JOHANNESBURG – During the prestigious Global SME Ministerial Meeting hosted by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the government of South Africa, Curaçao took center stage with the presentation of a transformative proposal to empower small businesses in island economies.
Led by the Minister of Economic Development, Drs. Roderick Middelhof, the Curaçao delegation officially submitted a proposal titled “Leading with Evidence: A Small Island SME Development Model” to ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton. The initiative positions Curaçao to lead a regional strategy focused on enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in small economies.
“This initiative is about unlocking the potential of our entrepreneurs by building a support system that works in our context, while promoting regional cooperation,” Minister Middelhof stated. “Curaçao is ready to lead by example. Our entrepreneurs are resilient, creative, and capable, but they face structural barriers that require tailored solutions.”
A New Model for Island Economies
The proposed development model outlines a regional program aimed at equipping island-based MSMEs with the tools needed to succeed in the global marketplace. Key components of the plan include:
Internationalization and digital transformation
Strengthening sustainable competitiveness
Improved access to financing
Certified coaching for business development
The model builds on the foundation of Curaçao’s National Export Strategy, academic research including Size Matters by Dr. Guido Rojer, and economic reforms under the Landspakket (Country Package) program. The proposal envisions Curaçao as a pilot location, with plans to scale the program across the Caribbean and other island states, in collaboration with ITC and strategic partners.
A Call for Inclusive Trade and Global Partnerships
Curaçao’s proposal is more than just a policy vision—it is a call to action. It advocates for inclusive trade, the empowerment of local entrepreneurs, and the establishment of strong global alliances in pursuit of sustainable development.
The ITC praised the initiative for its potential to serve as a replicable model for similar small economies grappling with the same challenges.
The Global SME Ministerial Meeting gathered high-level policymakers and development partners from across the world to discuss innovative solutions for small business growth. With this bold move, Curaçao has positioned itself as a forward-thinking leader in SME development and regional cooperation.
