by Sylvain Maufrais 
Know-how and its dissemination: why is this topic of common interest with real estate?
Simply because it’s related to expatriation, relocation and therefore real estate investment.
For several years now, the Dominican Republic has been experiencing its “30 glorious years”. All the hotel, tourist and restaurant services, all the construction and lifestyle trades (starting with architects, electricians, masons, decorators, gardeners, etc.) are booming.
We lack professionals who have mastered their field for many years. Development is faster than training…
And if you think you’ll be completely lost when you move here, don’t worry, many others like me have overcome this hurdle. Many foreigners and French expatriates have been living in the Dominican Republic for over 40 years.
Why are you concerned about the possibility of expatriation?
The clientele that is currently investing here is looking for high level services in the above mentioned sectors and the French are the best in these areas.
So, if you’re thinking of moving abroad, here’s an overview of French know-how in the Dominican Republic, based on the information available to date:
- French speaking community in Las Terrenas: Las Terrenas, located on the Samaná Peninsula, has become a gathering place for French expatriates and other French speakers. More than a third of the town’s population is made up of expatriates, the majority of whom are French. This presence has created an atmosphere where French is widely spoken, making Las Terrenas a unique destination for French speakers who wish to combine local culture with language proficiency.
- Cuisine and Gastronomy: Although there is no specific information about the French culinary influence in the Dominican Republic, it is safe to assume that French expatriates have brought elements of French gastronomy with them. There may even be French cafes, bakeries and even restaurants in town that offer a touch of French cuisine in this Caribbean setting. Las Terrenas is a good example of this.
- Tourism and services: The French presence has undoubtedly influenced the tourism sector, with services tailored to French speakers, such as travel agencies, tour guides and accommodation services offering options in French. French expatriates have been able to contribute to the improvement of tourism services by bringing a European perspective to hospitality and customer service.
- Education and culture: It is plausible that French schools or cultural centers exist or have been influenced by the French community, offering French language courses, cultural events or cultural exchanges that enrich local life with elements of French culture. In this case, this is the case for the Lycée Français International Théodore Chassériau de Las Terrenas and the Lycée Français de Saint Domingue.
- Entrepreneurship and investment: The French, like other expatriates, have undoubtedly invested in local businesses, real estate or tourism projects. They have brought their management methods, innovations and perhaps some influence to the economic development of cities like Las Terrenas. The Santo Domingo metro was built by Alstom and Thales, among others, and there’s a Carrefour in the capital.
- Art de vivre: The French concept of art de vivre, with its emphasis on quality of life, good food and the joys of living, could have a subtle but significant impact on communities where the French are present, transforming the tourist experience and everyday life. 20 years ago, it was unimaginable for Dominicans to drink wine as an aperitif or with meals. Today it has become the nec plus ultra.
In short, come and do what you can’t do at home. Export your skills and knowledge. Make your dream come true and import your personal and professional qualities.
What’s more, although many former expatriates are now leaving the Dominican Republic, there are still plenty of opportunities to invest in viable businesses and start-up projects.
In summary, French expertise in the Dominican Republic, particularly in Las Terrenas and increasingly in Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, is manifesting itself in a strong cultural and linguistic presence, an influence on tourism and services, and probably in the areas of education, entrepreneurship and gastronomy. This creates a French-speaking microcosm in this Caribbean country.
Sylvain Maufrais, AGIREDOM
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