AGP Executive Report

Border Security Tech: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence along the Haiti border in Independencia/Jimaní, with 13-foot height, six watchtowers, 35 culverts, and 7-meter patrol lanes to curb smuggling under the “Strong Border” plan. Cruise Power Reliability: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas briefly lost shipwide power off Perfect Day CocoCay, knocking out most non-essential systems and leaving some guests in the dark, before power was restored and the itinerary reportedly stayed on track. AI Adoption in Business: Dominican firms with internet access show growing AI use: 35% of formal companies already use AI, with larger companies leading (52%) and mining/quarrying topping the list (45.7%). Child Safety Online: UNICEF says 20 million children ages 12–17 across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of recorded cases tied to social media—an issue that includes the Dominican Republic in the study. Water & Irrigation Tech Diplomacy: DR and Israel are deepening cooperation on water management and agricultural irrigation, focusing on efficiency and reducing losses in existing systems. Health Tourism Upgrade: Senate-approved legislation aims to make DR health tourism a national priority, pushing quality standards, international accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination.

Border Security: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence along the Haiti border in Jimaní, Independencia, with 6 watchtowers, 35 culverts, and 13-foot height plus 7-meter patrol lanes to curb smuggling and speed military response. AI Adoption in Business: A new National Statistics Office bulletin says 35.0% of formal DR companies with internet access already use AI, with larger firms leading (52.0%) and mining/quarrying topping the list (45.7%). Health Tourism Policy: Senate-approved legislation aims to turn health tourism into a national priority, pushing quality standards, international accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination. Water & Irrigation Tech Diplomacy: DR and Israel are deepening cooperation on water management and agricultural irrigation, focusing on efficiency and reducing losses in existing systems. Digital Child Safety: UNICEF reports 20 million children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% linked to social media. Tech-Enabled Logistics: A major air cargo expansion story highlights how airports are investing billions to boost freight capacity by 2030, including automation and smarter cold-chain infrastructure.

AI in Business: The Dominican National Statistics Office reports 35% of formal companies with internet access already use AI in daily operations, with mining leading at 45.7% and large firms (250+ workers) at 52%. Child Safety Online: UNICEF says 20 million children ages 12–17 across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media and far fewer than 1% reaching authorities. Water & Irrigation Tech Diplomacy: The DR and Israel are deepening cooperation on water management and agricultural irrigation, focusing on efficiency and reducing losses in existing systems. Health Tourism Upgrade: The Senate approved landmark legislation to make health tourism a national priority, aiming for quality, international accreditation, innovation, and public-private coordination. Energy Storage Rules: Nepal’s regulator approved mandatory Battery Energy Storage Systems for wind/solar bidders—an example of how grid stability rules are spreading as renewables grow. Tourism Trade Boost: Asonahores’ 2026 hotel and tourism expo in Punta Cana closed with record attendance—over 5,000 visitors and 323 occupied spaces. Mining Deal Mood: Mining M&A is seeing higher headline values but wider valuation gaps, pushing buyers to demand clearer cash-flow schedules and execution confidence.

Child Safety Online: UNICEF says 20 million children ages 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media and fewer than 1% reaching authorities—an especially urgent warning for the Dominican Republic and the wider region. Education Results: UNESCO is preparing to release ERCE 2025, the region’s key primary learning assessment, with first results due in December 2026 for Grade 3 and Grade 6 reading, math, and science. Water Diplomacy: GWPO and partners launched the Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy at World Water Week 2026, with the Dominican Republic among participating countries. Tourism Trade: Asonahores’ 2026 Hotel & Tourism Trade Expo in Punta Cana closed with record participation—323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies, and 5,000+ visitors. Local Tech & Energy: Dominican Republic–Israel cooperation expands on water management and irrigation tech, focusing on efficiency and reducing losses in existing systems. Health Tourism Policy: DR advances landmark legislation to make health tourism a national priority, aiming at quality standards, accreditation, innovation, and public-private coordination.

