AGP Executive Report

Education & AI: President Luis Abinader says education reform will become a State policy to prepare Dominicans for AI, automation, and new tech, after a national consultation with 7,000+ participants. Health at Major Sports Event: DAEH will deploy 70 ambulances and 300 staff to provide pre-hospital medical coverage for the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games (July 24–Aug 8). Agriculture Tech Exchange: Chile’s irrigation delegation visited the DR to study protected-environment farming and greenhouse irrigation, with TNR officials sharing modernization and water-conservation practices. Higher-Tech Skills Training: MESCYT signed an agreement with Casio to train teachers and students in AI, robotics, science, math, and emerging technologies. Energy & Geopolitics (Caribbean): Analysis highlights China’s rapidly growing solar footprint in the Caribbean, alongside concerns about transparency and long-term dependence. Mango Exports Upgrade: The Ministry of Agriculture tightened fruit-fly monitoring (more traps, better georeferencing and data) to keep Dominican mango access to the US and Europe. Games Tech for Fans: The Santo Domingo 2026 official mobile app launched with live results, schedules, venue info, and news.

AI Skills Boost: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCYT) signed a deal with Casio to train teachers and students in AI, robotics, science, and math—aimed at feeding the Dominican Republic’s digital-economy job market. Tech for Sports Fans: The Santo Domingo 2026 organizing committee launched a free official mobile app with live results, schedules, venue info, and news for athletes, delegations, volunteers, journalists, and fans. Defense Tech Upgrade: The Dominican Ministry of Defense received drones, Centauro tactical vehicles, and 179 other vehicles to strengthen border security and surveillance. Health System Numbers: The National Health Service (SNS) hit a record 25.3M+ specialized services in the first half of 2026, alongside major equipment investment. Agriculture Exports: New phytosanitary steps tighten fruit-fly monitoring to protect mango shipments to the U.S. and Europe. Music + AI Rights: Symphonic Distribution partnered with Sureel AI so artists can opt in to track how AI uses their music and potentially earn from it. Travel Tech Revenue: Arajet teamed with Arcube to sell add-on services digitally (eSIMs, transfers, fast-track, lounges, tours, parking). Public Safety Note: A shooting on Mendoza highway in Santo Domingo East left one dead and another injured; authorities are investigating.

Sports Tech & Cybersecurity: The U.S. DOJ wrapped “Operation Offsides,” seizing 1,000+ domains used for illegal World Cup streaming, including 256 in the Dominican Republic—officials warn many streams also carried malware. Local Sports Infrastructure: Ahead of Santo Domingo 2026, organizers released the official free mobile app with live results, schedules, venue info, and news via Bornan Sports Technology. Public Health & Services: The Dominican National Health Service (SNS) reported a historic first-semester high of 25.3M+ specialized services, alongside RD$397M+ invested in hospital and primary care equipment. Agriculture & Data Systems: The Ministry of Agriculture tightened fruit-fly controls for mango exports, adding more trap oversight, georeferencing, and data management to keep access to the U.S. and Europe. Defense Modernization: The Dominican Armed Forces received new drones and Centauro tactical vehicles to expand surveillance and border security. Music & AI Rights: Symphonic Distribution partnered with Sureel AI so participating artists can opt in to track AI use of their music and tie it to payments. Travel Tech: Arajet signed with Arcube to sell ancillary services digitally (eSIMs, transfers, fast-track, lounge access, tours, parking). Policy Tech: The Chamber of Deputies approved first-reading Penal Code reforms affecting how certain audio/image sharing and defamation rules apply in cyberspace.

