New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a Declaration of Intent (DOI) with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader on November 11, with the goal of strengthening the relationship between New York State and the Dominican Republic. The agreement focuses on enhancing cultural and social connections, as well as increasing economic collaboration.
To implement this alliance, New York will soon lead an official trade mission to the Dominican Republic, organized through Empire State Development’s Global NY program. The initiative is designed to create export opportunities for New York's small and medium enterprises by connecting them with potential buyers and partners in the Dominican Republic. "This collaboration will deliver real results for both of our economies and our people," Governor Hochul stated, according to the Governor's office.
The partnership also aims to utilize New York's expertise in drone technology. NUAIR, New York's innovation partner based in Syracuse, will collaborate with Dominican agencies to improve disaster response, agriculture, and infrastructure management. New York has committed over $150 million in state investment to support these efforts.
The agreement also covers disaster preparedness, with New York offering its emergency management expertise to the Dominican Republic. Jackie Bray, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, emphasized the importance of collaboration in a statement.
The collaboration also extends to education, with the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) planning a multi-year partnership focused on advancing research and educational excellence. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. viewed this as an opportunity to "deepen those bonds further" between New York and the Dominican Republic, as stated by the Governor's office.
