Dominican Republic: An Exceptional Case of Stability and Confidence in an Alert Latin America

In a regional context marked by the erosion of institutional trust, widespread economic fragility, and growing political polarization, the Dominican Republic has emerged as an exception in Latin America. This is stated in the Latin America Country Risk Index and Analysis 2025, prepared by the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University (FIU), one of the most rigorous comparative studies on political, economic, social, and international risk in the region.

The report, which evaluates twelve Latin American countries, places the Dominican Republic among the economies with the lowest structural risk for foreign investment and the highest expectations for economic growth. It also identifies the Dominican Republic as the country with the highest favorable recommendation for investment, with 76% of the experts consulted recommending investment in the country, representing a significant advantage compared to other countries in the region.

Stability in a Region Under Pressure

The study identifies the main investment risks in the region as the expansion of organized crime, the deterioration of public security, political polarization, and a generalized crisis of trust in political parties, congresses, and other key institutions. Institutional credibility was measured using the new “Trust-O-Meter” developed by the report, which places the region, on average, at an “alert” level.

Within this context, the Dominican Republic stands apart from other countries in the region. According to the report’s findings, the country records the lowest levels of political, economic, social, and international risk. This is largely due to the absence of internal confrontations that could compromise decision-making processes, the execution and respect of democratic processes, and overall governmental stability. The country’s political stability clearly contrasts with the volatile scenarios currently affecting other major economies in the region.

Macroeconomic Strength and Private Sector Confidence

As noted above, the performance of the Dominican economy is one of the key reasons the country is currently favorably positioned for investment. According to the report, the Dominican Republic ranks among the nations with the lowest economic risk, supported by consistent macroeconomic policies and a positive perception from the private sector regarding economic management.

While high levels of unemployment, inflation, and informality persist in most Latin American countries—factors that the study directly links to political and social instability—experts project a favorable medium-term growth outlook for the Dominican Republic. This expectation is supported by the continuity of policies aimed at industrial development, the attraction of foreign direct investment at the state level, trade openness, and the strengthening of bilateral relations with key partners.

Contained Social Risk in a Turbulent Hemisphere

One of the study’s most significant findings is the relevance of social risk in Latin America. The advance of organized crime and high levels of criminality across the region represent one of the main challenges, directly impacting investment, business operating costs, and legal certainty—an essential factor for formal economic activity.

In this area, the Dominican Republic shows social risk levels below the regional average, remaining relatively insulated from the more severe deterioration observed in other countries. Although none of the countries analyzed is completely immune to regional security challenges, the report acknowledges that, unlike others, the Dominican environment offers more favorable conditions for business activity, tourism, and productive investment.

Low International Risk and Strategic Positioning

The analysis of international risk further reinforces this positive perception. In a global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, the Dominican Republic ranks among the countries with the lowest international risk index, alongside Peru and Argentina. This perception stems from the country’s stable foreign relations, timely strategic alignment with key partners, and a foreign policy focused on strengthening cooperation across the continent.

Regional Leadership in Investment Recommendation

The study’s most compelling conclusion is the direct recommendation for investment. While countries such as Paraguay and Argentina received positive evaluations, the Dominican Republic led the regional ranking with a clear advantage.

For investors and companies, the report’s message is clear: in Latin America, the Dominican Republic offers a resilient profile against external pressures and internal stability that contributes to its consolidation as a preferred investment destination.

Final Reflections

The challenge for the Dominican Republic will be to consolidate the progress achieved in areas related to foreign investment, continue strengthening transparency, democratic institutions, and legal certainty, and remain adaptable to an increasingly competitive international environment.

Ultimately, in a continent facing growing warning signs and increasingly fragile political and economic stability, the Dominican Republic stands out not only for its recent performance, but also for the confidence it inspires in the future—solidifying its position as one of the most solid and attractive investment destinations in Latin America.

Law No. 98-25, which amends and supplements various provisions of Law No. 225-20 on Comprehensive Management and Co-processing of Solid Waste, aims to strengthen the national waste management system, reduce environmental impact, and promote the circular economy, in accordance with the provisions of Article 1 of Law No. 98-25, which redefines and expands the purpose of the existing regulation. This reform introduces new technical, financial, and operational obligations that directly impact companies and local governments.

Special Contribution and Strengthening of the System

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a mandatory Special Contribution, through the amendment of Article 36 of Law No. 225-20 and the inclusion of Paragraph III, as established by Law No. 98-25. This contribution applies to all legal entities, both public and private, is calculated based on the annual income reported to the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), and becomes enforceable as of the 2025 fiscal year-end. The funds collected are allocated exclusively to financing transfer stations, recovery plants, sanitary landfills, and other infrastructure of the national waste management system, strengthening its financial sustainability, while also representing a new cost that companies must anticipate.

