THE HAGUE – The Dutch government's proposed Economic Growth Platform for the Caribbean, intended to stimulate economic development and innovation across the six Dutch Caribbean islands, has yet to receive any dedicated funding. Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Heleen Herbert confirmed this in response to questions raised in the Dutch House of Representatives.
The admission raises questions about the implementation of a commitment included in the coalition agreement of Prime Minister Rob Jetten's government, which promised to establish the Economic Growth Platform Carib (EGC) to strengthen economic opportunities throughout the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
Although preparations have begun, the initiative remains in its planning stage, with no budget allocated and no definitive agreement on its structure, responsibilities, or operational capacity.
Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Heleen Herbert
Parliament Questions Government's Commitment
During parliamentary discussions on the ministry's budget, D66 Member of Parliament Ouafa Oualhadj urged the government to take greater advantage of economic opportunities in the Caribbean.
She highlighted the strategic geographical position of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, particularly regarding renewable energy and the transformation of port infrastructure.
According to Oualhadj, the islands are well positioned to participate in the transition toward green hydrogen, solar energy, and wind energy.
She also pointed to opportunities for economic development through the modernization and transformation of Caribbean ports.
Referring to the coalition agreement, Oualhadj asked the minister about progress toward establishing the Economic Growth Platform Carib, its intended scope, and whether sufficient financial resources and administrative capacity were available to make the initiative successful.
Her questions sought clarity on whether the government was moving beyond its political commitment toward the actual implementation of the platform.
Deloitte Commissioned to Develop Implementation Plan
In her response, Minister Herbert explained that Deloitte Dutch Caribbean began an assignment for the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate in early October 2026.
The consultancy has been tasked with developing an implementation plan for the proposed Economic Growth Platform.
According to Herbert, the guiding principle is that the platform should be developed for and by the islands, while building on existing initiatives and institutional structures.
The government intends to consult with representatives from the islands to determine their economic development needs and identify areas where the platform could provide additional value.
Herbert confirmed that she discussed the initiative with important stakeholders during her visit to Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire in early November.
These consultations form part of the preparatory process intended to determine how the platform could operate and what role it should play in supporting economic development.
No Money Reserved for the Platform
Despite the preparatory work, Herbert acknowledged that the Dutch government has not reserved any financial resources for the initiative.
"At this moment, no funds have been reserved for the Economic Growth Platform," the minister stated in her parliamentary response.
The admission means that the platform currently lacks a dedicated budget to finance its establishment or future activities.
Herbert indicated that she expects to have a clearer understanding by early 2027 of how the platform could be established, what its scope should be, and what financial resources and administrative capacity would be required.
Until then, the initiative remains dependent on further consultations, planning, and subsequent government decisions concerning funding.
Economic Opportunities for Curaçao
The proposed platform could be particularly relevant to Curaçao, where economic diversification, renewable energy development, innovation, and port-related activities remain important areas of interest.
The island's strategic location and existing maritime infrastructure could provide opportunities for participation in regional energy and logistics developments.
However, the absence of dedicated funding means that the proposed platform cannot yet be regarded as an operational instrument for financing or supporting such projects.
The minister's response also leaves unanswered how the Dutch government intends to finance the initiative once Deloitte completes its recommendations.
It remains unclear whether the necessary resources would come from existing ministry budgets, new allocations, or other financing arrangements.
Further Clarity Expected in 2027
The Dutch government has emphasized that the Economic Growth Platform should respond to the actual needs of the islands rather than duplicate existing programs.
That approach requires consultation with Caribbean stakeholders and an assessment of the institutional structures already supporting economic development.
Nevertheless, the absence of a financial commitment has exposed a gap between the coalition agreement's ambitions and the resources currently available to implement them.
For Curaçao and the other five islands, the next important development will be the completion of Deloitte's implementation plan and the government's subsequent decision on the platform's scope, financing, and administrative structure.
Minister Herbert expects to provide greater clarity in early 2027.
Until then, the Economic Growth Platform Carib remains a government proposal under development, without an approved operating budget or confirmed implementation date.