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THE ITALIAN LEGACY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
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numerous press articles and also in a statement by the Minister himself entitled “CANCILLER ROBERTO
ÁLVAREZ REAFIRMA COMPROMISO DE RD EN RELANZAR RELACIONES CON ITALIA.” On that
occasion the Dominican Minister spoke about the historical importance of the relations with Italy and his com-
mitment, already expressed in the past to Ambassador Canepari, to the priority given by him and President
Abinader to further strengthen relations with Italy.
At a time when “country branding” activities have become increasingly important, it is only natural that
the authorities of the Dominican Republic decide to support the initiatives promoted by the Italian Embassy in
Santo Domingo. Initiatives such as the participation of Italy as a country of honor in the first week of design in
the Dominican Republic,
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or annual events such as those to celebrate the 120 years of diplomatic relations; the
500 years since the arrival of the first resident bishop, Alessandro Geraldini; or the 200 years since the birth of
the first admiral of the Dominican Republic, the Italian Giovanni Battista Cambiaso (this last cultural year will
be launched in November 2020), are regarded with interest and favor. Dominican authorities support these
initiatives, because they make internationally known a lesser-known dimension of the Dominican Republic:
the contribution of Italian immigration to the country’s history and economic apparatus structured over the
centuries.
Conclusion
There is ample evidence that the relations between Italy and the Dominican Republic are vibrant and include
the potential for further growth. However, it is important to point out that challenges remain, and future
development could be problematic. As with many of the European Union countries seeking to strengthen
their economic ties abroad, the Covid-19 pandemic poses the potential for a slowing of key elements of the
relationship. Certainly travel, trade, and investment remain uncertain, and it may take years before a clear
picture emerges to show exactly how the impact of the virus has affected these important foundations of bi-
lateral relations. Also, the cohesiveness of the European Union as an engine of foreign trade, investment, and
technical and economic assistance will be sorely tested. The EU countries are struggling with low growth, if
not recession, and can be expected to see stagnant economies in the coming years. Such economic challenges
will certainly have an impact on economic ties to the Dominican Republic. As a poor country with a high level
of dependency on external support, the Dominican Republic cannot afford to have a key partner such as Italy
step back from promising trade, investment, and tourist commitments.
Moreover, even if the pandemic is contained and recedes with restrictive measures and the introduction
of a vaccine, many development programs and initiatives may need to be restarted or reformulated, given
declining capital funds or an unwillingness to take risks during times of uncertainty. It will take the leaders of
both countries – governmental, economic, and financial – to create a new climate of confidence that leads to
a renewal of what was a promising bilateral relationship. This will not be an easy task, as the pandemic has
weakened confidence, heightened risk, and led key decision-makers to follow a more cautious path toward
development and economic partnership.
But no matter what challenges lie ahead, it is clear that ties between Italy and the Dominican Republic
will remain strong and lasting; there is just too much history and opportunity for the relationship to falter
or disappear. Italy has made a commitment to expand its partnership with the Dominican Republic, and the
Dominican Republic has welcomed Italy with open arms. The next few years will be critical for the Italian-Do-
minican relationship. Both countries will need to redefine their bilateral ties and transform their existing gov-
ernmental, economic and financial agreements, and understandings. In some ways the Covid-19 pandemic has
forced countries to rethink existing relationships; this rethinking need not be viewed as completely negative in
nature but rather as a way to rebuild ties in a new way and over time improve the manner in which countries
interact. This will be the challenge facing Italy and the Dominican Republic.