Dominican Republic And Arizona Deepen Semiconductor Cooperation

The Dominican Republic is seeking a larger role in the global semiconductor supply chain through a new partnership with Arizona, one of the leading U.S. hubs for advanced chip manufacturing. The agreement brings government agencies, companies and educational institutions from both sides together to develop specialized skills, strengthen industrial links and attract investment.

Industry, Commerce and MSMEs Minister Yayo Sanz Lovatón signed the memorandum of understanding with Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, during a ceremony in Phoenix on August 25. The signing took place as part of a public-private mission led by the Dominican Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs.

A Partnership Focused On Talent And Investment

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between businesses, universities and government institutions in the Dominican Republic and Arizona. Among its priorities are specialized training, knowledge exchange and the development and mobility of workers with the technical skills required by the semiconductor industry.

Sanz Lovatón said Dominican talent would be a key advantage as the country seeks to participate in the sector, while the partnership could help connect educational institutions and private companies with the needs of an increasingly specialized market. The government also sees the initiative as a way to support higher-skilled employment and attract new investment.

Watson described the partnership as a strategic opportunity to connect the Dominican Republic’s logistics infrastructure, free zones and workforce with the high-technology manufacturing ecosystem in the United States.

The memorandum also addresses supply-chain resilience, expanded trade and investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships between companies and institutions in both jurisdictions.

Where The Dominican Republic Could Fit Into The Chip Supply Chain

The initiative forms part of the Dominican Republic’s National Semiconductor Industry Promotion Strategy, known as ENFIS, which seeks to position the country as a reliable and competitive partner in the global semiconductor value chain.

Rather than focusing on the most capital-intensive stages of advanced chip fabrication, the strategy identifies complementary activities that can build on capabilities already present in the Dominican Republic. These include semiconductor assembly, testing and packaging, manufacturing of passive and discrete components, and printed circuit board assembly.

The country’s free-zone system provides an existing industrial platform for this approach. The sector includes 858 companies, more than 200,000 direct jobs and exports exceeding $8.6 billion, according to figures provided as part of the mission.

For international manufacturers, these capabilities could provide a foundation for expanding production and supply-chain operations in the Caribbean while maintaining connections with U.S. technology and manufacturing centers.

Arizona Brings A Major Semiconductor Ecosystem

Arizona has developed into a major U.S. semiconductor center, with operations and investment from companies including TSMC, Intel, onsemi, Microchip and Amkor. Its ecosystem links government, industry and academic institutions to support advanced manufacturing, research and workforce development.

The Dominican delegation visited MacroTechnology Works at Arizona State University, a research facility associated with semiconductors, quantum technology and advanced materials. The visit focused on potential academic and technology cooperation that could help strengthen the specialized workforce needed for the Dominican Republic’s semiconductor ambitions.

The mission also included representatives from the Dominican private sector and universities, including Auffant Global Advisory, ASX Capital, ALTIO SAFI, EniAgri, Grupo INICIA, Domex Courier, INTEC and UNICARIBE. Meetings were also held with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lawrence Semiconductor and other business and economic development leaders.

The agreement does not itself establish specific semiconductor investments or manufacturing projects. Instead, it creates a framework for connecting institutions and companies and for developing the skills, commercial relationships and investment opportunities that could support the Dominican Republic’s participation in the industry.