Pelegrín Castillo requests review of Indotel tender awarded to Vietnamese company
The president of the National Progressive Force (FNP), Pelegrín Castillo, has formally requested that the Dominican government elevate to the National Security and Defense Council the analysis regarding the recent tender by the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel), which was awarded to the Vietnamese state-owned company Viettel. According to Castillo, there are critical national security grounds that warrant a deep review to determine whether the operation should be modified, reconsidered, or revoked.
Security concerns and financial flows
One of the central points of Castillo’s approach lies in Viettel’s presence in Haiti under the NatCom brand. The leader warns that, given that the tender includes the development of a digital wallet, it is imperative to investigate whether such a tool could facilitate irregular capital movements between both countries. In this sense, he has urged the competent authorities, including the Central Bank, financial intelligence units, and the Attorney General’s Office, to deepen investigations into transactions that could be linked to the movement of Haitian citizens into Dominican territory.
The development of telecommunications must be carried out under standards that do not compromise the sovereignty or stability of the country, especially in the face of the expansion of 4G and 5G networks in strategic sectors.
Pelegrín Castillo, president of the FNP
Challenges in the cybersecurity era
For the FNP, the participation of foreign companies with state ties in critical infrastructure requires rigorous controls. Castillo emphasized the need for the Dominican State to strengthen its legal framework to:
- Implement a robust national cyber protection system.
- Establish oversight mechanisms for investments in strategic sectors.
- Strengthen laws against unfair trade and competition practices.
- Shield digital infrastructure against potential external threats.
Positioning regarding the geopolitical scenario
The political leader warned about the growing economic and technological confrontation between the major global powers. Castillo stressed that the Dominican Republic must avoid becoming a stage for foreign disputes, always prioritizing national interests. Likewise, he called on the international community, especially the United States, to pay greater attention to the stability of the island of Santo Domingo, warning that any imbalance in the region would represent a risk for the entire continent.
The FNP reaffirmed its commitment to remain vigilant regarding decisions that affect data management, technological infrastructure, and State security, insisting that economic progress must not be dissociated from the protection of the nation’s strategic assets.
