PHOENIX, AZ (August 25, 2026) – To strengthen economic and international ties between Arizona and the Dominican Republic, Arizona hosted a visiting delegation of government and business leaders on August 24 and 25, 2026. 

The delegation marked the first visit to Arizona by key leaders from the Dominican Republic. Led by Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Minister of Industry, Trade and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic, the delegation met with local economic development, government, education, business and industry leaders, showcasing Arizona’s business and economic strengths. 

In addition, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM) of the Dominican Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a collaborative framework to advance shared economic, innovation, and workforce priorities. 

The MOU was signed by Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, and Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Minister of Industry, Trade and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic, during a signing ceremony on August 25. 

 

Building on productive engagements between both parties and the Dominican Republic’s mission to Arizona, the agreement reflects a commitment to strengthening economic ties and expanding bilateral cooperation.  

“Arizona and the Dominican Republic stand at the start of a dynamic and fast-growing partnership,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Today’s MOU establishes a framework for further cooperation to advance shared priorities around workforce development, research, supply chain integration and more.” 

 

Minister Sanz Lovatón emphasized the strategic value of scaling the Dominican Republic's trade relations with Arizona. This synergy is particularly relevant as the industry continues to grow within the country. “We trust that the established agreements will generate robust, mutual advantages,” Sanz Lovatón noted. 

Key initiatives under the MOU include:  

• Talent Exchange and Workforce Development: encourage collaboration among educational institutions, workforce organizations, industry leaders, and government stakeholders to support talent development, workforce readiness, and knowledge exchange.
• Research, Development, and Innovation: the MOU aims to promote collaboration opportunities among universities, research institutions, innovation centers, and industry partners to advance research, innovation, technology development, and commercialization opportunities.
• Supply Chain Integration and Economic Cooperation: the MOU parties will support initiatives to enhance economic ties between Arizona and the Dominican Republic, including efforts to expand and bolster semiconductor supply chain resilience, expand bilateral trade and investment opportunities, industry engagement, and strategic partnerships. 

The agreement builds on a strong and growing economic relationship between the Dominican Republic and the United States. In 2025, total U.S.–Dominican Republic trade in goods and services reached an estimated $34.2 billion, underscoring the depth of commercial ties between the two countries. In 2025, Arizona companies exported $42 million worth of goods to the Dominican Republic, and Arizona imported $8 million worth of goods from the Dominican Republic. 

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, alyssat@azcommerce.com

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.