THE HAGUE – The gradual normalization of relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Venezuela could create new opportunities for Curaçao and Aruba, although State Secretary Eric van der Burg cautions that it remains unclear how Venezuela views a larger economic role for the two islands.
Van der Burg said Friday that diplomatic contacts between the Kingdom and Venezuela have only recently begun intensifying again.
One indication of that change is the arrival of Carmen Gonsalves as the Kingdom’s ambassador to Venezuela. Her appointment restores diplomatic representation at ambassadorial level and comes as contacts between the two sides are being rebuilt.
The improved diplomatic climate could become particularly important for Curaçao because of the island’s location close to the Venezuelan coast and its longstanding economic connections with the country.
According to Van der Burg, the Netherlands is considering whether Curaçao and Aruba could function as economic and logistical hubs connecting European businesses with Venezuela, Colombia and the broader northern South American region.
However, the state secretary acknowledged that it is still too early to know how Caracas itself would respond to such a strategy.
Relations are only beginning to normalize, meaning the economic possibilities have not yet been translated into concrete agreements with Venezuela.
The potential opportunities extend beyond direct trade. Van der Burg pointed to reconstruction needs following recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia and questioned whether businesses and facilities on Curaçao and Aruba could contribute to reconstruction and logistical operations.
Curaçao’s port could become particularly relevant if regional commercial activity increases.
Existing plans to expand port capacity are not specifically aimed at Venezuela, Van der Burg stressed. Nevertheless, improved infrastructure could give Curaçao a stronger competitive position if trade and investment flows between Venezuela, Europe and the Caribbean begin to recover.
The strategy could also contribute to a broader objective for Curaçao: reducing its dependence on tourism.
While tourism has become one of the main engines of the Curaçao economy, heavy reliance on one sector creates vulnerability to international recessions, disruptions in air travel and other external shocks.
Stronger connections with South America could provide additional opportunities in logistics, maritime services, trade, distribution and investment.
Van der Burg stressed that Curaçao must also work on its investment climate if it wants to attract Dutch and European companies interested in using the island as a regional base.
The combination of improving diplomatic relations with Venezuela, investment in port infrastructure and Curaçao’s strategic location could therefore create new economic possibilities. Whether those possibilities become reality will depend on further normalization with Venezuela, concrete private-sector interest and Curaçao’s ability to position itself competitively as a regional hub.