The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic's National Survey of Financial Inclusion found that 53.69% of Dominicans do not have a bank account or any financial credits, while 46.31% mostly have savings accounts and to a lesser extent, loans and other banking instruments. The survey, covering 3,744 households nationwide, was conducted in December 2019 and does not account for the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Reasons for not having a bank account included not needing one, insufficient income, or the high cost of financial services. The survey also noted that government subsidies helped increase the level of banking among citizens, and financial inclusion was higher among those with higher incomes.

Nayib Bukele announced his re-election for another five years, claiming it as a democratic milestone for El Salvador. However, critics argue that his regime is authoritarian, citing the dismissal of Supreme Court judges and the imposition of a state of exception that suspends constitutional rights. Organizations like El Faro and academic institutions describe Bukele's government as an autocracy, with concerns over human rights violations and suppression of dissent. Reports indicate a decline in democratic values and an increase in authoritarian preferences in the region.

The Dominican government regained full control of Refidomsa by acquiring the 49% stake previously held by PDV Caribe, a subsidiary of Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA. The transaction involved a two-stage process, including a share swap and a subsequent purchase for 74 million euros. The deal was facilitated with the approval of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to ensure compliance with sanctions against Venezuela. The move ends a partnership that began in 2010 under Hugo Chávez and aims to remove financial and operational constraints imposed by the Venezuelan stake.

Francisco Israel Brito, president of the Dominican Federation of Pig Farmers, assured that pork consumption is safe for humans despite the African swine fever outbreak in the Dominican Republic. The disease is being controlled in the affected areas, and consumer confidence is returning. Only three out of 300 pig farms are affected, and the disease does not spread through the air. The sector, which produces 73% of the country's pork demand, has received significant support from the government, including financial compensation for affected farmers. Brito emphasized the importance of national unity in supporting the pig farming sector.

Two decades after its approval, the Dominican Republic's Congress is revisiting Law 87-01 on Social Security to address weaknesses in health and pensions. The government has yet to present a formal reform proposal, but key figures like Luis Miguel de Camps and Arismendi Díaz Santana have highlighted necessary changes, including increasing contribution levels and retirement age. Experts agree on the need for higher contributions and adjustments to retirement age to improve pension amounts. Additionally, there is a call for policies addressing low wages and the establishment of a primary healthcare network to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.

Prices of key construction inputs such as iron ore, steel scrap, and PVC materials are starting to decline in international markets after reaching historic highs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This downward trend is expected to lower housing unit prices for consumers. The Asociación Dominicana de Constructores y Promotores de Viviendas noted that previous price hikes had increased real estate project costs by 31.5%. The construction sector, heavily impacted by inflation, is a focus of government discussions on special measures to address the international price crisis. Nearly 196 proposals have been received from various sectors, suggesting temporary subsidies, tariff reviews, and other measures.

The Central Bank Governor, Héctor Valdez Albizu, announced that inflation is expected to close the year between 5% and 5.5%, slightly above the target range of 4%. The Central Bank continues its monetary stimulus plan initiated in March 2020, with liquidity provisions amounting to RD$215 billion, equivalent to 5% of GDP. Detailed financing channels have been presented, with RD$196,285.1 million allocated to businesses and households through new loans, refinancing, and debt restructuring. Key sectors receiving funds include commerce, SMEs, households, manufacturing, construction, and exports.

The Dominican Republic regained full control over Refidomsa after a transaction involving the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA and its subsidiary PDV Caribe. The deal was facilitated by Patsa, a subsidiary of Grupo Rizek, which exchanged devalued Venezuelan bonds for Refidomsa shares. The US sanctions on PDVSA had severely hampered Refidomsa's operations, making this reacquisition crucial for the Dominican government. The transaction was approved by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), ensuring compliance with international sanctions.

The article outlines the process for claiming pension funds from deceased family members deposited in Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones (AFP) in the Dominican Republic. It details the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries, the required documentation, and the legal procedures involved. The Consejo Nacional de Seguridad Social has resolved that heirs are not required to pay inheritance tax to access these funds, aiming to expedite the process. The Superintendencia de Pensiones ensures that the return of balances to heirs never expires, and the Junta Central Electoral provides data to AFPs for updating records.

Water usage in agriculture and industry is increasing in the Dominican Republic, with significant wastage due to outdated irrigation methods. Manuel Matos, a local bean producer, highlights the inefficiency of current irrigation practices and advocates for more efficient pressurized systems. UNESCO and the World Bank report on the growing demand for water in agriculture due to population growth and climate change, projecting significant increases in water usage for food production and industrial activities by 2050. The Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Mipymes provide data on the current and future water demands in various sectors, emphasizing the economic importance of water in the region.