Theme: “Exporting in Changing Times”
WILLEMSTAD – From Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ministry of Economic Development will host the 9th edition of Curaçao Export Week under the compelling theme: “Exporting in Changing Times.”
At a time when global trade faces pressure from geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, and climate responsibility, this week-long event will serve as a vital platform for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and international experts to develop strategies and seize opportunities for export growth.
The official opening will take place on Monday, May 12, at the Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort. The event will begin with remarks from Ms. Vanessa Toré, Director of Foreign Economic Cooperation, followed by the formal opening by Minister of Economic Development Charles Cooper.
Throughout the week, participants can engage in interactive sessions covering topics such as medical and wellness tourism, the blue bio economy, digital trade, and the creative industries. A highlight of the week is the Export Hackathon, where participants will co-create practical solutions for export challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
A major new feature this year is the launch of the “Doing Business in” series, highlighting CARICOM countries as promising export markets for Curaçao-based entrepreneurs. The series will kick off with two sessions: “Doing Business in Barbados” and “Doing Business in Trinidad & Tobago”, offering practical market insights, opportunities, and networking for businesses looking to expand regionally.
Key international partners participating in the event include ExporTT, RVO Netherlands, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the University of the West Indies (UWI), alongside local institutions such as the CBCS, University of Curaçao (UoC), ADECK, CIFC, CMA, VBC, and Digital Hub Americas. A special delegation from the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) will also be present, sharing expertise in regional export development and exploring collaboration opportunities with Curaçaoan entrepreneurs and institutions.
“Curaçao Export Week is more than a tradition – it’s our annual opportunity to chart a course and build together toward an export-driven economy,” said Vanessa Toré. “Through international cooperation, policy adjustments, and targeted support, we are making Curaçao more resilient and future-ready.”
“Over the past years, Curaçao has proven its resilience. Despite financial crises, border closures, and a global pandemic, we’ve continued to invest in diversification and tourism,” stated Minister Charles Cooper. “Now is the time to broaden our horizons both regionally and internationally, and strengthen our export capacity.”
Export Week is part of the implementation of Curaçao’s National Export Strategy (NES) and is coordinated by the Foreign Economic Cooperation Sector (BES), which leads policy on trade, export promotion, investment facilitation, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
Participants can register for sessions via curacaoexport.org. Additional updates and details will be shared on the website and social media channels of Curaçao Export Week and the Ministry of Economic Development.