Survivor Greece Fallout: Stavros Floros, a former contestant filming off the Dominican Republic, is suing the show’s producers in Florida for $100M after a boat accident severed his leg, alleging inadequate safety gear and protection. Tourism Trade Tech: Asonahores’ 2026 Hotel & Tourism Trade Expo in Punta Cana drew 5,000+ visitors and 323 occupied spaces, with 85% of companies returning—good signals for business-to-business deal flow. Water & Irrigation Tech Diplomacy: DR and Israel are teaming up to modernize irrigation and cut water losses, with Israel sharing efficiency-focused know-how through the TNR and related agencies. Health Tourism Upgrade: The Dominican Republic advanced landmark legislation to make health tourism a national priority, pushing quality, international accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports 20M children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% tied to social media—an urgent reminder for platform safety and enforcement. Energy Storage Push: Nepra approved making battery energy storage systems mandatory for wind/solar bidders in an upcoming auction, reflecting the growing push to stabilize grids with storage.

Water & Irrigation Tech: The Dominican Republic and Israel are stepping up cooperation through the National Irrigation Technification (TNR), focusing on modernizing irrigation systems, cutting water losses, and boosting agricultural efficiency. Health Tourism Policy: The DR is moving health tourism toward a national priority with Senate-approved legislation aimed at quality, international accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of cases tied to social media and far fewer than 1% reaching authorities—an urgent call for safer platforms and stronger protections. Energy Storage Push: Norvento Enerxía plans to expand utility-scale energy storage across Latin America, including work tied to the Dominican Republic’s growing solar buildout. Environmental Enforcement: The DR declared “environmental terrorism” a high national interest via Decree 615-26, signaling tougher penalties for attacks on protected natural areas. Tech & Education Research: ISFODOSU and IESED-Chile ran an advanced workshop on academic scientific writing in education to raise research standards and publication reach. Semiconductor & Industry Context: A broader tech report highlights how chip manufacturing and AI-related supply chains are reshaping local economies and environmental tradeoffs.

Water & Irrigation Tech: The Dominican Republic and Israel are stepping up cooperation on water management and agricultural irrigation, with Israeli experts sharing ways to cut losses in existing systems and boost efficiency. Health Tourism Push: The DR is moving to make health tourism a national priority, backed by Senate-approved legislation aimed at quality, international accreditation, investment, innovation, and tighter public-private coordination. Environmental Security: Through Decree 615-26, the government declares “environmental terrorism” a high national interest, promising tougher enforcement and prison terms for attacks on national parks and protected resources. AI in Aviation: Dominican AI aviation initiative SARA won Most Disruptive Award at Women in Tech LATAM 2026, highlighting local innovation beyond the usual tech beats. Digital Child Safety: UNICEF reports 20 million children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries face technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with nearly 60% of cases occurring on social media—an issue that directly affects the region’s online youth. Infrastructure Upgrade: The DR plans to replace the floating Puente Flotante over the Ozama River with a bascule-style viaduct to reduce major traffic bottlenecks. Education Research Standards: ISFODOSU and IESED-Chile ran an advanced training workshop on academic scientific writing in education to raise research quality and publication readiness.

