President Luis Abinader Corona of the Dominican Republic secured a landslide victory in the recent elections, thanks to his successful handling of the corona virus crisis and his overall good governance. The President, whose last name coincidentally matches the name of the virus, has been praised for his leadership during the pandemic.
Abinader, an economist with Masters degrees from US universities, defeated his opponents, including the three-time former President Leonel Fernandez, with a wide margin. The election was conducted peacefully, without any signs of hatred or polarization that were seen in other recent elections around the world.
The Dominican Republic, with a population of 11 million, boasts the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central American region. Despite the challenges posed by the covid crisis, the country has maintained a strong GDP growth rate over the past two decades. Abinader’s pro-poor policies and anti-corruption measures have been key highlights of his first term in office.
Tourism, a major source of foreign exchange for the country, has started to recover after the impact of the pandemic. The economy is projected to grow at a rate of 5.1% by 2024, with inflation expected to remain low. India, one of the trading partners of the Dominican Republic, has seen its trade with the country reach 918 million dollars in 2023-24.
Exports from India to the Dominican Republic include vehicles and pharmaceuticals, while the country imports gold among other items. There is potential for further growth in trade between the two nations in the coming years.
President Abinader’s reelection has been welcomed by many, as he continues to steer the country towards economic prosperity and stability. His pragmatic approach to governance and focus on key sectors like tourism and trade are expected to further boost the Dominican Republic’s standing in the region. With a strong mandate from the people, Abinader is poised to lead the country towards a brighter future.