France and the Dominican Republic strengthen strategic ties in transport and economy
The bilateral relationship between the Dominican Republic and France continues to consolidate itself as a fundamental pillar for the development of critical infrastructure in the country. French expertise has been decisive in the modernization of the Dominican public transport system, with companies from that nation being responsible for the manufacturing and commissioning of the Santo Domingo Metro cars, as well as the cabins that make up the cable car system.
This history of collaboration is set to expand with the ambitious light rail project for Santo Domingo, an initiative promoted by the administration of President Luis Abinader. Currently, the project is in a negotiation stage, a topic that has been the central focus of recent diplomatic meetings between the Dominican leader and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.
Rising trade exchange
David Puig, the Dominican ambassador to France, highlighted the vitality of the commercial ties between both countries. Beyond transportation, France is positioned as a key market for the export of Dominican agricultural products, notably tobacco and cocoa, as well as medical devices manufactured in local free trade zones. The diplomat reported that trade exchange exceeded 300 million dollars last year.
The tourism sector has also received a significant boost, with the reactivation of direct flights by Air France and the opening of new routes by Air Caraibes, facilitating greater connectivity between both nations.
The Dominican Republic is also a key partner for us in the face of global challenges, particularly in the fight against sargassum, which seriously affects the Caribbean.
Emmanuel Macron, President of France
Institutional strengthening agenda
During his participation in IFTM Top Resa 2026, Ambassador Puig shared details of the upcoming “Dominican Week in France,” scheduled for October. This event will feature a high-level delegation, including representatives from the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP), agribusiness entrepreneurs, and authorities from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, with the goal of strengthening ties with French institutions.
This cooperation agenda reaffirms France’s status as a preferred partner in infrastructure and urban transport, a relationship that, according to President Macron, is based on mutual trust and collaboration in the face of shared environmental challenges, such as the sargassum problem in the Caribbean region.