UNICEF Child Safety: A new UNICEF study estimates 20 million children (ages 12–17) in 21 countries face online sexual abuse or exploitation each year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media and fewer than 1% reported to authorities. Local Environment Security: The Dominican government issued Decree 615-26, declaring “environmental terrorism” a high national interest, with tougher enforcement and prison sentences up to 30 years for attacks on protected areas. Seismic Risk Focus: Experts discussed Hispaniola’s major earthquakes and seismic faults, including the 1946 7.8 quake and its tsunami, stressing preparedness. AI in Aviation: Dominican initiative SARA (System for Aviation With Real-time AI) won a Most Disruptive Award at Women in Tech LATAM 2026, aiming to support air traffic decisions with faster, traceable info. Water Management Reality Check: Officials warned the DR still struggles to manage water both in drought and heavy rains, calling for better storage, drainage, and network loss reduction. Telecom Tech Push: Viettel and Qualcomm announced Open RAN 5G collaboration, with DR set to be among Viettel’s newest markets. Infrastructure Update: The DR plans to replace Santo Domingo’s floating Ozama bridge with a bascule-style viaduct to cut long traffic delays. Education Research: ISFODOSU and IESED-Chile advanced scientific writing training to raise education research publication standards. Tech & Finance: Félix Pago raised $200M to scale WhatsApp-based remittances and expand into lending and savings. Sports Tech: Motorola Solutions supported the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in DR with real-time communications and AI-enabled venue security. Tourism Business: Hyatt opened Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, bringing a new adults-only all-inclusive brand to the Dominican Republic.

Online Safety: UNICEF says 1 in 5 youths (ages 12–17) faced online sexual abuse in the past year, adding pressure on platforms to protect minors. Education Research: ISFODOSU and IESED-Chile ran an advanced workshop on academic scientific writing to raise research quality and publication standards across the region. Water & Agriculture Tech: The Dominican Republic and Israel are boosting cooperation on irrigation technification and water management, with the Israeli ambassador meeting DR irrigation and water authorities. AI in Aviation: Dominican AI aviation initiative SARA won “Most Disruptive Award” at Women in Tech LATAM 2026, aiming to help air traffic and aviation professionals make faster decisions. Energy Strategy: The DR is exploring nuclear technology opportunities with U.S. cooperation, including uses beyond power generation like nuclear medicine and environmental monitoring. Infrastructure & Mobility: The government plans to replace the Ozama River floating bridge with a bascule bridge to cut major traffic bottlenecks. Education Expansion: MINERD’s School Infrastructure Directorate delivered 186 initial classrooms nationwide, benefiting 6,500+ students. Telecom & 5G: Viettel and Qualcomm are partnering on Open RAN 5G infrastructure, with DR set to be a new market. Finance Leadership: Abinader appointed Víctor Cedeño Brea as Superintendent of Banks, focusing on regulation, innovation, and risk management. Museums Modernization: Joan Ferrer was sworn in as Director General of Museums with a plan that includes tech upgrades and wider public access.

Diplomacy & Tech Cooperation: Israel’s new Ambassador Oren Bar-El kicked off his mission in the Dominican Republic, pointing to existing collaboration in technological innovation, precision agriculture, and water management. AI for Aviation: Dominican initiative SARA (System for Aviation With Real-time AI) won Most Disruptive Award at Women in Tech LATAM 2026 and is set to represent Latin America at global awards. Telecom Expansion: Viettel is moving into the Dominican Republic as it partners with Qualcomm to commercialize Open RAN 5G infrastructure—aiming for lower costs and more modular networks. Smart Mobility & Roads: North Carolina’s NCDOT is using dashcam imagery with ClearGuide Dash Cam Imagery informed by Vizzion, a sign of how real-time vehicle data is reshaping traffic operations. Infrastructure Upgrade: The government plans to replace Santo Domingo’s floating Ozama River bridge with a bascule-style viaduct to cut major bottlenecks. Energy Strategy: The DR is exploring nuclear technology opportunities with U.S. cooperation, including non-power uses like nuclear medicine and water management. Local Governance & Education: The School Infrastructure Directorate delivered 186 initial classrooms nationwide, targeting preschool and pre-primary capacity. Public Safety Tech: Motorola Solutions highlighted AI-enabled video security and push-to-talk communications used during the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in the DR. Water Management Warning: Officials warn the country still struggles with drought and flooding—rain doesn’t automatically become usable drinking water without better storage, drainage, and network upgrades. Regional Security Links: Honduras is evaluating Dominican-made Dulus aircraft and Furia armored vehicles for its security forces. Research & Training: MESCyT reported progress toward recognizing the Professor Juan Bosch Political Training Institute as a higher education institution. Genomic Surveillance Training: PAHO/WHO ran a bioinformatics course in Panama for regional labs, including DR teams, to strengthen genomic surveillance capacity.