Increased Oversight and Corporate Responsibility

Law No. 98-25 amends and expands the provisions of Law No. 225-20 relating to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, reinforcing its role as the governing authority of the system and its regulatory and supervisory powers over public and private stakeholders. Likewise, through the amendment of Articles 27 and subsequent articles of Law No. 225-20, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime is broadened, imposing on producers, importers, and marketers the obligation to ensure the post-consumption management of waste derived from their products. These amendments promote the circular economy but entail greater technical and operational compliance requirements.

Regulation of Plastics, Municipalities, and Compliance Deadlines

The regulation introduces specific changes regarding single-use plastics and expanded polystyrene (foam), through the amendment and incorporation of provisions contained in Articles 30 to 34 of Law No. 225-20, as amended by Law No. 98-25, establishing mandatory technical requirements for their manufacture, importation, and commercialization, including biodegradability certifications. Likewise, Law No. 98-25 amends Articles 38 and 41 of Law No. 225-20, conditioning municipalities’ access to financial contributions on the approval of municipal waste management plans and establishing deadlines for the regularization and closure of open-air dumps. These reforms seek to reduce environmental and health risks, although they require operational adjustments at both the business and municipal levels.

Drawbacks and Challenges of Law No. 98-25

Despite the advances introduced, Law No. 98-25, by amending multiple provisions of Law No. 225-20, presents significant practical challenges. These include increased financial burdens on companies resulting from the Special Contribution incorporated into Article 36 of Law No. 225-20, as amended by Law No. 98-25, as well as the costs associated with complying with the revised Extended Producer Responsibility regime; a higher administrative and regulatory burden due to new registration, certification, and planning requirements; and the need to make operational and technical adjustments to products, processes, and supply chains, particularly in relation to single-use plastics. In addition, although the revised compliance deadlines are progressive, they may be demanding for certain sectors and municipalities with limited technical or financial capacity.

At Alburquerque Abogados, we support our clients in conducting a specific analysis of the impact of this regulation on their activities, as well as in the design and implementation of legal and operational strategies that enable them to comply with current regulations, minimize risks, and efficiently take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new comprehensive waste management model.

When did the new Criminal Procedure Code enter into force?

The new Criminal Procedure Code of the Dominican Republic entered into force on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the National District, and on Wednesday, December 10 of the same year in the rest of the country, following the enactment of Law No. 97-25 on Sunday, December 7, 2025. This new legislation fully replaces the previous procedural framework established by Law No. 76-02.

Its implementation introduces significant changes to the structure and operation of criminal proceedings, redefining the rules governing investigation, adjudication, and the participation of the parties, all under the principle of constitutional and conventional supremacy, in accordance with Article 1 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

As of its entry into force, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims, and defendants are now governed by a new legal framework that imposes higher technical and procedural standards, in line with the principles of legality, due process, and effective judicial protection established in Articles 3, 7, and 8 of Law No. 97-25.

What does this new Criminal Procedure Code entail?

The new Criminal Procedure Code maintains pre-existing procedural mechanisms within the Dominican criminal justice system, such as discretionary prosecution criteria, conciliation, and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, as provided for in Articles 35, 38, and 40 of the Code. These mechanisms remain applicable primarily to offenses punishable by a maximum sentence not exceeding five (5) years of imprisonment, as established by the law.

However, their scope has been redefined through more precise and objective limits, excluding their application when there is serious harm to the public interest, when the offense is of particular seriousness or complexity, when public officials are involved in the exercise of their duties, or when the social or economic impact of the offense is significant, in accordance with the criteria set forth in Article 35, paragraph 1, items (a), (b), and (c) of Law No. 97-25.

Positive aspects of the new Criminal Procedure Code

Among the most significant advances of the new Code is a clearer delineation of the functions of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the judge, reaffirming the principle of separation of procedural functions expressly enshrined in Article 22. This redesign strengthens the judge’s role as a guarantor of rights and limits any deviation toward prosecutorial functions.

Judicial oversight is also reinforced throughout all stages of the proceedings, ensuring that judicial decisions are duly reasoned as required by Article 24, while higher technical standards are established for the collection, admission, and evaluation of evidence, in strict adherence to the principle of evidentiary legality set forth in Article 26.

