Governor Kathy Hochul has arrived in Santiago, Dominican Republic, to further develop the relationship between New York State and the Caribbean nation. She is joined by Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as well as a delegation of government and community leaders. The visit aims to deepen cultural, economic, and educational connections with the Dominican Republic. The Dominican diaspora is the largest immigrant group in New York City.
“New York City is home to the largest Dominican-Americans diaspora, and I will always be committed to celebrating Dominican history, art and culture in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “I look forward to having conversations that will strengthen New York’s relations with the Dominican Republic — boost our economies, help support our businesses, and amplify Dominican New Yorkers’ heritage and culture for generations to come.”
Representative Adriano Espaillat added, “Dominican-Americans have made a significant impact across New York, representing more than 40 percent of the Dominican immigrant population in the United States. Governor Hochul has long been a friend to the Dominican community, championing issues facing our families and understanding our cultural impact on local businesses, cuisine, and the overall vibrancy of our great state. I am delighted to accompany this distinguished delegation of leaders to my birth country and further highlight the ongoing collaboration between New York and the Dominican diaspora.”
The three-day visit from November 9 to 11 includes meetings with President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic where new initiatives are expected to be announced that benefit both regions. Upon arrival in Santiago, Governor Hochul met with Mayor José Ulises Rodríguez Guzmán. She will also meet with community organizations focused on promoting trade, tourism, and investment opportunities.
This trip marks Governor Hochul’s first official visit to the country. Discussions during her stay are set to address climate resilience, infrastructure development, disaster response, education cooperation, and ways both communities can work together for mutual benefit.
With approximately one million residents in New York State tracing their roots back to the Dominican Republic—the largest such population outside that country—the influence of this community on New York’s culture and economy is substantial. The governor’s visit acknowledges these contributions while seeking ways to expand economic exchange and travel between both regions.
