LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

The red line in this edition is producing for other markets. Be it making art pieces such as the famous Chichi’s as part of the creative economy, repositioning Curaçao’s international services sector as a new conceptual “midshore” sector where substance is of the essence, or highlighting the international banking sector, it is all aimed at growing our economy through servicing foreign markets and delighting our visitors.

The Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber) recently organized a very successful export conference during which not only new market opportunities were presented, but also the concept of an ethical marketplace. Being white listed by the OECD, having the AML/CFT framework in place and consciously applying KYC rules, complying with FATCA and adding more TEIA’s to our information exchange mechanisms means we’re geared-up to service the international market interested in reaping the benefits of being serviced by a compliant jurisdiction.

Having experience in financial services for over 50 years means that we have the infrastructure to service the most sophisticated needs of the market, while our other exports sectors remain of great importance. Tourism is doing well while we are looking to other attractive markets to boost profitability of this exporting sector; the new tourism master plan is in the make in which the relevant ratio’s of the sector function as a compass; new foreign direct investments in this sector are targeted. Transport and logistics are at the verge of opening new opportunities, because of the deep coastal waters at the southern part of the island, and also due to increasing needs for maritime traffic to have its own specialized facilities and become more efficient in the coming years.

The more Curaçao concentrates on its exporting opportunities, the more able it will become in allocating its resources where these are really productive and not only create added value, but also fosters the quality of life of the Curaçao citizens. The activities displayed are attracting not only attention of other players in the market, but are actually resulting in new investment in both the exporting as in the services sector.

While writing this introduction, the Chamber is in the process of rolling out two trade missions to Colombia, Bogota and Medellin, through its partnership with the Holland House in Colombia. A Curacao Business Point Desk will be officially launched at the offices of the Holland House, in cooperation with CINEX and The Curaçao Tourist Board during the mission to Bogota, where local companies will have the opportunity to introduce them selves to the Colombian market and Colombian companies can inform them selves of the opportunities Curaçao has to offer.

Our focus on export of services remains of the essence. Curaçao is been well known for many years in providing excellent services, whether its shipping, financial services or tourism industry, and we will keep beating the drums and entering new markets to attract new business partners to our economy.
William (Billy) Jonckheer