Willemstad, Curaçao

Curaçao is an island country in the Caribbean Sea and is just a short distance north of the Venezuelan Paraguaná Peninsula, and it forms a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao. Geographically, Curaçao is situated in the heart of the Caribbean basin, at the crossroads of major shipping routes. The accessibility of a business location is the most important factor of establishment and Curaçao has a lot to offer in that respect through its well-developed infrastructure.

Curaçao has an open economy, with tourism, international trade, shipping services, oil refining, storage (oil and bunkering), and international financial services being the most important sectors.

Mrs. Monique Raphaela-Boezen is Director at Curacao Innovation & Technology Institute and she introduced CITI. CITI is the place where innovative ideas are transformed into sustainable solutions. A perfect link to the sustainable opportunities on the island.

Ms. Sascha Mercer has been working at KGMC as Senior Policy Advisor for Economic Development at Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao (KGMC) since October 2017. Also known as the “Curaçao House”. This is where the representation of the Government of Curaçao in the Netherlands holds office. It is not widely known that Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom and therefore does not have an “embassy” in the Netherlands, but a Cabinet of the Minister plenipotentiary.

Apart from a number of ‘consular activities’, the KGMC also aims to serve as a source of information for various target groups both within and outside the Netherlands. This could include information for people who want to do an internship, work and/or invest in Curaçao from the Netherlands, for example. Curaçao has a number of focus sectors, but we look broadly at all opportunities and new developments. She serves as the contact person for a number of projects, such as the energy transition (with a number of sub-projects in e-mobility, renewable energy, and water management).

Sascha gave an introduction about KGMC, which is a source of information for various target groups both within and outside the Netherlands. Curaçao has a number of focus sectors, but KGMC looks with a broader view to all opportunities and new developments.

Mr. Kris Bouwstra is Chief Commercial Officer at Dynaf, he shared his experience about doing business in Curaçao. Dynaf is a very innovative company that is working on power solutions on the island. Therefore the company was in the top 3 of the Curaçao Innovation Award in 2019.

After the presentations, there was a Q&A. 

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