The first Foreign Investment Barometer conducted by ASIEX reveals that 59% of companies expect to increase their sales and 43% plan to expand their workforce
SANTO DOMINGO – At a time when global supply chains are being reconfigured and new industries such as artificial intelligence, data centers, and advanced manufacturing are seeking closer and more competitive destinations, foreign companies established in the Dominican Republic are not only maintaining their confidence in the country, but are also planning to expand their operations.
That was one of the main messages issued during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Dominican Association of Foreign Investment Companies (ASIEX) last Tuesday the 23rd, where the entity presented the First Foreign Direct Investment Barometer and brought together representatives of the private sector, authorities and specialists to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the Dominican economy.
According to ASIEX President Alejandro Peña Prieto, foreign-owned companies have become one of the pillars of the national economy, contributing 73% of the country's exports, generating around 30% of tax revenues, and supporting more than 200,000 formal jobs.
“Every dollar invested in this country is a vote of confidence in its future. It is innovation that generates opportunities and knowledge that transforms lives,” he said.
A commitment to continued growth
The results of the first Foreign Investment Barometer reveal that optimism continues to prevail among international companies operating in the Dominican Republic, according to information presented on the company's social media.
The study, prepared by Despradel & Associates (DASA), indicates that 59% of the companies surveyed plan to increase their investments during 2026, while 34% plan to maintain them, which means that 93% project permanence and growth in the Dominican market.
In addition, 59% of companies expect to increase their sales and 43% plan to expand their workforce.
For ASIEX, these figures represent one of the strongest signs of confidence in the Dominican economy, as they come from companies that already know the market and have decided to continue investing in it.
Dominican Republic on the investment map
During the panels held to commemorate its four decades, the association highlighted that the country is experiencing one of its most favorable moments for attracting foreign capital, according to the entity's findings.
Between 2020 and 2024, the Dominican Republic received more than US$18.7 billion in foreign direct investment and in 2025 it exceeded US$5 billion for the first time, consolidating itself as the main recipient of investment in Central America and the Caribbean.
Vice President Raquel Peña, who also participated in the event, reported that during the first quarter of 2026 alone, the country attracted US$1.536 billion, the highest level recorded for that period, of which US$1.046 billion corresponded to new capital contributions.
The official stated that these results reflect the confidence generated by macroeconomic stability, legal security, and the conditions offered by the Dominican Republic for business development.
Artificial intelligence and data centers
One of the topics discussed during the talks, according to the association, was the new global scenario that arises with the relocation of production chains and the growth of industries linked to the digital economy.
Alejandro Peña Prieto pointed out that sectors such as data centers, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing represent opportunities that could redefine the next stage of the country's economic growth.
However, he warned that taking advantage of them will require strengthening the training and specialization of Dominican human capital.
“We have the opportunity to become a regional investment and logistics hub for the Caribbean and Central America, but we must prepare the talent that the industries of the future will demand,” he said.
Forty years later
Four decades after its creation, ASIEX assured that it is working together with ProDominicana on a long-term strategy aimed at doubling foreign investment levels by 2036.
The organization believes that attracting international capital should be treated as a national agenda involving the government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
And while the world redefines its production chains and innovation centers, foreign companies already operating in the Dominican Republic seem to be sending a clear signal: their commitment to the country is far from over.
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