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A Conversation with H. E. Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic

Speakers:

H.E. Luis Abinader, President, Dominican Republic
Gustau Alegret, Journalist, NTN24

“Climate change, generally with poverty, is the great cause of migration.” 

– Gustau Alegret

“With instability, there will not be any investment and nobody will create jobs.”

– Luis Abinader

Key takeaways & next steps:

  • Progress in both the economic and social spheres is essential for the wellbeing of any nation. When one aspect lags behind the other, achieving true and equitable development becomes challenging. The Dominican Republic has made significant strides by combating corruption, expanding public healthcare coverage to nearly 98% of its population, reducing poverty levels, and attracting a remarkable $4.1 billion in foreign investments. 
  • Regional instability places neighboring countries in challenging predicaments, forcing them to make difficult decisions. Often, smaller nations must shoulder the burdens of climate change, refugee crises, and economic downturns. Addressing these issues necessitates cooperative solutions, which can be challenging to achieve when convincing all parties to participate. 
  • In a functioning electoral democracy, the consolidation of opposition factions against a candidate is a positive indicator. It signifies that the democratic process is robust, allowing the people to exercise their choice in elections and ensuring that their voices are heard. When coupled with an impartial and independent judicial system, the election results accurately reflect the will of the people. 
  • The U.S. can play a constructive role in combating corruption and addressing the drug trade in the Americas by acting as a supportive partner. However, this necessitates transparency and close coordination with the countries in the region. Leveraging its economic influence, the U.S. can encourage more companies to invest in manufacturing within the region, thereby fostering job creation. Furthermore, the U.S. has the potential to engage in meaningful development initiatives for Latin America, ensuring tangible and practical progress that strengthens its relations with the region.