Guatemalan Ambassador announces direct flights between his country and the Dominican Republic; Banreservas and the Tourism Cluster will support tourism; housing materials and price adjustments have increased; the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) will close overpasses for maintenance in Greater Santo Domingo; gas prices are skyrocketing worldwide; Feller Rate raises risk rating for JMMB Funds; the price of low-cost housing rose from RD$2 million to RD$4.5 million in 10 years; Cabrera offers natural destinations for rest and retirement; the Dominican free trade zone sector reaches 188,761 formal jobs; China makes Russian oil its main source of crude; security measures are intensified in public institutions; a study reveals that five deaths will occur each year due to the polluting effects of Punta Catalina.
Guatemalan Ambassador Announces Direct Flights Between His Country and the Dominican Republic
The Guatemalan ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Javier Zepeda, announced yesterday that direct commercial and cargo flights between the two countries will soon be established to promote investment, trade, and tourism. “For Dominicans, Guatemala is a destination of many opportunities,” Zepeda affirmed, adding that the connection will be made through the Dominican ultra-low-cost airline Arajet, following the open skies agreement signed between the two countries.
Banreservas and the Tourism Cluster will support tourism
Banco de Reservas and the Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster agreed yesterday to support and strengthen sustainable tourism investment and innovative entrepreneurship in the capital. The agreement, signed by Banreservas administrator Samuel Pereyra and Tourism Cluster coordinator Mónika Infante, commits both institutions to promote the development of social and commercial plans and programs to contribute to the advancement of Dominicans.
Materials and price adjustments have increased housing costs
The price increase recorded for low-cost housing has been mainly due to the rise in construction materials in recent years, in addition to the adjustments made through Law 189-11, which allowed for the capture of a segment of the population with greater economic capacity.
MOPC will close overpasses for maintenance in Greater Santo Domingo
Starting Monday, June 20, and continuing through Saturday, June 25, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications will close vehicular traffic on underpasses, including tunnels, overpasses, and bridges, located throughout Greater Santo Domingo, to carry out maintenance work on these structures. The closures will be in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following day. Today, Tuesday, the underpasses at the intersection of the V Centenario Expressway with Tunti Cáceres and Peña Batlle will be closed, as well as the Duarte Bridge, the overpasses at the intersection of 27 de Febrero Avenue with Ortega y Gasset Avenue, and the intersection of V Centenario Expressway with San Martín Avenue. From Tuesday to Thursday, the underpass at the intersection of the Las Américas Expressway and the Las Américas access road will be closed for the installation of lighting in the lower area.
Prices are skyrocketing at gas stations around the world
At a gas station near Cologne Airport in Germany, Bernd Mueller watches the numbers climb rapidly on the pump: 22 euros ($23), 23 euros, 24 euros. The digits indicating how much gas he's pumped also rise, but much, much more slowly. Decisions around the world are as varied as consumers and countries: walk more, dust off that bicycle, take the subway, train, or bus. Drive more slowly to save fuel or reconsider that road trip. Perhaps even forgo the car altogether.
Feller Rate raises risk rating for JMMB Funds
The rating agency Feller Rate upgraded the risk rating of JMMB Funds, an investment fund manager, from A-af to Aaf, indicating that the manager has a sound level of structures and policies for fund management. It also benefits from the backing of its parent company, JMMB Group, which has extensive experience in the investment sector in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
The price of low-cost housing went from RD$2 million to RD$4.5 million in 10 years
According to official figures, from 2013 to mid-2022, 28,701 families have benefited from government-provided low-cost housing vouchers. The maximum price for housing units in this category has increased by 87.5% compared to the price set 10 years ago. In 2011, the maximum sale price for low-cost housing, as established by regulations, was 2 million pesos. With annual adjustments and modifications, this amount has reached 4.5 million pesos in 2022.
Cabrera is home to natural destinations for rest and relaxation
The municipality of Cabrera, located in the province of María Trinidad Sánchez, continues to attract thousands of tourists thanks to its diverse historical, cultural, natural, and gastronomic attractions, making the region a perfect place to relax and enjoy a peaceful retreat. This area has everything young and old tourists could want for a pleasant and trouble-free stay, offering comfort and security that, combined with tranquility, make it an unforgettable destination.
Dominican free trade zone sector reaches 188,761 formal jobs
During the first four months of 2022, the free trade zone sector registered a total of 188,761 jobs, surpassing the figures for all of 2021, when the number of workers, technicians, and administrative staff employed in this sector reached 183,232. The most recent information provided by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM) indicates that the sector is one of the main generators of formal employment in the Dominican economy.
AES Dominicana acquires renewable energy portfolio
AES Dominicana, through a purchase agreement with the Inkia Group, acquired a new renewable energy portfolio, adding strategic assets to its portfolio. These include the 50-megawatt “Agua Clara I” wind farm, located in Montecristi, and several other projects in different parts of the country. AES reported that this move is part of its sustainability strategy, as these 50 MW will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 124,000 metric tons per year.
China makes Russian oil its main source of crude
China increased its crude oil imports from Russia by 54.84 percent in May compared to the same period last year, according to data from the country's General Administration of Customs. In May of this year, the Asian giant imported a total of 8.41 million tons of crude oil from Russia, 2.98 million tons more than in the same period of 2021.
Security measures are being intensified at public institutions
Security measures in public and private institutions are becoming increasingly stringent following the tragic death of Minister Orlando Jorge Mera in his office at the Ministry of the Environment. The official was shot multiple times. While people are adapting to the security checks required to access various government institutions, private companies are also implementing access controls.
Study reveals five deaths will occur each year due to the polluting effects of Punta Catalina
The pollution generated by the Punta Catalina Thermoelectric Power Plant covers a large part of the national territory and almost all of Haiti. This is the conclusion of a six-month study conducted by environmental specialists in the province of Peravia. The research also determined that this pollution is generated by microparticles of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, coal ash, acid, and mercury—toxic substances released by the plant's operations that severely affect people's health.
Source: Hoy, Diario Libre, El Día, Listín Diario.
