WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao has announced a major step in strengthening its economic position by transforming its existing e-zones into Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The initiative, unveiled today, is part of the Landspakket and was developed in cooperation with the Temporary Work Organization, the Ministry of Economic Development, and the Ministry of Finance. 

The island’s current e-zones have faced declining revenues for years, but research suggests that a new approach could open up fresh economic opportunities for Curaçao. 

Shared Responsibility for Policy 

Developing a future-proof and widely supported policy for the zones is a joint responsibility of the Ministers of Economic Development and Finance. 

Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof called the move a milestone in Curaçao’s economic policy. 

“The transformation of our traditional e-zones into future-proof Special Economic Zones (SEZs) marks a milestone in Curaçao’s economic policy,” said Middelhof. “With this initiative, we are pursuing our ambition to become a sustainable, innovative, and competitive economic hub in the Caribbean. This modernization allows us to attract new sectors, improve the investment climate, and create high-quality jobs for our population.” 

Toward Innovation and Sustainability 

The government emphasized that the reform aims not only to strengthen Curaçao’s role as a regional business hub but also to ensure long-term sustainability and innovation, making the island more attractive to international investors and entrepreneurs. 

The transition from e-zones to SEZs is expected to be a cornerstone of Curaçao’s economic modernization strategy in the coming years.