During the third summit of the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD) held in Panama on 19 December 2024, the Dominican Republic reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional supply chains and promoting sustainable development. The Dominican delegation was led by Industry & Commerce Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, who was accompanied by Johannes Kelner, the Deputy Minister of Free Zones and Special Regimes.
The summit focused on reviewing progress and defining priorities for 2025, underscoring the Dominican Republic’s role as the third-largest trading partner of the United States. This positions the country as a key ally in promoting economic stability and securing supply chains in the region.
“Our commitment is to support the strategy promoted by the Alliance, integrating the economy into critical sectors, fostering a collaborative environment that strengthens the local economy, and encouraging foreign investment. This will create new opportunities and jobs for our nations,” Minister Bisonó stated.
Among the key topics discussed were the simplification of procedures, strengthening human capital, and consolidating value chains in strategic sectors such as medical devices and pharmaceuticals. The strategic importance of the Panama Canal, through which 5% of global trade flows, was also highlighted as a critical artery for connecting regional economies.
Minister Bisonó reiterated the Dominican government’s commitment to strengthening logistics and trade between Panama and the Dominican Republic, promoting more competitive and resilient supply chains in line with the vision to establish both countries as key global trade hubs.
The Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD) is a cooperative initiative involving the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador, with the backing of the United States. Its goal is to strengthen supply chains, foster economic growth, and promote sustainable development in the region.
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Ministry of Industry & Commerce
N Digital
US State Department
2 January 2025