WILLEMSTAD – Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas met with Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Qatar Olympic Committee, on Sunday, October 18, to explore opportunities for cooperation between Curaçao and Qatar in several economic and sporting sectors.
The meeting took place at Sandals Royal Curaçao, where the Qatari sports leader was staying during his visit to the island for the 24th General Assembly of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC).
The assembly was officially opened by Prime Minister Pisas and brought together representatives of Olympic organizations from across the Caribbean and beyond.
Also attending the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Shalten Hato and Christine Dania, President of Federashon Deporte i Olímpiko Kòrsou (FDOK).
Exploring Economic and Sporting Opportunities
According to the government, discussions focused on potential cooperation between Curaçao and Qatar in several areas, including international sports, the organization of major sporting events, aviation connections in the Caribbean, tourism, and the oil and gas industry.
The meeting provided an opportunity to explore how Qatar's international experience, investments and business networks could contribute to Curaçao's economic development.
Sports featured prominently in the discussions, particularly given Sheikh Joaan's leadership positions within the international Olympic movement.
His visit coincided with Curaçao's selection as host of the 2029 Caribbean Games, a major regional multisport event expected to bring athletes, coaches, officials and visitors from across the Caribbean to the island.
The government did not announce any formal agreements or investment commitments resulting from the meeting.
However, Pisas expressed confidence that Sheikh Joaan could play an important role in facilitating future cooperation, either through his direct involvement or by connecting Curaçao with relevant organizations, businesses and investors.
Aviation and Tourism Among Areas of Interest
The discussions also addressed opportunities related to air connectivity in the Caribbean.
Improved aviation connections are an important consideration for island economies, particularly those that depend heavily on tourism and international travel.
The government identified aviation and tourism as possible areas for cooperation with Qatar, although no specific airline routes, aviation agreements or tourism projects were announced.
The oil and gas industry was another subject discussed during the meeting.
Curaçao has a longstanding history in the energy sector, and the government continues to explore opportunities for economic development involving energy-related activities.
The discussions with Sheikh Joaan were exploratory, and the government has not disclosed any concrete proposals concerning investments or partnerships in the industry.
Pisas Planning Official Visit to Qatar in 2027
An important outcome of the meeting was an agreement to maintain contact at the advisory level.
According to the government, an adviser to Prime Minister Pisas and an adviser to Sheikh Joaan will remain in communication to coordinate a possible visit by the Curaçao Prime Minister to Qatar during the first half of 2027.
Such a visit could provide an opportunity to continue discussions and explore potential cooperation with relevant institutions and private-sector representatives.
The government has not yet announced a specific date, program or delegation for the proposed trip.
Prime Minister Sees Potential in Qatari Connections
Pisas described the meeting as an honor and expressed optimism about the possibilities for future cooperation.
"It was an honor to meet Sheikh Joaan. I have the feeling that, through his network both within and outside Qatar, he can contribute a great deal to the further development of our country," the Prime Minister said.
The meeting reflects Curaçao's efforts to expand its international relationships and explore economic opportunities beyond its traditional regional partners.
For the government, the discussions with Sheikh Joaan represent an initial step toward possible cooperation in sports, aviation, tourism and energy.
Whether these contacts lead to concrete projects or investments will depend on the outcome of future discussions, including the proposed visit to Qatar in 2027.