Sports Tech: The organizing committee for the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games has launched the free “Santo Domingo 2026” mobile app, bringing real-time scores, schedules, venue info, and official news to athletes, delegations, volunteers, journalists, and fans. Public Health: A new Lancet Public Health study says road injuries still drive massive harm worldwide—51M injured and 1.34M deaths in 2023—with the heaviest burden in low- and middle-income countries. Healthcare Ops: DR’s National Health Service (SNS) logged a record 25.39M specialized services in the first half of 2026, alongside RD$397M invested in hospital and primary care equipment. Cybersecurity & Law: U.S. DOJ says “free” World Cup streams were malware delivery systems, seizing 1,000+ domains in Operation Offsides. Aviation/Travel Tech: Arajet will add ancillary services via Arcube, including eSIMs, transfers, fast-track, lounge access, tours, and parking through digital channels. Agritech & Exports: The Ministry of Agriculture tightened mango fruit-fly controls with more trap oversight and improved monitoring systems to keep access to the U.S. and Europe. AI for Security: ITLA delivered the first AI certification for the National Police high command, training officers to use AI for management and data-driven decisions. Defense Tech: Abinader unveiled new drones and armored vehicles for border security, including VTOL drones and Centauro tactical units.

AI for policing: ITLA delivered the first Artificial Intelligence certification for the high command of the National Police, training officers to use AI for smarter management, operations, and investigations. Defense tech upgrade: President Abinader unveiled new drones, Centauro tactical vehicles, and a mobile unmanned surveillance system at San Isidro Air Base, plus renovations to support forces. Border security modernization: The Defense Ministry also received drones and 179 vehicles to boost surveillance and responsiveness, including FURIA VBD-2 armored capability. Agriculture exports, upgraded: The Agriculture Ministry tightened fruit-fly monitoring for mango exports, inspecting 2,089 traps in Peravia and improving surveillance and data systems to keep access to the US and Europe. Legal tech & online harms: The Chamber of Deputies approved first-reading Penal Code reforms, including limits on sanctions for non-consensual audio/images and changes to defamation and perjury penalties. Women’s regional policy: DR’s Women’s Affairs Minister Gloria Reyes was confirmed pro tempore president of COMMCA, with a roadmap covering gender equality, migration, climate justice, and technology. Disaster logistics: DP World coordinated two relief flights from Punta Cana to Venezuela, moving 27+ tons of medical and rescue supplies after earthquakes. Earthquake preparedness: Seismic engineer Claudia Germoso urged households to identify safe spots, secure heavy furniture, and use “drop, cover, and hold on.”

Defense Modernization: President Luis Abinader received new military equipment at San Isidro Air Base and the border, including five VTOL drones, a mobile unmanned surveillance system, 179 vehicles, 10 Centauro tactical units, and the FURIA VBD-2 armored vehicle—aimed at boosting technological surveillance and border security. Public Safety Preparedness: Seismic engineer Claudia Germoso urged Dominicans to prepare now—identify safe spots, secure heavy furniture, check structural vulnerabilities, and use “drop, cover, and hold on” during shaking. AI for Policing: ITLA delivered the first Artificial Intelligence certification for the high command of the National Police, training officers to use AI for management, investigations, and data-driven decisions. Agriculture Exports: The Ministry of Agriculture expanded phytosanitary controls to protect mango exports to Europe and the US, including tighter fruit-fly monitoring, trap review, and automation of information systems. Local Governance & Services: Abinader inaugurated projects in Santo Domingo province, from a Los Alcarrizos solid waste transfer station to school expansions and housing initiatives. Tech & Connectivity: Liberty Caribbean returns as headline sponsor of CANTO 2026 in Punta Cana, spotlighting digital transformation and an AI-driven economy. Happiness Snapshot: The Dominican Republic ranked 64th in the World Happiness Report 2026, with no clear link found between using more social media platforms and life satisfaction.

AI for Public Safety: ITLA delivered the first Artificial Intelligence certification for the high command of the National Police, training officers to use AI for smarter management and data-driven decisions. Defense Tech Upgrade: President Abinader unveiled new drones, armored vehicles, and a mobile unmanned surveillance system at San Isidro Air Base as part of Armed Forces modernization. Earthquake Preparedness: Seismic and structural specialists urged Dominican families to prepare now—identify safe spots, secure heavy furniture, and practice “drop, cover, and hold on.” Agriculture Exports: The Ministry of Agriculture tightened phytosanitary controls for mango exports to Europe and the US, including fruit-fly monitoring and automation of information systems. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Abinader inaugurated projects in Santo Domingo province, from a solid waste transfer station to school expansions, sports renovations, and housing improvements. Penal Code Updates: The Chamber of Deputies approved first-reading changes to the Penal Code, including limits on sanctions for non-consensual audio/images and adjusted penalties for defamation and perjury. Banking Recognition: Banco Popular was named Best Bank in the Dominican Republic by Euromoney, highlighting strategy, innovation, and customer experience. Digital Connectivity: Frontier Airlines announced Starlink Wi‑Fi rollout starting early 2027, with routes including Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. Happiness & Tech Use: The DR ranked 64th in the World Happiness Report 2026, and a study found no clear link between using more social media platforms and life satisfaction.

