SANTO DOMINGO – Amidst aisles packed with brands, product demonstrations, and discussions of potential sales, Expo Ferretera Dominicana 2026 opened Thursday night. This business event brings together more than 55 exhibitors from 11 countries and will run until Sunday, June 14.
The event is being held at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel Convention Center, bringing together more than 55 exhibitors from 11 countries at a time when construction, the hardware industry and associated services continue to drive the Dominican economy, in the face of the real estate development growth the country is experiencing.
"Foreign investment comes to our country comfortably, confidently, and convinced of the opportunities that the Dominican Republic offers," said Constantino Ramírez, president of the Dominican Association of Hardware Stores (ASODEFE), in his opening remarks.
The reflection came amid a context marked by the expansion of real estate, tourism and infrastructure projects that have increased the demand for materials, construction solutions and new technologies for the sector.
This year's edition brings together companies from the United States, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, Turkey, Spain, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, China and the Dominican Republic, consolidating the regional and international character that the fair has acquired, according to Ana Ventura, general manager of Expo Ferretera.
He said that the exhibition has become a meeting point where manufacturers, distributors, builders, engineers, architects and representatives of different segments linked to the development of infrastructure and buildings converge.
The challenge of turning growth into opportunities
During his speech, Constantino Ramírez drew attention to the need for Dominican companies to actively participate in the growth process that the country is experiencing.
The business leader emphasized that the arrival of foreign investment is a sign of confidence in the economic stability and opportunities offered by the Dominican Republic, but warned that the local sector must remain vigilant to take advantage of the opportunities generated by this expansion.
Innovation, training and digital transformation
In addition to the trade exhibition, the fair includes training spaces aimed at professionals and companies in the sector.
Among the scheduled activities is the conference "How to leverage artificial intelligence to attract and retain customers," a proposal that reflects how tools traditionally associated with the technological field are beginning to gain ground within industries linked to construction, marketing, and services.
The agenda also includes workshops, product demonstrations, and professional development opportunities aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of participating companies.
Beyond the exhibition
The opening ceremony also served to recognize the career of entrepreneurs who have contributed to the development of the national hardware trade.
In this edition, Rafael Bueno, from Ferretería CODECA, and Antonio Pappaterra, from Ferretería Pappaterra Montolio, were honored for their contributions to strengthening the sector.
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