Top things to know
- President Luis Abinader arrived in Paris on March 23, 2026, for an official visit focused on anti-corruption and economic cooperation.
- His agenda includes participation in the OECD's Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum and the International Economic Forum on Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Abinader is scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding with the OECD and hold a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
- The visit aims to attract investment in infrastructure, transport, logistics, free trade zones, and renewable energy through meetings with business leaders.
- The trip occurs amidst domestic criticism of Abinader's economic strategy and a challenging global economic environment marked by an oil crisis and climate change warnings.
Paris, France – President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic commenced an official visit to Paris on Monday, March 23, 2026, embarking on a diplomatic mission focused on strengthening anti-corruption efforts and fostering international economic cooperation. His comprehensive agenda includes participation in the Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, a key event organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), alongside a pivotal bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit underscores the Dominican Republic's commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and institutional strengthening. President Abinader is scheduled to attend the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Dominican Republic and the OECD, an invitation extended by Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. He will also engage in discussions with Cormann and Aidan Eyakuze, further solidifying partnerships aimed at good governance and integrity. The Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, which began on Tuesday, serves as a critical platform for these discussions, highlighting the international community's collective efforts against corruption.
Beyond governance, a significant portion of President Abinader's visit is dedicated to boosting economic ties and attracting foreign investment. He is slated to participate in the International Economic Forum on Latin America and the Caribbean, an event marking the tenth anniversary of the OECD’s regional program. This forum provides an opportunity to showcase the Dominican Republic's economic potential and explore avenues for collaboration. Throughout his stay, President Abinader will hold meetings with prominent business leaders, aiming to stimulate investment and deepen economic cooperation across vital sectors. These include infrastructure development, transportation networks, logistics, the expansion of free trade zones, and the advancement of renewable energy projects. A dedicated breakfast with French business leaders on Wednesday is specifically designed to attract capital into these key areas.
In addition to his engagements with international organizations and business communities, President Abinader's itinerary includes a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, signaling the importance of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He will also take the opportunity to connect with the Dominican community residing in France, acknowledging their contributions and maintaining ties with the diaspora. The official visit is set to conclude with his return to the Dominican Republic later on Wednesday.
This international push for investment and good governance comes as President Abinader's administration navigates complex domestic and global economic landscapes. Domestically, the Communist Party of Labor (PCT) recently criticized the government's economic strategy, describing it as an "unfair burden" on workers, the middle class, and vulnerable sectors, while allegedly sparing large national and foreign businesses. The PCT highlighted rising costs in transportation, electricity, and food, advocating for progressive taxation as a countermeasure. Globally, the visit unfolds amidst significant economic pressures, including a severe oil crisis stemming from the Middle East conflict, which has disrupted the transit of over 20 million barrels of oil per day and pushed Brent crude prices above $100. Furthermore, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued warnings about record ocean warming and an accelerating state of planetary energy imbalance, underscoring the critical importance of discussions around renewable energy and sustainable development, which are central to Abinader's investment agenda in Paris.