The Dominican Week in Spainheld in the Foundation Auditorium MAPFREhighlighted the economic attractiveness of the Dominican Republic for the foreign investment. In the panel “Economic perspectives in the Dominican Republic”, businessmen and experts agreed in highlighting the country as a strategic destination for business, thanks to its macroeconomic stabilitysocial peace and favorable environment for foreign capital.
Andrés Mejía, CEO of MAPFRE Dominican Republic, began the meeting by highlighting the impact of the insurance company on the local economy. In 15 years, MAPFRE has generated more than 1,100 jobsserving more than one million customers and providing 18 million services last year alone. “Our presence in the Dominican Republic not only protects the population from natural disasters, but also contributes directly to the economic development of the country,” he said.
In a statement from the organizers, it was indicated that the ambassador of the Dominican Republic in SpainJuan Bolívar Díaz, highlighted the confidence of the Spanish investors in the country, remembering that it is the second destination in Latin America in tourist arrivals. “This growth is directly linked to the foreign investmentespecially in the tourism sector, where Spanish companies have played a fundamental role,” he stated.
Bernardo Fuentes, vice president of Economic Studies at Banco BHD, presented an optimistic outlook, highlighting the capacity of the dominican economy to grow sustainably, even in an uncertain global environment. “The IMF describes our economy as robust and resilient, with key sectors like him tourism and free zones leading growth,” he explained.
Fuentes also highlighted recent tax and labor reforms, designed to attract even more foreign investment and improve competitiveness.
Investment opportunities and strategic alliances
The round table “Business vision and investment opportunities in the Dominican Republic” brought together business leaders, including Simón Pedro Barceló, co-president of the Barceló Group; Inmaculada Riera, general director of the Chamber of Commerce of Spain; Juan Luis Cebrián, president of the Dominican Chamber in Spain; and Luis Molina Maríñez, senior vice president of Banco BHD.
The speakers highlighted the legal certainty and the political stability of the Dominican Republic, key elements for investors.
Cebrián assured that “the Dominican Republic has the potential to become a financial and political center of the Caribbean, thanks to its favorable business environment.”
Simón Pedro Barceló praised the progress in vocational training and highlighted that 100% of the management of its hotels in the country is in the hands of local talent. “This is a reflection of the commitment of the private sector to the economic development and social of the country,” he said.
Inmaculada Riera highlighted the legal reforms and regulations that have consolidated the Dominican Republic as a reliable partner for the Spanish business. “The stability and competitive environment have facilitated a investment constant in key sectors as infrastructure, tourism and energy,” he added.
Luis Molina Maríñez stressed the solidity of the financial system Dominican, highlighting a solvency greater than 12%, and the importance of public-private agreements in strategic infrastructure projects, such as the Punta Cana airport.
A future driven by investment
The panel concluded with a consensus: the Dominican Republic is well positioned to continue attracting investments in key sectors as tourismenergy and technology. Antonio Huertas, president of MAPFREclosed the day stating that the private investment has raised standards in the country, consolidating it as a reference in the Caribbean for high impact projects economic and social.
