Spanish Business Leaders See New Investment Opportunities in Dominican Republic

Spanish business leaders have pointed to the Dominican Republic as an attractive destination for foreign investment, citing its economic stability, legal framework and opportunities for expansion across several industries. Their remarks came during a business breakfast in Madrid attended by President Luis Abinader as part of the Dominican Week in Spain (SEDE).

Núria Vilanova, president of the Business Council Alliance for Ibero-America (CEAPI), highlighted the country’s sustained activity in tourism, manufacturing and free trade zones. She said the Dominican Republic’s performance in these sectors reflected the development strategy pursued by Abinader’s administration.

Spanish businessman Víctor Moro also praised the country’s workforce and business environment, describing himself as a strong advocate of its growth potential. He pointed to the role of local talent in supporting companies and said all employees at his company, Vima Food, are Dominican.

Spain ranks among the Dominican Republic’s leading investors

Abinader described Spain as one of the Dominican Republic’s most important economic partners and its third-largest foreign investor. He put accumulated Spanish investment at $5.328 billion between 2010 and 2025.

The president said the government has focused on strengthening the economy, modernizing infrastructure and improving the business climate. He identified tourism, logistics, renewable energy, technology, manufacturing and services as areas with potential for further investment.

He also emphasized that the relationship should create opportunities for Dominican companies to expand abroad, not only for Spanish businesses seeking access to markets in the Caribbean and the Americas. Abinader said the Dominican Republic wants its companies to grow internationally and use Spain as a gateway to Europe.

The president pledged to continue working with the private sector to deepen economic ties and ensure that growth translates into broader benefits for the population.

Economic growth supports investment outlook

Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, said the country had strengthened its macroeconomic position and productive capacity, creating conditions he described as favorable for investment and job creation.

Bisonó cited economic activity growth of 4.6% during the first nine months of 2026. Central Bank figures show that expansion was supported by construction, free trade zones and services, including tourism-related activities. The monthly economic activity indicator also rose 5.6% year over year in September.

He identified the country’s geographic position, connectivity, logistics infrastructure and legal framework as competitive advantages for companies looking to operate between Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas.

Manuel García Arévalo, honorary president of Dominican Week in Spain, also described the Dominican Republic as a market offering opportunities for Spanish businesses, pointing to its sustained economic expansion and potential for stronger commercial ties.

A two-way investment relationship

The discussions in Madrid underscored an effort to broaden the economic relationship beyond Spanish investment in the Dominican Republic. While Spanish companies can use the country as a base for regional operations, Dominican businesses are also seeking stronger links with European markets.

For investors, the sectors highlighted during the meeting — including tourism, logistics, renewable energy, technology and industry — represent areas identified by Dominican officials as priorities for future development. Turning that potential into sustained investment will depend on the business conditions and opportunities available to companies on both sides of the Atlantic.