Dominican Republic Highlights Excellence, Innovation and Bilateral Momentum at World Cigar 2025 in Dubai
Dubai, UAE — The Dominican Republic took center stage at the World Cigar 2025 Conference and Premium Cigar Association Forum, held on November 11–12 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. In a keynote address that blended diplomacy, economic vision and cultural pride, H.E. Renso Herrera Franco, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the UAE, celebrated the strengthening ties between the two nations while showcasing the global leadership of Dominican premium cigars.
The occasion also marked a symbolic milestone: the 17th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and the United Arab Emirates. Ambassador Herrera emphasized that today, the relationship is “stronger, deeper, and more dynamic than ever,” supported by rising cooperation, growing investments, and shared commitments to excellence.
A Bilateral Relationship Defined by Momentum
Ambassador Herrera highlighted major milestones driving the new phase of Dominican–UAE cooperation. Among them is DP World’s USD 780 million investment to expand logistics operations in Punta Caucedo, reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s position as a strategic hub in the Americas.
He also announced the imminent launch of new dedicated cargo routes between Punta Cana and the UAE, creating direct air corridors linking the Middle East with Latin America, North America and Europe. These advancements, he noted, “will pave the way for even greater shared prosperity” through enhanced connectivity and trade facilitation.
Digitalization efforts, progress on key economic agreements, and stronger legal frameworks are further aligning both countries toward increased business, investment, and long-term collaboration.
Dubai and the Dominican Republic: Bridges Between Continents
Speaking before international industry leaders, Ambassador Herrera drew parallels between Dubai and the Dominican Republic as global “connectors of cultures and markets.” He described both nations as strategic gateways linking regions and accelerating global economic flows.
Dubai’s reputation as a world capital of innovation and global standards made it, he said, “the ideal stage” for recognizing the Dominican cigar—an artisanal product that has become synonymous with quality worldwide.
Dominican Cigars: A Cultural Legacy and Global Industry Leader
The Ambassador underscored the deep cultural significance of tobacco to Dominican identity. In 2022, tobacco and premium cigars were formally declared part of the nation’s cultural heritage, on par with iconic national rhythms such as merengue and bachata.
Behind the industry’s global prestige lies a powerful social and economic footprint:
• 110,000 Dominicans involved across the value chain
• 9,200 hectares cultivated in regions like Santiago, Valverde, Monte Cristi, Azua, and San Juan
• 134 certified companies operating under strict national and international quality standards
• Presence in 148 countries
• USD 1.34 billion in exports (2024), with 95% bound for the U.S. and the EU
“Each cigar is a world of its own,” Herrera said, “built leaf by leaf, hand by hand, through a process where quality is never an accident.”
To meet growing global demand, two new tobacco production facilities were inaugurated on November 1 at the San Juan de la Maguana Free Zone—another sign of the sector’s vitality and future growth.
Meta 2036: The Dominican Republic’s Roadmap to the Future
Ambassador Herrera used this global platform to introduce Meta 2036, the Dominican Republic’s long-term national development strategy aimed at doubling real GDP and expanding strategic sectors including:
• Technology
• Energy
• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Industry
• Logistics and mining
“Our country is programmed for growth—not by chance, but by design,” he stated, calling on global investors and innovators to join the Dominican Republic at the beginning of this next economic transformation.
A delegation of Dominican senior officials is visiting Dubai this week to study the UAE’s governance, innovation and digitalization models—an exchange he said will strengthen national capacities and accelerate progress.
Cigars as a Symbol of Excellence and Shared Values
While the industry’s economic contribution is undeniable, Herrera stressed that Dominican cigars are also cultural ambassadors, representing craftsmanship, identity and pride. This made Dubai—home to some of the world’s highest standards of excellence—a particularly fitting venue to honor the product.
Quoting Aristotle, he concluded:
“Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.”
These values, he said, unite the Dominican Republic and the UAE: ambition, precision, innovation, and dedication to long-term success.
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A Call for Deeper Partnership
The Ambassador reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s commitment to openness, innovation and collaboration. He invited business leaders, investors and global partners to see the Dominican Republic not only as a thriving market—rich in tobacco, minerals, gold, and rare earths—but as an ally in excellence.
“As we celebrate the Dominican cigar here in Dubai,” he declared, “we celebrate a meeting of cultures that share the same values: quality, vision, and hospitality.”
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