This new regulatory framework seeks to reduce discretion, organize the conduct of the parties, and provide greater predictability to criminal proceedings, within a system that prioritizes procedural efficiency and respect for reasonable timeframes, in accordance with Article 8 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Critical aspects and challenges of the new procedural regime

Despite its advances, the new Criminal Procedure Code presents significant challenges in its practical application. Increased procedural rigor and strengthened judicial guarantees may result in longer and more technically complex proceedings, with higher evidentiary burdens for the prosecution, in accordance with the presumption of innocence established in Article 14.

Likewise, restrictions on the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for certain offenses, pursuant to the limits set forth in Article 35, increase litigation and heighten the personal, reputational, and financial impact of criminal proceedings for both individuals and legal entities.

The impact of the new Criminal Procedure Code on organizations and compliance

The new Criminal Procedure Code compels public and private organizations to reassess their approach to criminal risk, within a framework where criminal prosecution is governed by the principle of mandatory public action, pursuant to Article 30 of Law No. 97-25.

In this context, compliance ceases to be a merely formal practice and becomes an essential preventive tool, aimed at avoiding criminal liability, ensuring traceability of internal decisions, and responding appropriately to investigations led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, within a criminal process characterized by greater judicial oversight and lower tolerance for structural deficiencies.

A new configuration of Dominican criminal proceedings

The new Criminal Procedure Code is not merely a legislative update; it redefines the balance between the effectiveness of criminal prosecution and the protection of fundamental rights, in accordance with the principles of human dignity, procedural equality, and the right to defense recognized in Articles 10, 12, and 18 of the Code.

Dominican criminal proceedings thus enter a new phase in which crime prevention, proper documentation of actions, and the reasoning behind every decision become central elements within a more robust and specialized judicial system, aligned with international cooperation mechanisms, pursuant to the framework of jurisdiction and competence established in Article 57 et seq. of Law No. 97-25.

At Alburquerque Abogados Consultores, we understand that the proper understanding and application of the new Criminal Procedure Code is essential to operate with legal certainty in the current environment. This new legal framework requires anticipation, specialized legal counsel, and a strategic vision of criminal proceedings, conceived not only as a litigation arena but also as a space where prevention and effective legal risk management are decisive.

We are delighted to share that The Legal 500 has once again highlighted Alburquerque Abogados – Consultores for its strong performance in the areas of Corporate and M&A, Dispute Resolution, Real Estate and Tourism, and Tax.

This achievement showcases the strength of our practice, the trust our clients place in us, and our team’s unwavering dedication to legal excellence and innovation across all areas of service.

At Alburquerque, we are committed to developing legal strategies that drive our clients’ growth and contribute to the advancement of the Dominican Republic’s business sector.

The “Let Her Go” initiative emerges as a State strategy that integrates legislative action, public communication, and community mobilization. Its purpose is to decisively confront violence against women, girls, boys, and adolescents by means of a reform package capable of transforming prevention, protection and criminal prosecution throughout the country.

Its core objective is both ambitious and measurable: to reduce femicides by 30% by the year 2030 and to eradicate them entirely by 2035 — a goal set forth under the so-called 30/30 Strategy. It provides for a progressive decrease in cases, reducing the current figure of approximately 120 femicides per year to 60 in 2027, 30 in 2030, and their complete elimination within the established timeline.

  1. Nature of the Initiative and National Scope

“Let Her Go” is a comprehensive reform, submitted by Congresswoman Kimberly Taveras Duarte, conceived as a national pact for life aimed at ensuring equality, justice, and effective protection. It does not limit itself to the introduction of legislative bills, but rather constitutes a strategic framework composed of 18 coordinated initiatives intended to address the structural causes of violence, strengthen institutions, and provide real and effective solutions for victims.

It also represents an inter-institutional effort supported by the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, municipalities, the business sector, government agencies, and community groups. The proposal was formally launched during a special session of the National Assembly, presided over by the President of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos, in the company of legislators and civil and military authorities.

  1. Strategic Pillars of the Reform

The set of bills that comprise “Let Her Go” is structured around three major pillars that guide the public policies arising from the reform:

a) Prevention
Aimed at identifying and stopping violence before it occurs through education, community programs, employment policies, and cultural transformation.

b) Protection
Strengthening safeguarding mechanisms for victims, minors, single mothers, and women at risk, offering safe spaces, economic support, and comprehensive assistance.

c) Prosecution
Modernizing, tightening, and improving the efficiency of the criminal justice system to ensure timely responses, effective sanctions, and technological mechanisms to monitor aggressors.

