Raquel Peña Opens Expo Cibao 2026 In Santiago

Dominican Vice President Raquel Peña inaugurated Expo Cibao 2026 on Wednesday in Santiago de los Caballeros, bringing together more than 150 companies, brands and institutions for the 39th edition of one of the region’s largest commercial exhibitions.

The event, organized by the Santiago Chamber of Commerce and Production, is being held at the Parque Central of Santiago under the theme “United for Competitiveness.” The exhibition is open to the public from October 1 through October 4 and combines commercial displays with educational activities, entrepreneurship programs and business-oriented experiences.

Peña Highlights Santiago’s Economic Role

During the opening ceremony, Peña described Expo Cibao as a platform that connects the capabilities of the private sector with public institutions and other organizations involved in the development of the region.

She also emphasized the economic importance of the Cibao, the northern region of the Dominican Republic, and called attention to Santiago’s role in the country’s productive activity. “The Cibao, as one of the great national productive engines, has an extraordinary responsibility toward the future of the Dominican Republic,” Peña said.

The vice president also referred to President Luis Abinader‘s proposed strategic vision toward 2036, which she said is aimed at increasing the country’s productive capacity and creating additional opportunities.

“In that vision, Santiago and the Cibao have a role that we have to assume with leadership,” Peña said, while highlighting cooperation between the public and private sectors as part of the government’s approach to economic development.

Expo Cibao Brings Businesses And Institutions Together

Luis Campos Jorge, president of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce and Production, said competitiveness depends on coordination among businesses, institutions and other actors involved in the region’s development.

Campos Jorge also pointed to changes in Santiago’s productive structure, including the growing participation of specialized services and technology-related activities. The exhibition therefore brings together established companies, emerging businesses, entrepreneurs and public and private institutions in a setting designed to facilitate commercial connections.

The chamber’s official program describes Expo Cibao as a multisector exhibition that combines business opportunities with training, innovation, entrepreneurship and experiences aimed at connecting companies with consumers and other organizations.

Expo Cibao 2026 Runs Through October 4

Following the inaugural ceremony, the commercial exhibition begins its general public program on October 1 at the Parque Central in Santiago. Visitors can explore participating businesses and attend activities focused on entrepreneurship, finance, professional development, technology and other areas related to business activity.

The event’s program also includes presentations and educational sessions throughout the four-day exhibition. Among the scheduled topics are financial decision-making, competitiveness in the labor market, professional uses of artificial intelligence and the management of business conflicts.

Peña was accompanied at the inauguration by Santiago Governor Rosa Santos, Senator Daniel Rivera, Santiago Mayor Ulises Rodríguez, Vice Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs Gianna Franjul, Dominican Federation of Chambers of Commerce President Lucile Houellemont, and representatives of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce and Production.

With its focus on companies, institutions and entrepreneurs, the 2026 edition places Santiago’s business community at the center of discussions about competitiveness and regional development as Expo Cibao continues through October 4.