WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's manufacturing sector is showing signs of renewed confidence, with 75 percent of surveyed manufacturers planning new investments and 61 percent reporting increased production. The findings were presented during National Local Industry Day 2026, organized by the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) and the Curaçao Manufacturers Association (CMA) on October 15 at the Curaçao Innovation Hub.
The event brought together local manufacturers, government representatives, and industry partners to discuss how Curaçao can strengthen its manufacturing sector, create employment opportunities, and improve its competitiveness in regional and international markets.
Under the theme “Strengthening Curaçao’s Manufacturing: Skills, Markets and Competitiveness,” participants focused on innovation, workforce development, sustainable production, reducing the cost of doing business, and expanding access to export markets.
Secretary-General Luelo Girigorie delivered the official address on behalf of Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof.
Manufacturers Express Confidence in Future Growth
CMA President Herbert Luis emphasized that local manufacturers remain committed to investing, modernizing, and expanding their operations despite the challenges facing the industry.
Djuwensi Passial, Economic Analysis and Research Specialist at the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS), presented the results of the latest survey among manufacturers.
According to the findings, 75 percent of participating manufacturers indicated that they intend to invest, while 61 percent reported an increase in production.
The figures suggest a positive outlook among the companies surveyed, although the ministry did not specify the number of manufacturers participating in the survey or the period covered by the production increases.
Margit de Freitas highlighted examples of local companies investing in their operations, modernizing production processes, and preparing for further expansion.
Guido Rojer Jr. emphasized the importance of innovation, product quality, and more efficient production methods.
A central message emerging from the discussions was that the future of Curaçao's manufacturing industry depends not simply on producing more goods, but on developing smarter, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable production processes.
Reducing Business Costs and Administrative Obstacles
Participants also examined the structural challenges that can limit industrial growth.
Tamira La Cruz provided an update on the implementation of the Landspakket reform project, which includes measures aimed at simplifying government procedures, accelerating digitalization, and reducing the cost of doing business.
These reforms are intended to create a more favorable operating environment for local companies, particularly manufacturers seeking to expand production or compete with imported goods.
The discussions highlighted the importance of addressing administrative barriers and improving efficiency in government services to support private-sector investment.
Technical Education Identified as a Priority
Another major issue was the need for a better-trained technical workforce.
Benjamin Goeloe of R&B Management presented a proposal for the Curaçao Technical Vocational School, an initiative designed to train more skilled technical professionals and improve the connection between vocational education and the needs of local businesses.
The proposal reflects concerns about the availability of qualified personnel in technical occupations that are essential for industrial production and maintenance.
Strengthening technical education could help manufacturers recruit workers with the necessary skills while creating additional career opportunities for Curaçao's young people.
The event emphasized that cooperation between educational institutions and employers will be essential to ensuring that training programs respond to the practical requirements of the manufacturing sector.
Expanding Exports to Aruba and Other Markets
Access to regional and international markets was another important topic.
Bryan Bakboord of MEO presented a new digital procedure intended to make exporting products from Curaçao to Aruba easier.
The initiative is designed to simplify export-related administrative processes and facilitate trade between the two islands.
Tirzah Doran, also representing MEO, discussed opportunities for Curaçao manufacturers to participate in international trade missions, exhibitions, and other initiatives aimed at identifying new markets.
Expanding exports is considered an important step toward strengthening the local manufacturing sector, particularly because Curaçao's relatively small domestic market limits the potential for growth based exclusively on local demand.
By reaching customers elsewhere in the Caribbean and internationally, manufacturers could increase production volumes and diversify their sources of revenue.
Government Calls for Stronger Cooperation
According to MEO, Curaçao has the talent, expertise, and businesses necessary to build a stronger manufacturing industry.
However, the ministry emphasized that the ambitions discussed during National Local Industry Day must now be translated into measurable results.
The government's objectives include strengthening local businesses, generating more employment, increasing domestic production, and expanding the presence of Curaçao-made products in regional and international markets.
MEO stressed that achieving these goals will require continued cooperation among government institutions, manufacturers, educational organizations, and other stakeholders.
A stronger manufacturing sector could also contribute to greater economic diversification by expanding activities beyond the industries on which Curaçao traditionally depends.
CMA Expo Scheduled for October 24
The public will have an opportunity to discover locally manufactured products during the CMA Expo on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Sambil.
The exhibition will showcase local businesses, products, and the manufacturing capabilities available on the island.
MEO is encouraging residents to attend the event, meet local manufacturers, and learn more about the products being developed and produced in Curaçao.
The ministry also emphasized the importance of supporting locally made products as a way to strengthen domestic businesses, sustain employment, and contribute to the island's economic development.
The event will take place under the message that Curaçao's local industry represents both a source of pride and an opportunity for future economic growth.