Higher-Education Recognition: MESCyT says the Professor Juan Bosch Political Training Institute’s academic plan, structure, and regulations are meeting requirements, with a technical commission set to review the file after an evaluation visit. Aviation AI Breakthrough: Dominican AI aviation initiative SARA (System for Aviation With Real-time AI) won Most Disruptive Award at Women in Tech LATAM 2026 and will represent Latin America at the global awards. Banking Leadership: President Abinader appoints Víctor Cedeño Brea as Superintendent of Banks, bringing regulation and innovation experience from the Superintendency. Museums Modernization: Joan Ferrer named Director General of Museums, with a six-pillar plan that includes tech-driven access and stronger heritage conservation. Energy Strategy: DR explores nuclear technologies with U.S. cooperation, focusing on training and non-electric uses while noting no decision on a plant. Water Management Warning: Officials warn the country still struggles to turn heavy rains into reliable drinking water, calling for storage, aqueduct upgrades, drainage, and reuse. Tech at Sports Events: Motorola Solutions deployed real-time communications and AI-enabled venue security for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in DR. Regional Cooperation: DR and Colombia sign a Joint Investigation Team agreement to speed cross-border legal cooperation against organized crime. Public Health Data: UNICEF flags DR’s very high cesarean rate (68.2%), urging review of obstetric practices to protect mothers and newborns. Tourism Tech Push: FIT 2026 names DR guest country and adds FIT Tech and other innovation-focused tracks.

Aviation AI Breakthrough: Dominican initiative SARA (System for Aviation With Real-time AI) won Most Disruptive Award at Women in Tech LATAM 2026, aiming to help air traffic controllers and pilots access aeronautical info faster and with traceable sources. Banking Leadership: President Abinader appointed Víctor Cedeño Brea as Superintendent of Banks, bringing regulation, innovation, and risk-management experience. Museums Modernization: Joan Ferrer was sworn in as Director General of Museums with a six-pillar plan that includes conservation, standardized management, and tech-driven access. Water Crisis Reality Check: Officials warn the DR is “flooded but lacks water,” highlighting gaps between heavy rains and actual drinking-water storage, aqueducts, drainage, and network losses. Energy Tech Talks: The DR is exploring nuclear energy opportunities via U.S. cooperation, focusing on training and non-power uses like medicine and water management. Education Infrastructure: MINERD delivered 186 initial classrooms nationwide, funded with over RD$800M to expand early education capacity. Security at Scale: Motorola Solutions described how its real-time communications and AI video analytics supported safety across 46 venues at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in the DR. Regional Tech Training: PAHO/WHO ran a bioinformatics course in Panama to strengthen genomic surveillance capacities across the region, including Dominican labs. Tourism Tech Push: FIT 2026 in Buenos Aires will feature the Dominican Republic as guest country and add a dedicated tech track for tourism innovation. Health Data Spotlight: UNICEF flagged very high cesarean rates (68.2%) and calls for reviewing obstetric practices to reduce avoidable risks.

Energy & Industry: The Dominican Republic is exploring nuclear technologies with U.S. cooperation, focusing on training and non-electric uses like nuclear medicine, agriculture, and environmental monitoring—while stressing no decision has been made to build a plant. Education Infrastructure: The School Infrastructure Directorate delivered 186 initial classrooms across the National District and 25 provinces, benefiting 6,500+ students under the “Aulas 24/7-365” plan with RD$800M+ investment. Health Data: UNICEF reports 68.2% of births in the DR were via cesarean section (89% in private vs 52.8% public), urging a review of obstetric practices. Tech & Tourism: The DR will headline FIT 2026 as guest country, with a tech-focused track (FIT Tech) alongside food, cruises, and business rounds. Public Safety Tech: Punta Cana Airport deployed SeeTrue AI for checkpoint baggage screening with Leidos. Governance & Crime Fighting: The Attorney General’s Office and Colombia’s counterpart set up a Joint Investigation Team to strengthen cross-border cooperation against organized crime. Digital Traceability: The EU-funded Cacao Trace project ended, training 740+ cocoa producers and delivering a blockchain-based traceability platform for deforestation-free compliance. Regional Connectivity: Viettel is expanding into the Dominican Republic as its 11th overseas market.

