Dominican Week in France to Boost Trade and Investment Ties

The Dominican Republic is preparing to deepen its commercial ties with France through Dominican Week in France (SD26), a six-day program in Paris bringing together business meetings, investment promotion, economic diplomacy and cultural activities.

The event was officially launched by the Franco-Dominican Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFD), the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in France and ProDominicana, the country’s agency for promoting exports, investment and international trade. The program is scheduled for October 17–22, 2026.

Its timing will connect the Dominican delegation with SIAL Paris 2026, the international food trade show taking place at Paris Nord Villepinte from October 17–21. SIAL says the 2026 edition is expected to bring together 8,000 exhibitors from 130 countries, creating an international setting for Dominican food companies seeking buyers and commercial partners.

Business Agenda Targets Several Growth Sectors

SD26 will focus on strengthening trade and investment links between the Dominican Republic and France through sector-specific discussions and business meetings. The agenda will examine the Dominican Republic’s position as a strategic platform in the Caribbean, as well as opportunities in renewable energy, investment, emerging technologies, fintech and cybersecurity.

The program will also include B2B meetings designed to connect Dominican companies with potential international partners. Food exporters and buyers will participate in activities linked to SIAL, while a ProDominicana pavilion will provide a dedicated presence for Dominican businesses at the exhibition.

For Dominican exporters, the connection with SIAL offers access to a trade environment built around producers, distributors, retailers and importers from international markets. The event’s organizers expect this setting to help companies present Dominican products while exploring commercial relationships beyond the country’s traditional markets.

Event Builds on Dominican-French Relations

The initiative also has a diplomatic dimension. Organizers said SD26 will build on recent engagements between Dominican President Luis Abinader and French President Emmanuel Macron, combining economic and trade diplomacy with political and parliamentary dialogue.

That broader approach reflects an effort to treat the relationship between the two countries as more than a commercial exchange. Business activities will run alongside institutional and cultural initiatives intended to strengthen connections between Dominican and French organizations.

Culture Included Alongside Business Program

SD26 will extend beyond its economic agenda with several cultural initiatives in Paris. One of the highlights will be the opening of “The Dominican Worlds of José Castillo” exhibition at the Maison de l’Amérique Latine.

The program will also launch the Dominican Republic–Cité internationale des arts Artistic Residencies Program, with support from the Dominican Ministry of Culture. The initiative is intended to create another institutional link between the two countries through artistic exchange.

The combination of commercial, diplomatic and cultural activities gives Dominican Week in France a broader role in promoting the country’s presence in France. For companies, the central opportunity will be access to potential buyers, investors and partners, particularly during one of Europe’s major international food-industry gatherings.

Dominican Companies Set for International Exposure

The private sector is also backing the initiative. Sponsors announced for SD26 include BHD, Banco Popular Dominicano, Sofratesa, Soletanche Bachy, SunMind and TotalEnergies, alongside French and Dominican institutional partners.

SIAL Paris will run through October 21, while Dominican Week is scheduled to continue through October 22, extending the bilateral program beyond the food exhibition itself. The organizers are positioning the week as an opportunity to connect Dominican companies and institutions with international markets while strengthening longer-term economic and cultural ties with France.