Empire State Development Announces Successful Trade Mission to The Dominican Republic And Jamaica

Photos From the Trade Mission Available Here

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the successful completion of a Caribbean trade mission to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, led by ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. The mission brought together New York State companies representing sectors including apparel, beauty, healthcare, defense, food and beverage to explore new market opportunities, build relationships with public- and private-sector leaders, and strengthen economic ties between New York State and the Caribbean.

The mission builds on Governor Kathy Hochul's November 2025 visit to the Dominican Republic, where the Governor and Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader signed a Declaration of Intent to deepen collaboration between New York State and the Dominican Republic in areas including trade, disaster response, tourism and agricultural innovation. The Governor announced plans for the ESD trade mission during her visit.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is strengthening global partnerships that create real opportunities for our businesses, our communities and our economy. This trade mission to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica gave New York companies direct access to new markets, key decision-makers and potential partners across the Caribbean. Through Global NY, we are proud to help businesses expand their reach, build lasting relationships and bring New York-made products and services to the world."

During the trade mission, Commissioner Knight and the New York State delegation participated in business briefings, networking events, market-entry discussions and meetings with government, economic development and private-sector leaders in both countries. In the Dominican Republic, the delegation engaged with leaders in Santo Domingo and Santiago, including meetings focused on trade, industry, commerce, logistics and free trade zone opportunities. In Jamaica, the delegation met with key trade and investment partners to support new business relationships and expand market opportunities for New York companies.

New York State maintains strong cultural, social and economic ties with both the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, reflected in the vibrant Dominican and Jamaican communities that call New York home. In 2025, total trade between New York and the Dominican Republic reached $694 million, while total trade between New York and Jamaica reached $112 million.

The mission was organized through ESD's Global NY program, which provides financial and technical assistance to New York businesses seeking to export goods and services or expand into international markets. ESD has maintained foreign office representation in the Caribbean since September 2022, supporting New York companies looking to grow in the region and helping international businesses explore opportunities to land and grow in New York State.

Through strategic trade missions, market-entry support and international business-development resources, Empire State Development continues to advance Governor Hochul's commitment to strengthening New York's global competitiveness, supporting small businesses, and creating new pathways for economic growth at home and abroad.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313