SANTO DOMINGO – Acting under the mandate of Prime Minister Gilmar “Pik” Pisas, Curaçao’s Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Roderick Middelhof, held an official meeting with Dominican Republic Minister of Foreign Affairs Roberto Álvarez during a working visit to the Dominican Republic.
During the meeting, both parties signed an agreement reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the cooperative relationship between Curaçao and the Dominican Republic. Curaçao’s government has recently begun taking the necessary steps to eliminate the visa requirement for Dominican citizens wishing to visit the island, a move that could have a significant impact on tourism, trade, and economic development.
The discussions also focused on opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, connectivity, tourism, and economic development. Both delegations expressed their desire to continue working on initiatives that will contribute to a closer and more mutually beneficial relationship.
Minister Middelhof and Minister Álvarez highlighted the substantial potential to expand commercial exchanges, promote investment, strengthen connectivity, and create new opportunities for economic cooperation. They also emphasized the importance of encouraging innovation in regional partnerships and strengthening integration among Caribbean island territories as a driver of sustainable growth, new opportunities, and shared prosperity.
As part of this commitment, Curaçao reiterated its support for the “Alliance of Island Territories for the Economic Development of the Caribbean Region” (TransCaribe Agreement), an initiative aimed at strengthening economic cooperation among island territories throughout the Caribbean.
The progress made toward eliminating the visa requirement for Dominican nationals would not have been possible without the vision and support of Prime Minister Gilmar “Pik” Pisas, who placed the issue high on the government’s agenda. Under his leadership, the necessary decisions were taken to advance the process and pave the way for a stronger relationship between Curaçao and the Dominican Republic.
Minister Middelhof stated that the measures being implemented are part of a broader strategy to open new markets, attract greater investment, stimulate regional trade, and strengthen Curaçao’s position as a strategic partner in the Caribbean.