Vice President says the government is working to double agricultural exports by 2036

Bavaro. – Vice President Raquel Peña led the closing of the twenty-seventh edition of the National Meeting of Leaders of the Agricultural Sector, organized by the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD), where she reaffirmed the commitment of the government of President Luis Abinader to double agricultural exports by the year 2036.

"Our strategic goal is ambitious and concrete: to double our agricultural and agro-industrial exports between now and 2036, strengthening competitiveness, opening new markets and guaranteeing quality and safety in every product that leaves our lands," Peña expressed. 

To achieve this goal, the Vice President explained that work is being done on four fundamental fronts: training and generational replacement; quality and competitiveness; infrastructure and technology, and sustainability and innovation. Peña highlighted that today they can proudly say that the country produces more than 90% of the national basic basket, ensuring essential foods such as rice, chicken, eggs, and dairy products for Dominican families. "This means food sovereignty, but also confidence in our people's ability to feed the country and conquer international markets." The vice president also highlighted the importance of strengthening alliances between the government, the productive sector, and academia to ensure a more competitive, modern, and sustainable agricultural sector.

 “Bajo el liderazgo que hemos asumido como Gobierno, hemos trazado una ruta clara para que el agro siga siendo un motor de desarrollo económico, social y ambiental”,

dijo Peña.

He stated that in 2025, they have strengthened the position of the Dominican Republic as a reliable supplier in global trade, with priority markets such as the United States, Haiti, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, and Spain, and with emerging markets with great potential such as Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Jamaica.

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Furthermore, he said, firm steps have been taken in training and innovation and cited as an example the signing of a collaboration agreement between the JAD and Barna Management School, which will allow the preparation of the next generations of agri-business leaders, with research and development programs that promote the modernization and sustainability of the sector. He recalled that two years ago, he had the honor of participating in this meeting and of directly witnessing the passion, vision, and commitment that characterize this sector and that this exchange allowed him to learn firsthand about the challenges and opportunities facing the field.

“And today, I return with the same conviction and with the certainty that this forum continues to be a key space to build consensus, strengthen alliances and project the future of our agriculture towards new goals”.

He stated that this dialogue invites us to look forward with clear goals and with the determination that the Dominican countryside be not only the heart of our food security, but also a key platform for innovation, productivity, and the global projection of the Dominican Republic. He called for continued collaboration, with determination and a vision for the future, so that the country's exports can be doubled and the Dominican Republic can be positioned as a regional benchmark in agricultural production and trade. Vice President Peña concluded her remarks by stating that "the future of the Dominican countryside depends on our ability to innovate, to open new markets and to bring well-being to every rural community, demonstrating that agriculture is and will continue to be the root of our prosperity as a nation."