AI for Public Safety: ITLA delivered the first Artificial Intelligence certification for the high command of the National Police, training general officers to use AI for police management, investigations, and data-driven decisions. Defense Modernization: President Abinader unveiled new drones, armored vehicles, and upgraded infrastructure at San Isidro Air Base, including VTOL drones and a newly assembled FURIA VBD-2 to strengthen border security. Earthquake Readiness: Seismic and structural specialists urged Dominicans to prepare now—identify safe spots, secure heavy furniture, check building vulnerabilities, and use “drop, cover, and hold on” during shaking. Penal Code Updates: The Chamber of Deputies approved 32 modifications to the Penal Code reform bill, including changes to privacy rules for sharing audio/images and reduced penalties for perjury and defamation. Banking Recognition: Banco Popular Dominicano was named Best Bank in the Dominican Republic again by Euromoney, while Banreservas also collected multiple Euromoney awards. Tourism Tech & Trade: Asonahores announced its 2026 tourism trade exhibition in Punta Cana, highlighting tech and supplier participation across the hotel value chain. Connectivity in Travel: Frontier Airlines plans Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet starting early 2027, with service routes including Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. Happiness & Digital Life: The DR ranked 64th in the World Happiness Report 2026, and a study found no clear link between using more social media platforms and life satisfaction.

Defense Modernization: President Abinader unveiled new drones, armored vehicles, and upgraded infrastructure at San Isidro Air Base, including VTOL drones and a mobile unmanned surveillance system, as part of efforts to modernize the Armed Forces. AI for Public Safety: ITLA delivered the first Artificial Intelligence certification to the high command of the National Police, training general officers on AI use for police management and data-driven decisions. Earthquake Preparedness: Seismic and structural specialists urged Dominicans to prepare now—identify safe spots, secure heavy furniture, and use “drop, cover, and hold on” during tremors. Banking & Digital Finance: Banco Popular was named Best Bank in the Dominican Republic by Euromoney, while Banreservas also earned multiple Euromoney awards including Best Digital Bank in the country. Energy & Research: University of Texas geologists, with the Ministry of Energy and Mines, began fieldwork in Azua to assess the DR’s hydrocarbon potential. Tourism Trade Tech: Asonahores announced its 2026 tourism trade exhibition in Punta Cana, spotlighting tech, finance, and energy solutions tied to hospitality. Happiness Index: The DR ranked 64th in the World Happiness Report 2026, with a score of 6.093/10.

Earthquake preparedness: Seismic and structural specialists warn the Dominican Republic remains highly exposed to earthquakes, urging families to spot safe spots at home, secure heavy furniture, check for structural vulnerabilities, and use “drop, cover, and hold on” during shaking. AI for public safety: ITLA delivered the first Artificial Intelligence certification for the high command of the National Police, training general officers to use AI for police management, investigations, and data-driven decisions. Defense modernization: President Abinader unveiled new drones, armored vehicles, and upgraded infrastructure at San Isidro Air Base to modernize the Armed Forces and boost border security. Regional disaster readiness: CENTAM Guardian 26 used language and cultural training to improve coordination for urban search and rescue and humanitarian response across the region, including the Dominican Republic. Earthquake risk research: INTEC, with Marsh and Mapfre, pushed stronger building safety standards and preparedness through a forum on seismic vulnerability and structural safety. Energy research: Geologists from the University of Texas at Austin, with Dominican energy officials, began fieldwork in Azua to assess hydrocarbon potential in onshore basins. Tourism tech trade: Asonahores announced its 2026 Trade Show (Sept 2–4, Punta Cana) with 300+ exhibitors spanning technology, finance, and energy solutions. Banking digital push: Euromoney named Banreservas Best Bank in the Caribbean and also recognized it for digital banking and corporate responsibility. Happiness study: The DR ranked 64th in the World Happiness Report 2026, with researchers also finding no clear link between using more social media platforms and life satisfaction.

