THE HAGUE – In a letter to the Dutch Parliament’s Committee for Kingdom Relations, State Secretary Zsolt Szabó emphasized the importance of closer economic cooperation between Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, as well as the exchange of knowledge with other Small Island Developing States (SIDS). His comments were in response to a request for feedback on the outcomes of the conference “Taking the Reins: Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten – Driving Their Economic Future,” which took place earlier this year in Philipsburg.
Szabó underlined that promoting economic self-reliance remains a central pillar of his policy regarding cooperation with the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. This approach is aligned with broader goals around good governance and sustainable public finances. Despite their autonomy in economic policymaking, the three countries continue to face structural limitations such as small market size, limited logistical connections, and the challenge of maintaining robust institutions. These make them especially vulnerable to external shocks, whether economic, geopolitical, or climatic.
He pointed out that these issues are not unique to the Dutch Caribbean but are shared by many SIDS around the world. Drawing on global SIDS expertise, particularly through the United Nations, can help Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten strengthen their economic resilience. The State Secretary highlighted that this knowledge exchange was a key feature of the three-day conference, which was organized in collaboration with the Temporary Work Organization (TWO) and the economic ministries of the three islands.
The conference, attended by about 50 participants, brought together representatives from various government ministries, central banks, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and regional and international experts from CARICOM, the University of the West Indies, and the UN’s SIDS Bureau. The first day focused on the economic situation of the islands and how SIDS experiences could inform their strategies. The second and third days were dedicated to roundtable sessions, each with a designated coordinator responsible for next steps.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants issued a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to collaborate on economic initiatives, not only among Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten but also with the special municipalities of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius. Emphasis was placed on turning ideas into action, with the appointment of a project leader to oversee progress and ensure follow-through.
In the weeks since the conference, the three countries have begun shaping a regional cooperation agenda, identifying three priority areas for joint action:
First, food security, with proposals for inter-island cooperation among small-scale farmers, shared purchasing strategies, and the development of agricultural policies.
Second, trade and connectivity, including the formation of a regional commission on trade, exploration of an open skies agreement and joint economic zone, and policy development on shared procurement.
Third, the blue economy, with efforts to coordinate maritime spatial planning, sustainable marine resource management, environmental standards, and regional negotiations with cruise lines, as well as the promotion of ocean-related technologies like seawater cooling systems.
Szabó concluded his letter by reaffirming his commitment to supporting the economic development and self-reliance of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. He pledged to continue monitoring and encouraging collaboration among the islands as they work toward shared, sustainable growth.
