WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao Export Week officially opened on Wednesday, May 6, with a strong focus on international trade, export development, and expanding economic opportunities for Curaçao.
The opening session brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and trade experts to discuss the island’s export future and its role in the global economy.
During the opening, Vanessa Toré, Director of Foreign Relations at the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO), provided attendees with an update on Curaçao’s current position within the World Trade Organization (WTO) and emphasized the importance of the island’s continued commitment to international trade development.
Participants were also introduced to Matthew Wilson, the Ambassador of Barbados to Geneva and Chair of Curaçao’s WTO Accession Working Party, who highlighted the importance of Curaçao’s WTO membership process and active participation in the international trade framework.
The afternoon program continued with a presentation by Reggie Martis titled “Evolution of Curaçao’s Exports: From Traditional Pillars to New Frontiers.” The session offered data-driven insights into Curaçao’s export performance while identifying emerging opportunities and new directions for the island’s export sector.
The first day concluded with a panel discussion titled “From Strategy to Action: Real Export Stories from Curaçao,” featuring local exporters who shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in international markets.
Panelists included David Levy Maduro of CX Pay, Marcel Gourdinou of MijnMaatschappij, and Mitchel Lammering of Limpi Recycling, who also discussed export initiatives connected to the Sandals Foundation.
Curaçao Export Week will continue with a series of workshops and sessions, both virtual and in person, focused on strengthening knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and export development.
The event will conclude next Monday at YouMeet with several presentations, including “Reflecting on Tourism, Technology, Trade, and the Choices at the Development Fork” by Guido Rojer Jr., “Diaspora Journey Back Home” by Rainy Rijke, and the introduction of Agencia de Fomento España–Curaçao by Robert Frans and Fausto Balentien.
Organizers say the opening of Curaçao Export Week reflects a strong commitment to innovation, international cooperation, and the continued expansion of Curaçao’s export potential.