The country attracted US$4,525.1 million in foreign direct investment and reached exports of US$13,246.4 million between January and September 2026, with growth rates of 3.7% and 14%, respectively
SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic continues to expand its presence in international markets, driven by the growth of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the increase in goods exports during the first nine months of 2026. Between January and September, both indicators reflected progress that contributes to strengthening the country's productive activity and commercial integration.
According to preliminary figures from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD), foreign direct investment reached US$4,525.1 million during that period, representing a 3.7% increase compared to the US$4,363.2 million recorded during the same months of 2025. In absolute terms, the country attracted an additional US$161.9 million.
At the same time, goods exports totaled US$13,246.4 million, compared to US$11,624.3 million the previous year, representing an approximate year-on-year increase of 14%. These figures reflect the positive performance of two key activities for the Dominican economy: attracting international capital and marketing national products abroad.
Foreign investment maintains an upward trajectory
The increase in FDI adds to a growth trend recorded in recent years. Between 2010 and 2019, the Dominican Republic received an annual average of US$2.538 billion in foreign direct investment, while between 2021 and 2025 that average rose to US$4.2484 billion.
This difference equates to a growth of 67.4% between both periods, which shows a greater attraction of foreign capital compared to the decade prior to the pandemic.
In addition to representing a source of financing for new projects, international investment can contribute to expanding productive capacity, generating jobs, incorporating technology, and strengthening ties between local companies and external markets.
In this context, maintaining favorable business conditions and facilitating investment procedures are important elements for continuing to attract capital and expanding opportunities for economic development.
Domestic exports drive growth
Regarding foreign trade, the increase in exports was supported by the performance of domestic goods and free trade zones, although with different growth rates.
Exports of domestically produced goods reached US$6,571.2 million during January-September 2016, representing a 27.4% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Meanwhile, exports from free trade zones totaled US$6,675.2 million, reflecting a 3.2% increase.
These figures show the progress of sales of national products in international markets and the contribution of free trade zones to the country's export activity.
While national exports registered a more pronounced expansion, free zones maintained positive growth, consolidating their participation within the Dominican exportable supply.
Together, both segments contributed to goods exports exceeding US$13.2 billion in the first nine months of the year.
Investment and exports: two engines of the economy
In assessing the results, Vladimir Pimentel, executive director of ProDominicana, highlighted the importance of both activities for the country's productive development and economic integration.
“These results reflect the continued confidence that the Dominican Republic inspires among international investors and the strengthening of our export capacity. They are the fruit of sustained effort, supported by various public policies that contribute to improving competitiveness, facilitating investment, and expanding opportunities for our companies in international markets,” he stated.
The significance of these indicators is also evident when analyzed together. During January-September 2026, the value of foreign direct investment and goods exports totaled US$17,771.5 million, compared to US$15,987.5 million in the same period of 2025.
The difference of US$1.784 billion represents an approximate growth of 11.2% compared to the previous year. Although these are distinct economic indicators, their evolution allows for simultaneous observation of the behavior of foreign capital inflows and the sale of Dominican goods abroad.
Thus, the growth of both sectors reflects two complementary ways to strengthen the economy: attracting resources for productive activities and expanding the capacity of companies to compete in international markets.
Facilitating investment and new business opportunities
To support this evolution, ProDominicana develops initiatives aimed at promoting investment, diversifying the exportable supply, and identifying business opportunities for Dominican companies.
Among these initiatives is the Single Investment Window (VUI), coordinated by that entity, which integrates 50 procedures from 26 institutions, including several municipalities. The platform aims to simplify procedures and facilitate processes for those wishing to establish or expand investment projects in the country.
According to data provided by ProDominicana, as of September 2026, 601 activities promoting and using the platform had been carried out, 922 investor assistance services had been offered, and 715 registered and active users had been recorded.
These initiatives are complemented by international promotion activities, market intelligence, and support for companies and investors, with the aim of expanding business opportunities and facilitating access for Dominican products to new markets.
It also promotes the incorporation of local suppliers into value chains and the development of higher value-added activities, including modern services and sectors linked to the digital economy.
A commitment to competitiveness and productive development
Pimentel stressed that strengthening investment and exports requires the coordinated participation of public institutions and private companies, especially to expand business opportunities and improve the country's competitive capacity.
“At ProDominicana, we work to ensure that foreign investment and exports strengthen each other, generating new business opportunities, production chains, and greater participation of Dominican companies in international markets. These results reflect the impact of a shared agenda between the public and private sectors, aimed at boosting the country's competitiveness and sustainable development,” Pimentel stated.
The results for the first nine months of 2026 show progress in both attracting foreign investment and exporting goods. The continuation of this trend will depend, among other factors, on international economic conditions, the competitiveness of the productive sectors, and the country's ability to attract new projects and expand its presence in global markets.
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