WILLEMSTAD - After a long wait, the first Venezuelan boats are expected to arrive in Curaçao in May to sell their goods. The Minister of Economic Development announced this on Monday morning, stating that two sellers had already submitted their application to sell their vegetables, fruit, and fish at the Sha Caprileskade.
Before they can begin selling, Venezuelan marketers must comply with various rules and regulations set by the Curaçao government. One of these regulations includes taking out health insurance that covers their medical costs while on the island. Additionally, they will be required to pay a monthly fee to use the facilities in the port.
The reopening of the border with Venezuela on April 3rd has paved the way for the resumption of trade between the ABC islands and Venezuela. The closure of the border by the Maduro government in 2019 severely impacted the economy of Curaçao, which heavily relies on trade with Venezuela. The reopening of the border has thus been a much-awaited development for the island.
The resumption of trade with Venezuela is expected to provide a boost to the local economy, as it will allow for the import of fresh produce and seafood at a lower cost. The Venezuelan boats have been a popular source of fresh produce for locals and tourists alike, and their return is eagerly anticipated.
However, there are concerns about the potential impact of the pandemic on the arrival of Venezuelan boats. The government has stated that all health protocols will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety of everyone involved. It remains to be seen how successful the resumption of trade with Venezuela will be, but it is hoped that it will be a positive development for both countries.