Telecom Competition: President Luis Abinader says Vietnam’s Viettel is entering the Dominican Republic as part of a push to break up a market where two firms control about 95% of services, aiming to boost investment in tech and lower prices for consumers. Public Health Data: UNICEF reports 68.2% of births in the DR were delivered by cesarean section, with private facilities at 89% versus 52.8% in public, urging a review of obstetric practices to balance safety and necessity. Security & Tech Industry: Honduras is exploring buying Dominican-made TP-75 Dulus patrol/training aircraft and Furia armored vehicles, after tours of San Isidro Air Base and border tech systems. Research & Sustainability: IRENA invites renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the DR, for financing support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator. Digital Traceability for Cocoa: The EU-funded Cacao Trace project ends after training 740+ producers and delivering a blockchain-based traceability platform to support deforestation-free, EU-compliant cocoa. Maritime Transparency: A fisheries transparency push, backed by the DR among many countries, targets illegal fishing by improving low-cost public data on vessels and licensing.

Healthcare Reform & Data: UNICEF says 68.2% of births in the Dominican Republic happen via cesarean section, with private hospitals at 89%—far above WHO global averages—pushing a review of obstetric practices and maternal/neonatal care quality. Public Safety & Trust: The Dominican Republic will host the 3rd International Health Quality and Safety Forum (Sept. 16), focusing on patient safety as a system strategy and the future of clinical research under stronger scientific, ethical, and regulatory standards. Justice & Crime Fighting: Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso and Colombia’s prosecutor agree to a Joint Investigation Team under the UN Palermo Convention to strengthen cross-border cooperation against organized crime. Tech & Competition: President Abinader says new telecom competitors are key to breaking oligopolies—95% of the market is controlled by two firms—and lowering prices while requiring international information-security standards. Renewables Finance: IRENA invites renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, for potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Tourism Tech & Research: Punta Bergantín’s tourism trust will fund a permanent economic and social impact research program with PUCMM and Mitur. Antisemitism Policy: Abinader announces DR will adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, as CAM reports threats against Jewish influencers. Local Tech Showcase: Santiago hosts a German technology industrial fair, highlighting new tools for automotive, construction, industrial, and related sectors. Border Security Tech: Honduras’ president praises DR’s intelligent perimeter fence and border security advances during a visit to the frontier. AI & Secure Screening: Punta Cana Airport deploys SeeTrue AI for checkpoint baggage screening with Leidos.

Health Policy: UNICEF says 68.2% of births in the Dominican Republic are delivered by cesarean section, with private hospitals at 89% versus 52.8% in public—prompting calls to review obstetric practices and reduce avoidable surgical risk. Renewables Finance: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the DR, with possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Tourism Research: Punta Bergantín’s tourism and real estate plan will be tracked by a permanent economic and social impact study led by PUCMM and the Ministry of Tourism. Telecom Competition: President Abinader pushed for more telecom competitors, noting the market is dominated by two firms and arguing new entrants could lower prices and speed up tech upgrades. Agri-Tech & Traceability: Cacao Trace wraps up EU-funded support for small cocoa producers, including training and a blockchain-based platform to improve sustainability and traceability. Security Tech: Punta Cana Airport deployed SeeTrue AI for checkpoint baggage screening. Local Business Tech: Firetech appoints Magda Canalda as president on its 25th anniversary. Sports & Tech Culture: Canada’s women’s volleyball team qualified for the Olympics after beating the DR 3-1 in Santo Domingo.