  1. Proponents and the Role of the National Congress

The reform counts with the sponsorship of more than 70 female legislators, both Deputies and Senators — one of the most extensive and cohesive legislative efforts in the recent history of the country on matters of rights and protection.

Key proponents include Kimberly Taveras, Brenda Ogando, Soraya Suárez, Margarita Tejeda, Aracelis Villanueva, among many others, who have emphasized that this proposal not only legislates, but also mobilizes, educates, and drives transformation.

The President of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos, stressed that this is a “State and society pact,” designed to unify efforts to change mindsets, confront violence, and protect all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.

  1. The 18 Legislative Bills that Make Up “Let Her Go”

Below is an organized summary of the 18 bills included in the comprehensive reform, classified by purpose:

A. Framework and Institutional Bills
Framework Law “Let Her Go” – Strategy 2030–2035 and SINAPREP
Proponents: Kimberly Taveras, Carolin Mercedes. Defines the overarching strategy, establishes the National Prevention System, and the institutional coordination framework.

B. Prevention

  • Comprehensive System for Equality and Non-Discrimination in Employment and Education (ONFIS) — Kimberly Taveras

  • Amendment to Law 33-18 on Political Gender Violence — Soraya Suárez

  • Amendment to Law 53-07 on Digital Violence — Ycelmary Brito O’Neal

  • Amendment to Law 66-97: equality in the education system, social workers, positive masculinities — Several Deputies

  • National Economic Empowerment Program for Women (PNPEMV) — Brenda Ogando

  • National Care System — Aracelis Villanueva

  • Mandatory Accountability Programs and Dual Centers — Darwellys D’Aza

  • “Mother S-F” Subsidy for Single Mothers in Border Areas — Daritza Zapata Díaz

C. Protection

  • National System for the Integral Protection of Minors (SNPIVEF) — Margarita Tejeda

  • Shelters and Comprehensive Empowerment Centers (Law 88-03) — Monserrat Santana, Tayluma Calderón

  • Municipal Victim Assistance Units (Amendment to Law 176-07) — María Ortiz

  • Enhanced Protection for Minors (loss of parental authority for femicide perpetrators) — Olfanny Méndez

D. Prosecution

  • Telematic Monitoring System (electronic bracelets) and 24/7 Centers — Leyvi Bautista

  • Amendment to Law 137-03 on Human Trafficking — Ydenia Doñé, Ycelmary Brito, Liz Mieses

  • Specialized Jurisdiction on Gender Violence — Jacqueline Fernández and others

  • Comprehensive Law on Repeat Aggressors (RUAVID-R, COVAV, disarmament measures) — Carmen Ligia Barceló, Liz Mieses

  • Institutional Reform in the Armed Forces and National Police (arms control and permits) — Dilenia de los Santos

  1. Social and Communications Dimension of the Initiative

“Let Her Go” is not solely a legislative reform: it also constitutes a national awareness campaign based on visible symbols and targeted community actions. It includes:

  • the use of purple scarves on legislative seats;

  • mass media campaigns;

  • educational activities in provinces with high femicide rates;

  • active presence of female legislators at the community level to bring the message directly to citizens.

This component seeks to unite the State and society in a common cause: the protection of the life and dignity of women and children.

  1. A National Call for Unity and Hope

In the words of the President of the Senate: “Protecting women and children is protecting the country.”

And as Kimberly Taveras concluded: “Let Her Go transforms pain into hope, outrage into action, and violence into prevention.”

This initiative constitutes a decisive step toward a nation where every person can live free from violence, in full equality of rights and with institutions capable of providing real and timely responses.

France Week 2025, organized by the French-Dominican Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFD), was held from November 12th to 15th at the JW Marriott Santo Domingo Hotel, establishing itself as one of the country’s main business forums. Under the theme “Blue Economy and Smart Cities”, the event reaffirmed its role as a key platform to promote sustainability, technological innovation, and smart urban development.

Alburquerque Abogados was present, actively supporting its strategic partners and reinforcing its commitment to initiatives that strengthen business relations, bilateral cooperation, and the sustainable development of the Dominican Republic.

More than 800 business leaders, investors, authorities, and institutional representatives —together with the firm’s Partners Laura Polanco, Prinkin Jiménez, and Gina Hernández— participated in conferences, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at boosting economic cooperation between France and the Dominican Republic. Discussions focused on sustainable mobility, energy, waste management, green financing, and the responsible use of marine resources.

Throughout the week, the country’s progress in urban mobility was highlighted, and leaders whose initiatives drive innovation and sustainability in both markets were recognized.