ORANJESTAD – Caribbean islands must become more self-sufficient in energy and food production to strengthen resilience, according to Eric van der Burg.
Addressing the OCT-EU Forum in Aruba, Van der Burg outlined a vision for islands that produce more of their own energy and food while improving regional connectivity.
He argued that reducing dependence on imports is essential in the current geopolitical environment, where global supply chains remain vulnerable to disruption.
The state secretary also highlighted the importance of infrastructure projects, including subsea cables and maritime connections, to improve resilience and economic stability.
According to Van der Burg, achieving these goals will require closer cooperation between Caribbean territories and the European Union, as well as better access to funding and technical expertise.
The proposals form part of a broader strategy to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the region.