Dominican President Luis Abinader and his Panamanian counterpart, José Raúl Mulino, met in Panama to reinforce bilateral relations, prioritizing the expansion of corporate investment and economic exchange. The high-level meeting resulted in a formal commitment to update the existing trade agreement proposal between the Dominican Republic and Panama to better facilitate business opportunities. President Abinader was in Panama for the 12th World Free Zones Organization Summit.
President Mulino expressed a specific interest in the Dominican Republic’s tourism model, noting its regional leadership and seeking to exchange best practices to bolster Panama’s own sector. Both leaders highlighted the robust aerial connectivity between the two nations as a primary driver for both tourism and regional commerce.
During the meeting, President Abinader was accompanied by Minister of Industry & Commerce Eduardo Sanz Lovaton, the executive director for the Center for Export and Investment of the DR (ProDominicana) Biviana Riveiro and Dominican ambassador to Panama, Roberto Salcedo. Accompanying President Mulino were Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Commerce and Industries, and the Minister of Tourism.
Focus on free zones and logistics
The Presidency reported that Abinader held separate meetings with Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization and executives from DP World. These discussions centered on strengthening cooperation within the free zone sector and identifying new investment pipelines for the Dominican Republic.
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Presidency
14 May 2026