WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Roderick Middelhof, officially opened the Curaçao Trade Strategy Forum 2026 yesterday morning, marking an important step in the implementation of the government program and the strategy to strengthen and diversify the island’s economy.
With the launch of the forum, Minister Middelhof is delivering what he describes as the first concrete result of the government’s policy agenda. As he previously stated, his role is not merely ceremonial, but focused on achieving tangible results for Curaçao.
The forum brings together representatives from government, the private sector, academia, and international organizations to discuss Curaçao’s economic position in the global market and to define the next steps in developing the National Export Strategy (NES). According to Middelhof, efforts to strengthen Curaçao’s export capacity began eight years ago in collaboration with the International Trade Centre, an international partner that continues to support the island in shaping its export strategy.
In his opening remarks, the minister highlighted the rapidly changing nature of global trade, driven by geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, and climate-related pressures. In this context, he emphasized that small economies like Curaçao must remain flexible, innovative, and well-connected to international markets.
In recent months, Curaçao has intensified its economic relations within the region. A key example is the recent reestablishment of formal government dialogue between Curaçao and Panama, after more than fourteen years without official contact. According to Middelhof, this reflects a clear commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and building stronger economic bridges.
The minister also pointed to positive developments within the local economy. The manufacturing sector, for example, recorded real growth of 9.6 percent in the second quarter of 2025, highlighting its potential to expand Curaçao’s economic base beyond tourism.
During his address, Middelhof also underscored Curaçao’s growing international visibility. Recently, Curaçao-born baseball legend Andruw Jones was appointed as Sports Tourism Ambassador, while the national football team secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Over the course of the three-day forum, participants will analyze Curaçao’s economic position, identify new opportunities for exports and international cooperation, and set priorities for building a more diversified, resilient, and competitive economy. The discussions and recommendations will be compiled into a strategic report that will serve as a roadmap for the next phases of implementing the National Export Strategy through 2030.
According to Minister Middelhof, the forum reflects Curaçao’s ambition to think big about its future. He noted that while the island may be small, it holds a strategic position, and by remaining flexible, innovative, and globally connected, Curaçao can turn global changes into opportunities for its people and economy.
With the opening of the Curaçao Trade Strategy Forum 2026, the current government is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient, and more diversified economy.