THE HAGUE – Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Heleen Herbert is visiting the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands this week to discuss economic growth, investment opportunities and business development with government officials and representatives of the private sector.
The working visit includes Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire, with particular attention to economic diversification, sustainable development and initiatives designed to connect entrepreneurs with potential investors.
The Dutch government is supporting the islands' ambitions to make better use of their economic opportunities through the establishment of the Caribbean Economic Growth Platform (Economisch Groeiplatform Carib, EGC).
The initiative is intended to bring entrepreneurs and investment capital together, creating opportunities for businesses to obtain the financing and support needed to expand their activities.
Curaçao Refinery Redevelopment Takes Center Stage
During her visit to Curaçao, Minister Herbert will receive information about plans to redevelop the former refinery site into an area supporting sustainable energy, industrial activities and the circular economy.
The redevelopment represents an opportunity to explore alternative economic uses for infrastructure and industrial facilities traditionally associated with oil refining.
The minister's discussions will focus on the plans for the site and the opportunities they could create for economic activity and investment.
The circular economy is based on reducing waste, reusing materials and making more efficient use of resources, while sustainable energy projects seek to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.
The proposed transformation of the refinery area could therefore contribute to broader efforts to diversify Curaçao's economy and develop new industrial activities.
The visit will also include a boat tour through Curaçao's harbor, providing the minister with an opportunity to observe the island's maritime infrastructure and port-related economic activities.
Curaçao's harbor plays an important role in international shipping, logistics and industrial development, making it a relevant part of discussions about future economic opportunities.
Aruba Focuses on Tourism, Entrepreneurship and Former Refinery
On Aruba, Minister Herbert will visit the former refinery in San Nicolas, which is no longer operational.
The visit will provide an opportunity to examine the location and discuss its potential economic significance.
The minister will also meet representatives of Aruba's tourism industry, one of the island's principal economic sectors.
In addition, Herbert will hold discussions with Impact Hub, an organization that supports emerging entrepreneurs by providing knowledge, expertise and assistance with business development.
The meetings are intended to provide insight into Aruba's economic priorities and the opportunities available to entrepreneurs seeking to establish or expand businesses.
Bonaire Highlights Space Technology and Business Financing
On Bonaire, the minister's program includes a visit to the Princess Catharina-Amalia Space Innovation Park.
There, she will meet employees involved in the Galileo Sensor Station (GSS), which became operational earlier this year.
The station supports Galileo, the European satellite navigation system, and contributes to the strategic technological autonomy of the Caribbean region, the Netherlands and Europe.
The facility demonstrates Bonaire's potential role in international technological infrastructure and advanced space-related activities.
Herbert will also meet representatives of Bonaire's Chamber of Commerce to discuss local business development and economic opportunities.
Another important moment during the visit will be the presentation of the 500th business loan issued by Qredits.
The foundation supports entrepreneurs by offering favorable loans of up to $100,000, helping businesses finance their growth and development.
The milestone highlights the role of accessible financing in supporting small businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship on the island.
Connecting Caribbean Entrepreneurs With Investment Capital
A central element of the minister's visit is the Dutch government's support for the Caribbean Economic Growth Platform.
The platform is intended to strengthen connections between entrepreneurs and sources of investment capital, addressing one of the challenges businesses can face when seeking financing for new projects or expansion.
By facilitating these connections, the initiative aims to help the islands take greater advantage of economic opportunities.
The minister's meetings with government representatives and business organizations are expected to provide insight into the specific economic priorities and investment needs of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire.
Although the three islands have different economic structures and development priorities, the visit reflects a shared interest in encouraging entrepreneurship, attracting investment and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
For Curaçao, the discussions surrounding the former refinery site and harbor development will be particularly relevant as the island considers opportunities to expand its industrial and energy sectors.