WILLEMSTAD – Poverty, unemployment and labor market inequality will be among the main focus areas of the Central Bank’s new research agenda, as concerns grow over youth joblessness and the informal economy in Curaçao.
The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten says labor market dynamics will play a major role in its economic research between 2026 and 2028, with particular focus on education mismatches, wage policies and human capital development.
According to the CBCS, youth unemployment remains a major structural challenge in Curaçao and Sint Maarten and limits economic growth potential.
The bank says many young people struggle to enter the labor market because educational outputs do not always match actual labor market needs.
At the same time, the informal economy continues to distort the labor market.
The CBCS warns that a large informal sector weakens tax revenues, creates inefficiencies and reduces productivity.
The bank says future studies will examine how flexible employment arrangements could potentially help reduce informality.
Another area of concern is migration.
The bank plans to analyze how labor migration and emigration of skilled workers affect economic output and long-term fiscal sustainability.
Minimum wage policy will also be revisited.
The CBCS wants to assess how wage increases impact employment, inflation and productivity.
The bank says labor market reform will be essential if Curaçao wants sustainable and inclusive growth.