WILLEMSTAD – According to economist and researcher Roland van den Bergh, Curaçao's economy is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2025. The growth will primarily be driven by the tourism and construction sectors, while the refinery, international financial services, and logistics sectors continue to decline. The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) also forecasts a reduction in inflation to 2.5% and a decrease in unemployment to 10.9%. Van den Bergh shared these projections on the Dutch Caribbean Economists Facebook page.
Van den Bergh points out that the distribution of economic growth remains a crucial issue. "Labor shortages in construction and tourism hinder further growth, while a large portion of the population struggles to make ends meet," he said. He also highlighted the tax advantages for certain businesses, which cost the government approximately 100 million guilders annually in lost revenue.
According to the economist, a portion of the additional government revenue should be invested in the energy transition and climate measures. "Building reserves for future crises is considered essential," he added. International organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have long advocated for a stronger financial buffer so that Curaçao becomes less dependent on support from the Netherlands.
Van den Bergh emphasizes the importance of how the economic growth is distributed. "The question remains how the additional revenues will be used: for the benefit of the entire population or just a select group?" This debate will play a crucial role in upcoming policy decisions related to wages, taxes, and public investments.