PARAMARIBO – Additional details have emerged from Curaçao’s participation in the Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit (SEOGS), where Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning Charles Cooper delivered a high-profile address during the conference’s Presidential Address Session.
As reported earlier, Curaçao is participating in the regional energy summit to strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding oil and gas industry linked to developments in the Suriname-Guyana Basin. During the opening ceremony, Cooper addressed delegates on behalf of the Government of Curaçao and Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas.
Surinam President Simon (m) listening to Minister Cooper
According to the minister, the opportunities emerging from the Suriname-Guyana Basin extend far beyond the borders of any single country.
“What happens if the next chapter of prosperity in the Caribbean is written not by one country, but by an entire region working together?” Cooper asked attendees, using the question as the central theme of his address.
The minister stressed that the ongoing energy developments represent a regional opportunity and argued that Caribbean countries can achieve greater benefits through cooperation rather than competition.
A significant portion of the speech focused on positioning Curaçao as a strategic maritime and logistics partner for the offshore industry. Cooper highlighted the island’s more than 100 years of experience in ship repair, maritime services, port operations, offshore support activities, and international logistics.
He pointed to several major infrastructure projects and organizations that could play a role in supporting regional energy development, including 2BAYS, Curaçao Ports Authority, Damen Shiprepair Curaçao, NAVCARIB, Caracasbaai, Bullenbaai, Boca Sint Michiel, and the Buskabaai Development project.
Speaking in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Cooper also outlined several fiscal incentives available to investors operating in the maritime and energy sectors. These include the island’s E-Zone regime, tax incentive programs, benefits stemming from agreements between Curaçao and Suriname, exemptions for offshore equipment, the absence of capital gains tax on certain business assets, and Curaçao’s tonnage tax regime for shipping companies.
The minister also showcased the Curaçao delegation attending the summit, which included representatives from CDM Holding, 2BAYS, Damen Shiprepair Curaçao, EY, NAVCARIB, Curaçao Ports Authority, Buskabaai Development, and the Curaçao Maritime Association.
According to Cooper, these organizations collectively demonstrate the broad range of maritime, logistics, and offshore services that Curaçao can offer international investors and energy companies operating in the region.
He concluded his remarks with a call for greater regional collaboration, emphasizing that Curaçao views itself as a partner in the region’s development rather than a competitor.
“The future prosperity of the Caribbean will depend on countries that choose to collaborate, innovate and work toward shared economic development,” Cooper said, ending his speech with the message: “Curaçao is open for business.”