WILLEMSTAD – The rapid development of Suriname's oil and gas industry could create new economic opportunities for businesses in Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten. However, companies seeking to participate in the expanding energy sector may also face complex international tax issues. These opportunities and challenges will be discussed during a seminar in Curaçao on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
The event is being organized by the Curaçao-Aruba-Sint Maarten branch of the International Fiscal Association (IFA) under the title "Surinamese Oil & Gas: Cross-Border Tax Implications and Opportunities."
Tax specialist Victor Koekkoek will examine the potential tax implications of cross-border business activities involving Suriname and the three Caribbean countries.
Suriname's expanding oil and gas industry is expected to generate demand for a wide range of supporting services, creating potential opportunities for companies operating beyond Suriname's borders.
For businesses in Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten, these developments could open doors to new commercial relationships, service contracts, and regional investments.
However, operating across international borders also introduces important tax considerations that businesses and investors must understand before entering new markets.
One of the central issues involves determining which country has the right to tax income generated through international business activities.
Questions may also arise concerning where companies are considered established for tax purposes, how employees working across borders should be taxed, and which rules apply to services provided by foreign businesses.
These issues can become particularly complicated in the oil and gas industry, where projects frequently involve companies, contractors, specialists, and investors from multiple jurisdictions.
The seminar will explore how existing tax regulations may affect businesses from Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten that wish to establish commercial relationships with Suriname's energy sector.
Beyond taxation, the discussion will also address the broader economic opportunities emerging from Suriname's energy development.
For Curaçao, the subject is particularly relevant because of the island's existing port infrastructure, financial services industry, and ambitions to expand its information technology and professional services sectors.
These industries could potentially provide services to companies involved in Suriname's oil and gas operations.
The key question is whether Curaçaoan businesses can successfully position themselves to benefit from the new economic activity and whether existing tax frameworks facilitate or complicate such participation.
Similar considerations apply to Aruba and Sint Maarten, where businesses may also seek opportunities in regional logistics, financial services, consulting, and other supporting industries.
The organizers aim to provide participants with a clearer understanding of the international tax environment surrounding these developments and the practical considerations for companies interested in cross-border activities.
The seminar will be opened and moderated by Germaine Rekwest, who works in areas including tax treaties and international fiscal cooperation.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at YouMeet on Scharlooweg in Curaçao.
Participants will also have an opportunity to network following the presentation.
Admission is free, and the seminar will be conducted in Dutch. A livestream can be arranged upon request.
The event is intended to bring attention to an important regional economic development while helping businesses and tax professionals better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with Suriname's growing oil and gas industry.