Defense Modernization: President Abinader unveiled new drones, armored vehicles, and upgraded infrastructure at San Isidro Air Base, including VTOL drones, a mobile unmanned surveillance system, and locally built Centauro tactical vehicles. Disaster Readiness: INTEC, with Marsh and Mapfre, pushed stronger building safety and earthquake preparedness, urging better structural checks, code compliance, and citizen risk planning. Health & Research Cooperation: Vice President Raquel Peña and Health Minister Víctor Atallah met U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to expand public health, prevention, lab capacity, digital health, and emergency preparedness under a new MoU. Space-Tech Connectivity: Frontier Airlines plans Starlink Wi‑Fi across its fleet starting early 2027, with service routes including Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Santiago. Local Tech & Industry: Quad/Graphics is expanding packaging manufacturing with a new Salt Lake City facility, while keeping global packaging operations in Santo Domingo. Energy Research: UT Austin geologists, with Dominican Energy and Mines specialists, visited Azua to assess hydrocarbon potential through basin studies and samples. Tourism Trade Tech: Asonahores announced its 2026 Trade Show (Sept 2–4) at BlueMall Punta Cana, featuring tech and energy solutions alongside tourism suppliers. Happiness Snapshot: The Dominican Republic ranked 64th in the World Happiness Report 2026, scoring 6.093/10, with no clear link between using more social platforms and life satisfaction.

Aviation Connectivity: Frontier Airlines says it will add SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed, low-latency Wi‑Fi to its fleet starting in early 2027, with routes including Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. Telecom & Digital Policy: Liberty Caribbean returns as headline sponsor of CANTO’s 41st Annual Conference (Aug 9–12) in Punta Cana, focusing on AI-driven digital transformation across the region. Banking & Digital Finance: Euromoney names Banco de Reservas Best Bank in the Caribbean and also awards it for SME banking, corporate responsibility, and digital banking in the Dominican Republic. Earthquake Preparedness: INTEC, with Marsh and Mapfre, pushes stronger building safety standards and earthquake preparedness after warnings about seismic vulnerability. Energy Research: University of Texas geologists, with Dominican energy officials, begin fieldwork in Azua to assess onshore hydrocarbon potential. Tourism Trade Tech: Asonahores announces its 2026 Trade Show (Sept 2–4) at BlueMall Punta Cana, highlighting tech, financial services, and energy solutions tied to tourism. Public Health Collaboration: DR and the U.S. expand a health alliance in Washington, including lab capacity, digital health, prevention, and innovation. Well-Being Data: The Dominican Republic ranks 64th in the World Happiness Report 2026, with a score of 6.093/10, and a study finds no clear link between using more social media platforms and life satisfaction.

Satellite Connectivity for Flights: Frontier Airlines says its first Starlink-equipped aircraft will fly in early 2027, bringing SpaceX high-speed, low-latency Wi‑Fi to routes including San Juan, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and Montego Bay. Banking & Digital Finance: Euromoney named Banreservas Best Bank in the Caribbean and added five more awards, including Best Digital Bank in the Dominican Republic. Health for Expats: A new guide breaks down how expats should navigate public vs private healthcare and choose insurance in the Dominican Republic. Happiness Snapshot: The Dominican Republic ranks 64th in the World Happiness Report 2026, scoring 6.093/10, and a related analysis finds no clear link between using more social media platforms and life satisfaction. Earthquake Readiness: INTEC and insurers urged stronger building safety and preparedness after warnings about seismic risk tied to the Septentrional Fault. Tourism Tech & Trade: Asonahores’ 2026 Trade Show (Sept 2–4, BlueMall Punta Cana) will bring 300+ exhibitors, including tech and energy solutions, into the tourism supply chain. Emergency Robotics: DR’s 911 system is starting a technical collaboration with Boston Dynamics to explore Spot robots for safer emergency response. Energy Research: UT Austin geologists, with DR’s Ministry of Energy and Mines, visited Azua to study hydrocarbon potential and collect samples. Regional Health Cooperation: DR and the U.S. expanded a health alliance focused on prevention, innovation, lab capacity, digital health and stronger medicine supply chains.

