By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the Republic of Korea, together with ProDominicana, successfully hosted the “Dominican Republic–Korea Business Forum: Strategic Horizons – Exploring a Land of Opportunities for Korean Companies in the Dominican Republic.”

The event brought together over 50 representatives of leading Korean companies, senior government officials, ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Seoul, media outlets, and distinguished figures from civil society.

Among the distinguished participants were Mr. Lee Jooil, Director-General for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea, as well as prominent leaders of the private sector, including Ms. Youn Young-mi, Chairwoman of the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), and Ambassador Kwon Ki-chang, Executive Vice President of KOIMA.

The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Biviana Riveiro, Executive Director of ProDominicana, who presented on “Strategic Horizons: Exploring a Land of Opportunities for Korean Companies in the Dominican Republic.” In her remarks, she emphasized: “The Dominican Republic is today a reliable and strategic hub to connect with the world’s main markets. Investing in our country means betting on growth, stability, and competitiveness. We have consolidated our position as a regional leader in attracting foreign direct investment in Central America and the Caribbean, thanks to robust infrastructure, world-class logistics connectivity, legal certainty, and macroeconomic stability. These factors provide investors with confidence and predictability. We want Korean companies not only to enter our country but to expand, innovate, and thrive with us.”

For her part, Ambassador Angie Shakira Martínez Tejera stressed that the Business Forum marks the beginning of a new diplomatic tenure with a clear focus on the commercial dimension: “Starting my mission in Korea with a business forum led by Biviana Riveiro is no coincidence; it is a defining statement.

Under her leadership, the Dominican Republic has broken historic records in exports and foreign investment. Her presence here reflects the vision that will characterize my tenure: a diplomacy focused on expanding and deepening bilateral trade, generating high-level business synergies, and attracting greater mutual investment.

The Dominican Republic is a reliable and competitive partner for Korea, a true land of opportunities in the Caribbean and a gateway to the Americas. The doors of our Embassy are open: we are ready to receive you. Together with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ProDominicana, we will explore tailored strategies and support every Korean company seeking to grow and expand in our land. The Dominican Republic is ready for business with Korea, and our Embassy will be the trusted bridge to open those doors.”

The program also featured a panel entitled “Keys to Success in Korean Investment in the Dominican Republic,” moderated by Ambassador Martínez, with the participation of two leading Korean business executives: Mr. Oscar Yim, President and CEO of The Willbes, and Mr. Semi Choi, President of ESD Group. Both shared their experiences investing in the Dominican Republic, highlighting the advantages and opportunities the country offers as a strategic partner in the region. Their success stories illustrate the confidence and opportunities that Korean enterprises can find in the Dominican Republic.

In her closing remarks, Ambassador Martínez expressed special recognition to ESD Group, the official sponsor of the Forum, an important Korean company with investment and operations in the Dominican Republic. The company specializes in the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical power projects, positioning itself as a key player in the country’s energy sector. Through these projects, ESD Group has contributed to the dynamism of the Dominican economy and has become a strategic ally in promoting innovation, technology transfer, and bilateral cooperation. Its decisive support was essential to the success of this high-level business encounter.

The Ambassador also acknowledged the valuable support of Korea’s main trade associations — KOTRA, KOIMA, KITA, and KCCI— for their collaboration in promoting the event among their members. In this context, she made special mention of Mr. Jusang Lee, Director of KOTRA in the Dominican Republic, for his active collaboration in organizing the Forum and his permanent commitment to strengthening the ties between Korean businesses and the Dominican Republic’s investment opportunities.

The Ambassador further thanked the Korea Cultural Association, and especially its President, Mr. Samuel Chung, for their invaluable support in coordinating the protocol of the event. Their contribution included the participation of two Korean models dressed in elegant traditional hanboks, who graced the event and added to the atmosphere of solemnity and mutual respect between the two nations.

Ambassador Martínez also expressed her appreciation to the Embassy’s Commercial Counsellor, Mr. Bolívar Batista, and the entire team of the Dominican mission in Korea —Yesenia Antigua, Aristóteles Santos, Nelson Ortega, Yenny Genao, Denise Burgos, Andrison Sánchez, as well as local staff Elena Yeon, Angélica Kim, and Alberto Yang— for the excellent organization and flawless execution of the Forum, a testament to the professionalism and dedication with which the Dominican representation in Korea works.

Finally, participants enjoyed a showcase of emblematic Dominican products —coffee, cocoa, chocolate, cigars, rum, larimar, and handicrafts— presented as symbols of the cultural richness of the Dominican people. The showcase attracted significant interest among Korean guests and was highlighted by the presence of a Dominican model gracefully wearing the national traditional dress, which added warmth and authenticity to the event.

The Business Forum held at the VOCO Hotel in Myeongdong, Seoul, represents the first step in a series of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations. It marks the beginning of a new era in the Dominican Republic–Korea partnership and reaffirms the Dominican Republic’s commitment to consolidating itself as a trusted and strategic partner for Korean business in the Asia-Pacific region.