Curacao Business
In this issue we introduce Jo-Ann Martis, employee of the Department of Trade Promotion, Investment Promotion and Business Information at the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“We have new views for Curaçao. I know that Curaçao’s future is promising…as long as we set aside our differences and put our heads together.” – Jo-Ann Martis
We are part of a young and fresh generation.
The Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the representation of the private sector in Curaçao, voicing the interests of the business community, keeping a record of existing businesses and providing support and information to local and international companies interesting in setting up a business in Curaçao, or trading or exporting through or from Curaçao. There are different departments in the Chamber that execute tasks in order to ensure that interests of the private sector are represented, and that businesses (both potential and existing) receive the required support to be successful in Curaçao. Within the Chamber, the Department of Trade Promotion, Investment Promotion and Business Information is particularly important for this role, providing hands-on support to those in need. Curaçao Business Magazine had the opportunity to interview Ms. Jo-Ann Martis, an employee of the department of Trade Promotion, Investment Promotion and Business Information, regarding her work at the Chamber.
CBM: What is your background?
JM: I was born and raised in Curaçao. I left the island to study in the Netherlands where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Economics, and a Master’s in Financial Economics, both at Erasmus University. I did internships at Giro Bank and AmiCorp in Curaçao. I also studied abroad in Portugal.
CBM: What does your job entail and what is it that you do exactly as an employee within the Department of Trade Promotion, Investment Promotion and Business Information?
JM: The Department of Trade Promotion, Investment Promotion and Business Information aims to be the first contact point for anyone, both local or international, interested in setting up a business or investing capital in Curaçao. As an employee within this department, it is my responsibility to provide people with any type of information they might need to facilitate these processes, anything from legal advice to the way business operates in Curaçao. Anyone can stop by at any time, with or without an appointment, if they require assistance, and my colleagues and I are more than happy to help them out, in whichever way we can.
Do you have any other roles within the Chamber, aside from your day-to-day tasks within this department?
JM: I’ve already had opportunities to work on projects apart from my day-to-day tasks. I assist the secretary with developing and implementing some of the Chamber’s other projects that look to improve the economic situation on the island.
CBM: What are your biggest challenges as an employee within this department?
JM: We register all businesses in Curaçao across different sectors. When people come talk to me, they sometimes assume that I know everything about each sector of business in Curaçao, which is sometimes not the case. I might need to look something up and get back to them. Everyday is a learning experience at work and that’s something I really appreciate.
CBM: What do you think Curaçao could do to better promote international trade and foreign investment?
JM: I think that a lot of the economic issues we face right now can be traced back to the mentality of people in Curaçao. A lot of the times, when people start businesses on the island, they underestimate their potential to be part of the global market. During my work, I often realize that entrepreneurs and new business owners do not recognize their business’ capacity for growth. If companies in Curaçao changed this mentality, and contemplated a more international perspective when setting up their business, I think they could attract more foreign investment.
CBM: What are your professional aspirations?
JM: Right now, I am very much enjoying my job at the Chamber. As I said, it’s really great to help people and I can see that the projects I am working on will have a lasting impact. I’ve already learned so much about the way the economy in Curaçao works and about all different sectors of business in Curaçao; I know this experience will be useful in the future. I hope to be the director of a company by the time I am 30, so seven years and counting! In terms of long-term goals, I’ve always wanted to be the CEO of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten. For now, it’s just one step at a time, implementing the projects I am working on, and looking for ways to help Curaçao!
CBM: Do you have a vision for Curaçao over the course of 5 years?
JM: Curaçao is my home, and I know that things will only get better here. I’m hoping that my work here at the Chamber can add to that, by stimulating the economy. I envision that Curaçao will be in a very different place five years from now. We are part of a young and fresh generation. I know that Curaçao’s future is promising — as long as we set aside our differences and put our heads together.
For more information and other resources, people can visit the website at http://www.curacao-chamber.cw, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CuracaoChamber), or call at +5999-461-3918.