In Madrid, Banco BHD held a key luncheon with the Dominican Embassy in Spain to exchange ideas on social and economic projects. The meeting, framed within the International Tourism Fair (Fitur) 2026, brought together figures such as Ambassador Tony Raful, his wife Grey de Raful, BHD President Steven Puig, and the Senior Vice President of Corporate Communication, Josefina Navarro.
Dialogue focused on positive impact for the Dominican Republic
Steven Puig emphasized that these annual meetings at Fitur seek to generate benefits for the country by promoting tourism and investment. They shared details of social and economic projects aimed at Dominicans abroad, such as financial education and support for female entrepreneurs. The Dominican community in Spain exceeds 180,000 people, according to data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute, representing a key market with high entrepreneurial potential.
Business opportunities and diaspora strength
Banco BHD initiatives for the diaspora
Ambassador Tony Raful highlighted the entrepreneurial capacity of Dominicans in Spain and the opportunities for bilateral collaboration. He underscored an active agenda to strengthen commercial ties, promoting Dominican macroeconomic stability and sectors such as tourism and manufacturing. In 2025, trade between the two countries reached 1.2 billion euros, with Spain as the Dominican Republic’s third-largest partner in the EU.
Representatives of BHD detailed the BHD Responsible Finances program, the BHD Gender Strategy, and the Women Who Change the World Award. These social and economic projects offer annual awards, consulting, and empowerment, benefiting thousands of women. Josefina Navarro underlined the commitment to the diaspora: “Our purpose of driving human progress knows no boundaries”.
Historical context of bilateral cooperation
- Diplomatic relations since 1886, with an emphasis on investment since the 90s.
- Fitur annually generates more than 10 billion euros in global tourism business.
- Dominicans in Spain contribute remittances of 500 million dollars annually, vital to the national economy.
This dialogue reinforces social and economic projects that position the Dominican Republic as an attractive destination. Both entities agree on the need for more spaces for investment and community support, consolidating ties in a context of post-pandemic tourism growth.
