Carolina Mejía Calls for Greater Access for Dominican Products in Spain

Mejía made the proposal during the opening of the third Dominican Week in Spain (SEDE), a four-day gathering in Madrid bringing together government officials and business representatives from both countries. The event, running from November 3 to 6, is focused on expanding trade, encouraging investment and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Her remarks placed particular emphasis on improving access to the Spanish market for goods produced in the Dominican Republic and helping Dominican companies establish commercial partnerships with Spanish businesses.

Spain’s investment role in the Dominican economy

Mejía highlighted Spain’s position as a major source of foreign investment for the Dominican Republic. She cited more than US$1.086 billion in Spanish investment during 2025, describing the relationship as an opportunity to generate employment and improve economic prospects for Dominican families.

The figure is consistent with reporting based on Banco Central data, which identified Spain as the largest single-country source of foreign direct investment in the Dominican Republic in 2025. The Central Bank reported that total foreign direct investment reached US$5.03 billion that year, an increase of 11.3% from 2024.

Investment is an important part of the bilateral relationship, but Mejía argued that trade should also receive greater attention. Increasing the presence of Dominican products in Spain would give local producers access to a larger international market and could help diversify the country’s export destinations.

The Central Bank’s external sector statistics provide data on foreign direct investment by country of origin, offering a reference for tracking the evolution of international capital flows into the Dominican economy.

Business and institutional cooperation on the agenda

During her speech, the mayor also recognized Spain’s contribution to strategic sectors of the Dominican economy, as well as to education, institutional development and sustainability.

The opening event included participation by Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó and SEDE Vice President José Maldonado Stark. The broader program brings together public institutions and private-sector representatives to identify areas for cooperation and potential business opportunities.

SEDE’s third edition is designed to strengthen economic links between the two countries through meetings and activities focused on investment, finance, infrastructure and trade. The gathering also provides a platform for Dominican companies seeking partners and opportunities in Spain.

Carolina Mejía to take part in Barcelona smart-city forum

Mejía’s European agenda continues in Barcelona on Wednesday, November 4, where she is scheduled to participate in the Smart City Expo World Congress. She will join a high-level roundtable titled “The Livable City: Inclusion First, Prosperity Follows,” focused on the relationship between urban inclusion, quality of life and economic development.

The official event program lists Mejía among the speakers alongside Chiara Corazza and Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu. The discussion will examine how cities can strengthen economic vitality while improving public spaces, social inclusion and residents’ well-being.

Her schedule also includes institutional and business meetings in Barcelona before she returns to Madrid. The European visit is set to conclude on Friday, November 6, with an event organized by SEDE and the Business Council Alliance for Ibero-America (CEAPI), which will include the participation of Dominican President Luis Abinader.

Expanding the relationship beyond investment

The discussions in Madrid come as both countries seek to build on an established economic relationship. Spanish investment has been particularly visible in areas such as tourism, while the Dominican Republic is also looking to attract capital and commercial partnerships across a wider range of productive activities.

For Dominican exporters, stronger access to Spain could create opportunities to reach consumers and businesses in the European market. Turning that potential into sustained growth, however, will depend on the ability of companies to meet market requirements, develop reliable distribution channels and establish long-term commercial partnerships.

Mejía’s proposal therefore places greater market access alongside investment as a priority for bilateral cooperation, with the stated objective of ensuring that stronger economic ties translate into opportunities for Dominican businesses and workers.