WILLEMSTAD – Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas has met with the Governor of Venezuela's Falcón State, Víctor Clark Boscán, to discuss strengthening economic relations and expanding cooperation between Curaçao and the neighboring Venezuelan region.
The meeting focused on opportunities to increase maritime trade, improve air connections, promote tourism, and develop cooperation in healthcare, particularly medical tourism and the exchange of healthcare professionals.
Governor Clark and Premier Pisas
During the discussions, Governor Clark expressed appreciation for the assistance and support Curaçao provided following the earthquake that affected Falcón State.
The governor also presented information about developments in maritime commerce between Falcón and the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
He expressed interest in expanding the exchange of products and merchandise, strengthening air connectivity, and exploring opportunities in medical tourism.
Medical Tourism Attracts Particular Interest
One of the main subjects discussed was the possibility of closer cooperation in healthcare.
Prime Minister Pisas expressed particular interest in medical tourism, noting that Curaçao is exploring additional options for patients who require medical treatment abroad.
Cooperation with healthcare providers in Falcón could potentially expand the range of treatment options available to Curaçao residents.
Pisas also raised the possibility of exchanging healthcare professionals between Curaçao and Venezuela, allowing the island to benefit from their expertise and services.
Such cooperation could create opportunities for professional exchanges and the sharing of medical knowledge between healthcare institutions in both territories.
However, no specific agreements concerning patient referrals, medical services, or the exchange of healthcare personnel were announced following the meeting.
Expanding Maritime Trade and Air Connectivity
The discussions also addressed the economic relationship between Curaçao and Falcón State, which are geographically close and have longstanding commercial connections.
Governor Clark highlighted developments in maritime trade involving the ABC islands and expressed interest in increasing the movement of products and merchandise.
Improved commercial cooperation could create additional opportunities for businesses involved in imports, exports, transportation, and related services.
The possibility of expanding air connections was also discussed, alongside opportunities to strengthen tourism between the two territories.
Greater connectivity could facilitate travel for business, tourism, and medical purposes.
The meeting did not result in any publicly announced commitments concerning new shipping routes, airline services, or trade agreements.
Strengthening Relations With a Neighboring Region
The meeting reflects an interest in developing practical cooperation between Curaçao and Venezuela's Falcón State in areas that could benefit both communities.
For Curaçao, healthcare cooperation is particularly relevant as the government considers options for residents who need specialized treatment outside the island.
At the same time, closer maritime and commercial ties could support economic activity and improve connections with neighboring markets.
Both leaders used the meeting to explore areas of mutual interest, with an emphasis on economic development and the well-being of their respective populations.
Although no concrete agreements or implementation timelines were announced, the discussions opened the door to further cooperation in trade, transportation, tourism, and healthcare.