analyses to assess the macroeconomic, institutional and regulatory conditions that could determine whether and how semiconductor and microelectronics firms choose to establish their operations in the Dominican Republic.
Although the Dominican Republic already has important strengths, the report highlights five areas where the country could further improve its enabling environment. Specifically, the report recommends strengthening the Dominican Republic’s institutional framework for semiconductor policymaking, leveraging the free zone regime, enhancing the business environment, developing the science, technology and innovation ecosystem, and improving electricity and water infrastructure. By implementing these policy recommendations, the Dominican Republic can seize the opportunities presented by shifts in the global semiconductor and microelectronics value chains.
During the presentation, Minister Sanz Lovatón emphasized that the country is no longer just a passive observer of global “nearshoring” trends but an active participant. He set a bold timeline for the initiative, stating that the Dominican Republic is projected to produce and export semiconductors by 2028.
“The Dominican Republic embraces technology and the future with the same determination we used to drive our hallmark industries, such as free zones, tobacco, and cocoa,” Sanz Lovatón said. “This success is a prelude to what we will achieve with semiconductors.”
The initiative is part of the National Strategy for the Promotion of the Semiconductor Industry (ENFIS), established under Presidential Decree 324-24. The strategy seeks to diversify the national productive matrix by leveraging public-private partnerships to ensure long-term economic growth.
OECD endorsement
Yasushi Masaki, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, joined the Minister for the launch of the new report, noting that the country’s shift toward high-tech is a calculated climb up the value chain rather than a coincidental diversification.
Guy Lalanne, acting head of the OECD’s Productivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Division, highlighted the nation’s core strengths:
• An established advanced manufacturing base.
• Competitive incentives via the Free Trade Zone regime.
• Political stability and robust democratic institutions.
• Strategic geographic proximity to major American markets.
While the outlook is optimistic, the OECD report identified five critical areas for the Dominican Republic to refine its competitive edge:
- Policy strengthening: Enhancing the institutional framework specifically for semiconductor oversight.
- Free zone optimization: Further leveraging existing tax and operational incentives.
- Business climate: Streamlining the environment for microelectronics investment.
- Innovation ecosystem: Developing national science, technology, and R&D capabilities.
- Infrastructure: Improving the reliability of electricity and water supplies essential for high-tech fabrication.
Collaborative leadership
The event featured a panel of experts including Minister of Education Luis Miguel De Camps and industry leaders from Adozona and NAP del Caribe, who discussed integrating the local talent pool with international standards. The presence of top officials, including Senate president Ricardo de los Santos and Dominican Business Council (Conep) president Celso Juan Marranzini, underscored the broad political and private-sector consensus behind this technological transition.
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Ministry of Industry & Commerce
OECD
11 March 2026