Dominican Republic Maintains Leadership in Foreign Direct Investment in Central America and the Caribbean
Biviana Riveiro Disla, Executive Director of the Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana), highlighted that the World Investment Report by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) confirms that the Dominican Republic maintained its regional leadership in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the third consecutive year, surpassing the countries of Central America and the Caribbean in 2024.
According to this United Nations body, the Caribbean experienced a 21% increase in FDI flows during 2024, driven largely by the stability of inflows to the Dominican Republic, which reached US\$4.523 billion, remaining above US\$4 billion annually since 2022. This performance is particularly relevant in a global context where FDI flows declined by 11% due to economic slowdown, financial volatility, and rising geopolitical tensions—underscoring the resilience of the Dominican economy.
Riveiro stated, “This achievement reflects the strong confidence of international investors in the Dominican Republic’s business climate, supported by a clear investment facilitation strategy, strengthened institutions, and the implementation of effective public policies under the leadership of President Luis Abinader, in an environment characterized by macroeconomic stability.”
Riveiro also pointed out that the report highlights that FDI flows to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) increased by 11% in 2024, reaching US\$9 billion, of which the Dominican Republic received nearly half—reaffirming its role as a leading destination in this category.
Among the standout sectors, the country was identified as the top destination in the Caribbean and ranked among the top four SIDS for solar and biomass energy projects. This trend aligns with the global shift toward sustainable investment and energy transition, which continues to gain prominence in international investment decisions—strengthening the Dominican Republic’s position as a regional benchmark in attracting capital linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this context, Riveiro emphasized that ProDominicana continues to promote investment facilitation and service digitalization tools, such as the Ventanilla Única de Inversión (Single Investment Window, or VUI), which streamlines and increases transparency in processes for investors. Currently, the VUI integrates 26 institutions—including various municipal governments—with 41 procedures enabled and over 580 investor support services provided, covering several strategic investment sectors.
Riveiro concluded by stating that “ProDominicana’s strategies will remain aligned with the vision of the META RD 2036 Plan, which aims to double the country’s gross domestic product by consolidating foreign direct investment as a cross-cutting driver to achieve this goal and continue attracting innovative and sustainable capital that fosters the country’s economic development.”
*Source: Infotur Dominicano
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