Capital from Italy grew by 269% in 2025, driven by interest in energy, free zones, industry, and strategic cooperation between the two countries
SANTO DOMINGO. – Foreign direct investment from Italy in the Dominican Republic reached historic levels during 2025, consolidating the European country as one of the main strategic partners of the Dominican market and reinforcing the interest of Italian businessmen in sectors related to energy, industry, agriculture and technology.
According to figures from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD), Italian investment totaled USD371.6 million in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 269% compared to the USD100.6 million recorded in 2024.
The increase positions Italy as the third largest foreign investor in the Dominican Republic, behind only Spain and the United States, also marking a significant growth compared to 2019, when Italian investment barely exceeded USD44 million.
During an event held in Santo Domingo to mark Europe Day, the Italian ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Sergio Maffettone, highlighted the growing interest of Italian businessmen in the Dominican market, especially in areas related to free trade zones and industrial development.
The diplomat noted that there is a joint effort to strengthen business ties and attract new investments to sectors considered strategic for both economies.
Energy and technology are among the areas of greatest interest
Among the sectors that attract the most attention from Italian capital are energy, agriculture, industrial technology, health and defense, areas that continue to gain relevance within the bilateral cooperation agenda.
Maffettone indicated that Italy seeks to expand the presence of its companies in the Dominican Republic through alliances focused on innovation, mechanization and industrial modernization.
“There is a good relationship with AIRD and its counterpart in Italy. The goal is for more Italians to come here to discover the free trade zones and the opportunities for industrial development,” the ambassador said during the meeting.
The strengthening of foreign investment also coincides with a regional scenario where several Latin American countries have begun to attract greater European interest, particularly in projects linked to energy transition and sustainability.
Latin America gains relevance for Italy
In a recent interview with Colombian media, Angelo Gobbo, director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Colombia, explained that Latin America has become a priority region for Italy, along with strategic markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia.
Gobbo stated that Italian investments in the region have been heavily focused on renewable energy, the circular economy, the use of industrial waste, and biogas projects, sectors that are also beginning to attract interest in the Dominican Republic.
The business representative stated that, during the last decade, Italian investment in Colombia has averaged around USD 100 million annually, driven mainly by energy projects and financing of solar initiatives.
Economic cooperation and bilateral ties
In addition to the economic component, Italian authorities have highlighted the strengthening of bilateral cooperation on social and security issues, including joint initiatives in health and the fight against drug trafficking.
The sustained growth of Italian investment also reflects the positioning of the Dominican Republic as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investment in the Caribbean and Latin America, amid international interest in markets with stability, connectivity and potential for industrial expansion.
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