ProCompetencia and Codopyme Sign Alliance to Boost SME Competitiveness in Dominican Republic

Historic Agreement Signed in Santo Domingo

The National Commission for the Defense of Competition (ProCompetencia) and the Dominican Confederation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (Codopyme) officially signed an inter-institutional cooperation agreement on February 16, 2026, in Santo Domingo. This strategic alliance is designed to significantly enhance the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Dominican Republic.

Objectives and Scope of the Alliance

The agreement, set for an initial term of four years, seeks to foster a culture of commercial loyalty and transparency within the Dominican market. Its primary goal is to guarantee free and fair competition, enabling small businesses to operate on equal terms. The collaboration will involve several key initiatives:

• Joint training programs to equip MSMEs with essential skills.
• Exchange of specialized information to better understand market dynamics.
• Institutional support in investigation processes related to Law 42-08, which governs competition defense.
• Shared endorsement of certifications, promoting quality and standards among MSMEs.

María Elena Vásquez Taveras, President of the Board of Directors of ProCompetencia, and Fernando Pinales, President of Codopyme, formalized the agreement. Both leaders emphasized the importance of this partnership for the nation's economic development.

The Economic Engine of MSMEs

During the signing ceremony, Vásquez Taveras highlighted the critical role of MSMEs in the Dominican economy. These enterprises constitute 98% of the country's economic units, generate over 60% of employment, and contribute 32% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Vásquez Taveras stated that 'Freedom of enterprise is not exhausted by the right to undertake; it demands open markets and fair competition conditions that allow SMEs to develop and grow without artificial barriers.' She also referenced international reports, noting that weak competition hinders innovation and increases prices, while robust competition drives productivity and improves wages.

Fernando Pinales echoed these sentiments, underscoring that MSMEs are the main engine of employment and local innovation, yet are often the most vulnerable to unfair practices and barriers to access. Pinales remarked, 'For Codopyme, this agreement represents a firm step towards an economic environment where regulatory compliance is not a burden, but a tool for growth and credibility.'

A Model of Public-Private Cooperation

Both institutions confirmed that this agreement is based on technical voluntary cooperation and does not involve the transfer of economic resources. This collaborative framework aims to establish permanent coordination mechanisms to elevate the standards of Dominican entrepreneurship, fostering a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable market for the Dominican Republic.