WILLEMSTAD - Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath acknowledges the problems that the IMF raised last week. In a report, the International Monetary Fund states that Curaçao's economy will shrink further next year and inflation will rise more.

Rhuggenaath states that the government cooperated in the report and hopes to turn the tide. The booming tourism sector in particular must do this. To motivate this, permits, especially in the hospitality industry, must run more smoothly.

The government is also negotiating with the American company Klesch Group to keep the refinery open. The refinery is a strong pillar for the economy.