Manuel Salazar praised the reduction in poverty, the investment in infrastructure, and the opportunities that the country maintains
SANTO DOMINGO.- The Dominican Republic is among the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean that are not trapped in the so-called "low growth capacity trap," maintaining an economic expansion close to 5% over the last 35 years, said Manuel Salazar, executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
Salazar made these statements prior to the 41st session of ECLAC, while assessing the Dominican Republic's economic performance over the past decades and considering the Caribbean nation to be "very special" due to the transformations that have accompanied its development.
"The Dominican Republic is not one of the countries stuck in a rut; it has been growing at practically 5% for the last 35 years. That is unique; no other country in Latin America has that growth rate," he stated.
Poverty reduction and investment
The executive secretary of ECLAC maintained that the Dominican Republic's economic progress has also been accompanied by a reduction in poverty, investments in infrastructure, and investment levels that remain among the highest in the region.
"So he has a lot to teach, and well, that doesn't mean he doesn't have challenges; he does have challenges," he said.
Salazar also stated that the accumulated performance over these years has contributed to strengthening confidence in the government and the system, a scenario that, he explained, contrasts with that of other Latin American nations where discontent and distrust towards institutions persist.
"So, in short, other things could be said: a special country, with great opportunities," he stated.
What is ECLAC and what is its function?
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is a regional body of the United Nations (UN) that studies the economy and development of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
ECLAC conducts research, compiles statistics and formulates recommendations on topics such as economic growth, poverty, inequality, employment, trade, investment, infrastructure and sustainable development.
In simple terms, it analyzes the economic and social situation of the region and provides studies and proposals to guide the development policies of the countries.
What is ECLAC doing in the Dominican Republic and how long will its stay last?
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is holding its 41st session in Santiago de los Caballeros, a meeting that brings together representatives from countries in the region to discuss economic, social, and environmental development. The official activities are taking place from October 7 to 9, over three days.
Recommended readings:
- ECLAC highlights the importance of strong and transparent institutions for regional development
- These were the Latin American and Caribbean countries with the highest FDI inflows in 2025, according to ECLAC
- ECLAC highlights that the Dominican Republic has maintained average growth of 5% in the last decade, more than double the regional average
