Dominican Republic: Economic Plan Targets Middle East Crisis Impact, Security Ties with U.S. Strengthened

Government activates economic response to global crisis

The government of the Dominican Republic has announced a 15 billion peso allocation from the national budget to support vulnerable sectors affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Finance Minister Magín Díaz outlined three key priorities:

• Maintaining macroeconomic and social stability

• Mitigating the impact of rising oil prices

• Preserving public investment levels

Measures to protect food prices and economic stability

As part of the plan, 1 billion pesos will be directed toward fertilizer subsidies, aiming to prevent a surge in food prices.

Authorities estimate that global oil prices could increase between 65% and 70%, but emphasize that the country remains financially resilient.

Public deposits reportedly exceed 300 billion pesos, providing the state with sufficient liquidity to absorb external shocks, supported by stable tax revenues and financing sources.

Strong fiscal position highlighted

Officials stressed that the Dominican Republic’s fiscal capacity and reserves place it in a relatively strong position to manage the economic consequences of international instability.

The measures are designed to ensure continuity in public spending while shielding key sectors from volatility.

Security cooperation with the United States intensifies

In parallel, the Dominican Republic has strengthened its security partnership with the United States, particularly in the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism.

On March 19, 2026, Michael Buemi, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counternarcotics and Stabilization Policy, conducted an official visit to the country.

High-level meetings focus on operational coordination

During his visit, Buemi met with José Manuel Cabrera Ulloa, head of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), as well as intelligence and military officials.

Discussions centered on:

• Enhancing operational coordination

• Improving effectiveness against transnational criminal networks

• Strengthening joint intelligence efforts

Focus on Caribbean maritime routes

Both countries emphasized the importance of monitoring strategic maritime routes in the Caribbean, particularly those linked to the southern United States.

Authorities also reviewed joint strategies to detect and disrupt illicit trafficking, including drug smuggling operations.

Dual focus on economy and security

The developments highlight the Dominican Republic’s dual approach to current global challenges:

• Economic resilience in the face of external shocks

• Security cooperation to counter regional threats

Officials say this strategy aims to maintain stability, growth, and national security amid evolving international dynamics.

Soraya Ades.