The Dominican Republic is set to aggressively court high-value foreign direct investment (FDI) with a new cooperative agreement between its Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.
The two entities formalized a US$400,000 cooperation agreement on 18 September 2025 aimed at strengthening the attraction of sustainable FDI into strategic, high-value-added manufacturing sectors within the country’s free trade zones.
The project, titled “Investments in High-Value-Added Manufacturing in the Dominican Republic,” will focus on key growth industries. It mandates comprehensive sector analyses, the generation of new investment opportunities, and the creation of targeted value propositions for industries with significant national potential, including medical and health technology devices, semiconductors and electronic mobility.
Beyond sector development, the initiative will push for the implementation of eco-industrial park standards. This move is designed to align national production with international criteria for sustainability and efficiency, positioning the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in responsible development.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Víctor Bisonó hailed the agreement as a pivotal moment for the nation’s economic future. “Today, we take a significant step for the productive future of our country. With this agreement with the IFC, we confirm that the Dominican Republic is ready to grow more, to attract quality investment, and to do so sustainably,” Minister Bisonó stated at the signing.
He also highlighted the country’s current investment momentum, noting that in 2024, the Dominican Republic received over US$4.5 billion in foreign direct investment, accounting for nearly 30% of all capital flows captured by the Caribbean region.
For the IFC, the partnership marks a commitment to fostering a competitive business environment.
“This agreement, led by the MICM, will help consolidate an even more inclusive and competitive business environment in the Dominican Republic, generating more opportunities for local businesses,” said Ronke Ogunsulire of the IFC. She added that the initiative “aligns with the IFC’s commitment to support the country’s industrialization process, especially in strategic sectors like semiconductors, electric mobility, and medical technology.”
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El Dia
6 October 2025