The Dominican economy is preparing for another year of expansion. The Central Bank projects that the country will grow by 5% in 2026 with controlled inflation, a scenario typically associated with new investments, increased productive activity, and greater business dynamism. However, behind this expectation lies a factor that is beginning to gain prominence: the need to protect and maintain existing infrastructure
The issue has gained relevance in a context where the government has budgeted RD$215.284 billion in capital expenditures , around 2.5% of GDP , with a clear priority of reinforcing existing assets to ensure their continued operation. This is because roads, industrial parks, logistics centers, power grids, and commercial complexes form the foundation upon which the economy operates. When these assets function efficiently, growth flows, but if they fail, the costs can be very high.
Protecting assets to sustain expansion
The approach is not accidental. The government has begun to treat the resilience of critical infrastructure as a component of national security, while the energy sector is moving forward with plans to consolidate a 2,000-megawatt reserve to support future demand.
In parallel, the industrial strategy aims to strengthen nearshoring, especially in free trade zones that already contribute more than US$7.9 billion to the Dominican economy. For these production parks, operational continuity must take into account that any disruption will impact supply chains, exports, and employment.
In this scenario, technology is beginning to play a more visible role. Antonio Pérez, general manager of Grupo EULEN in the Dominican Republic and Panama, explains that “AI-powered predictive maintenance technology allows local industries to optimize their energy consumption by 15% , directly supporting the country's decarbonization goals.”
The logic is simple: anticipating failures costs less than correcting them when they already affect production.
From operating expense to strategic decision
The change is also financial. Traditionally, maintenance was seen as an unavoidable expense; today it is beginning to be interpreted as an investment that provides long-term stability.
“Our mission in 2026 is to turn maintenance into an investment, not an expense. By centralizing services under our Facility Services model, companies eliminate hidden costs and transform variable costs into fixed and predictable ones,” says Pérez.
This statement aligns with a current economic climate in which foreign direct investment and exchange rate stability remain key drivers for the country. For investors, reliable infrastructure is often as important as tax incentives or geographic location.
Recommended readings:
- Following collapses and structural failures, the National Health Service (SNS) and the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors (CODIA) announce an agreement to protect healthcare infrastructure
- From the Jet Set tragedy to hospitals at risk: the silent infrastructure crisis in the Dominican Republic
- The Public Infrastructure Oversight Commission has evaluated more than 250 bridges in the country
