WILLEMSTAD - Trinidad & Tobago and Curaçao are negotiating a new trade agreement with the goal of expanding mutual exports. A delegation visited Curaçao last week for the first round of negotiations. Discussions included market access for goods, rules of origin, and other legal issues, as well as dispute resolution and technical cooperation. The so-called Partial Scope Trade Agreement aims to fully utilize and expand existing relationships, including air transport, according to the Ministry of Trade in Trinidad. Curaçao is considered a valuable trading partner for Trinidad and Tobago. 

In recent years, Trinidad & Tobago has exported grains, mattresses, paper products, agricultural chemicals, carbonated beverages, wooden furniture, and cleaning products to Curaçao. Exports from Curaçao have also increased, indicating a growing interest from importers in accessing Curaçaoan products. 

Minister of Trade Paula Gopee-Scoon stated that the Partial Scope Trade Agreement is a new way to foster closer diplomatic ties and cooperation on shared challenges. Additionally, it marks an important milestone in bridging the 862 km distance between Trinidad & Tobago and Curaçao. 

As an associate member of Caricom, Curaçao will benefit from advantages such as participation in regional integration initiatives across various sectors, economic activities, regional security measures, environmental projects, and socio-cultural development. 

In November 2023, an air services agreement was signed between Trinidad & Tobago and Curaçao. Negotiations will continue virtually, with the second round starting in early October 2024.