Seismic Preparedness Push: INTEC, with Marsh and Mapfre, is urging stronger building safety and earthquake preparedness after warnings about the Septentrional Fault’s long seismic quiet. Disaster Response Tech: Dominican 911 is exploring Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots to help responders in hazardous incidents like collapsed buildings and industrial fires. Energy & Research: University of Texas geologists, with the Ministry of Energy and Mines, are studying Azua’s hydrocarbon potential via basin sampling and old well inspections. Health Innovation: The DR and the U.S. are expanding a health alliance focused on prevention, lab capacity, digital health, emergency preparedness, AI in healthcare, and medicine supply chains. Tourism Tech & Trade: Asonahores announced its 2026 Trade Show (Sept 2–4, BlueMall Punta Cana) with 300+ exhibitors spanning food, tech, finance, and energy solutions. Cognitive Health Study: A Lancet-published LatAm-FINGERS trial found structured lifestyle programs can boost cognitive performance in older adults at risk of dementia. Logistics & Competitiveness: ADACAM says logistics outsourcing is becoming a strategic lever for resilience, traceability, and faster response in Dominican trade.

Hydrocarbon Research: University of Texas geologists, with Dominican Ministry of Energy and Mines specialists, visited Azua to map onshore formations, sample rocks, and inspect historic Maleno oil seeps as part of a regional assessment running to March 2027. Earthquake Safety: INTEC, with MARSH and MAPFRE, urged stronger building codes, structural vulnerability checks, and better preparedness to cut seismic risk. Tourism Tech & Business: Asonahores set its 2026 Tourism Trade Show for Sept. 2–4 at BlueMall Punta Cana, with 300+ exhibitors and expanded digital coverage. Alzheimer’s Breakthroughs: At AAIC 2026 in London, a first Phase 2 human signal for a tau-targeting approach was reported, alongside broader progress in detection and treatment delivery. Health Innovation: DR and the U.S. are expanding a health alliance focused on prevention, lab capacity, digital health, emergency readiness, and stronger pharmaceutical supply chains. Emergency Robotics: Dominican 911 began talks with Boston Dynamics on using Spot robots for hazardous emergency response. Construction Digitization: MIVHED approved over RD$330B in private projects and is moving toward a new digital permitting platform. Archaeology Spotlight: Santo Domingo hosted the 31st International Congress of Caribbean Archaeology, bringing 237 researchers to discuss new methods from DNA to 3D documentation.

Bilateral Health Tech Boost: Vice President Raquel Peña and Health Minister Víctor Atallah met U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Washington to expand the 5-year MoU on epidemiological surveillance, lab capacity, digital health, emergency preparedness, AI in healthcare, and secure health data exchange—plus a co-investment plan totaling US$60.8M to strengthen prevention and antimicrobial resistance. Regional Public Health Leadership: Belize took over the COMISCA pro tempore chair from the Dominican Republic, keeping the focus on resilient health systems, essential medicines, and health technologies. Dementia Prevention Research: A Lancet-published LatAm-FINGERS trial (including Dominican sites) found coach-led lifestyle programs improved cognitive performance by up to 55% versus self-guided approaches, highlighting structured exercise, diet, cognitive training, and social engagement. Emergency Robotics Pilot: DR’s 911 explored Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots with specialists to support safer emergency response in hazardous environments. Construction & Seismic Capacity: MIVHED approved over RD$330B in private construction projects while Onesvie added 281 building evaluators to the REED network to strengthen disaster prevention. Digital Access Snapshot: ONE reported 92.7% of Dominican households have at least one mobile phone and 89.4% own a smartphone, underscoring mobile-first connectivity. Trade & Free Zones Push: DR and the U.S. backed a Trade & Investment Road Show highlighting industrial parks and free zones, with tech and manufacturing firms in the mix. Science & Heritage: The DR hosted the 31st International Congress of Caribbean Archaeology, featuring work using ancient DNA, isotopic studies, underwater archaeology, and 3D documentation.