The Italian Legacy in the Dominican Republic

THE ITALIAN LEGACY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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Recalling the new Dominican-Italian Chamber of Commerce inauguration in his memoirs, Minister Var-

gas highlighted the importance of Italy for the geo-commercial policy of the Dominican Republic, underscor-

ing Italy as the entrance to Europe for the Dominican Republic and one of the most attractive markets for Do-

minican businessmen. Additionally, during the inauguration, Italian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic,

Andrea Canepari, made a critical analysis on the importance of the development of commercial and tourist

relations between Italy and the Dominican Republic.

On the occasion of the inauguration, Minister Vargas also highlighted how relations between Italy and the

Dominican Republic had never been at such a high level, and he took the opportunity to express his personal

commitment and that of President Medina to maintain the strength and depth of relations and to continue to

grow them further. To continue the expansion of the tourist industry in the Dominican Republic and attract

Italian visitors, the Dominican-Italian Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Italian Embassy in

Santo Domingo, holds regular conferences on new opportunities and trends in the tourist and other markets.

In 2019, for example, the Chamber and the Italian Embassy hosted a conference with the specific purpose of

discussing ways to strengthen Italian tourism.

As with most bilateral relationships, trade, investment, and tourism are often the keys to forming a sus-

tained and successful partnership. Italy and the Dominican Republic appear to be on track to foster bilateral

ties that will grow in the coming years. Each country has goods and services that are attractive to businesses,

investors, and visitors. With an expat community in both nations and entrepreneurs anxious to expand their

commercial and financial presence, the future looks promising as trade expands, investment deepens, and

tourism blossoms, of course all within the context of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Governmental Relations

At the governmental level the ties between Italy and the Dominican Republic can be described as friendly

and robust. One of the most important developments that brought the two countries closer together was the

reopening of the Italian Embassy in the Dominican Republic in 2017.

The appointment of Italian Ambassa-

dor Andrea Canepari to the Dominican Republic has enhanced the relationship between the two countries.

Canepari has worked to broaden ties in critical economic areas, signed new agreements on a range of public

policy issues, and become a visible representative of the Italian government in the Dominican Republic.

In early May 2018, Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas held a bilateral meeting with Italian Foreign Minis-

ter Angelino Alfano. In his memoir, Minister Vargas wrote that he proposed the creation of a joint coun-

cil on trade and investment to deepen economic exchanges between the Dominican Republic and Italy. He

stressed that the country’s doors were open to Italian businessmen. For his part, the Italian Foreign Minister

announced the strengthening of economic cooperation and his government’s willingness to continue collabo-

rating with the Dominican Republic in the seizure of illicit goods, as well as in the fight against drug trafficking

and money laundering.

On October 5, 2018, the Italian Embassy in Santo Domingo opened new offices to improve the efficiency

of its consular services, while awaiting the construction of a new residence and new offices on the historic

grounds of the historic Italian Embassy on Avenida Rafel Augusto Sanchez and on land gifted to Italy by An-

giolino Vicini, one of the wealthiest businessmen in the history of the country.

The most important development in Italian-Dominican relations was the visit of Dominican president

Danilo Medina to Rome in 2019. President Medina was accompanied by a high-level delegation and welcomed

by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. During his meetings with President Mattarella and visits to historic

Italian sites, President Medina highlighted many examples of Italian-Dominican cooperation. Moreover, Pres-

ident Medina spoke proudly about the planned activities in the Dominican Republic surrounding the 500th

anniversary of the arrival of the Italian Alessandro Geraldini, the first Bishop resident of Santo Domingo,

accenting museum exhibits, university lectures, and community programs. First Lady Candida Montillo de