THE HAGUE – Curaçao and Aruba could develop a much larger economic role as gateways connecting Europe with northern South America, according to State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Effective Government Eric van der Burg, who sees the islands’ proximity to Venezuela and Colombia as a potentially important economic advantage.
Van der Burg made the comments Friday following the Kingdom Council of Ministers meeting. Venezuela was not specifically on the formal agenda, he said, although developments in Venezuela and Colombia were discussed around the meeting.
According to the state secretary, the Netherlands is examining how the geographic position of the Caribbean islands could be used more effectively to create economic opportunities.
Curaçao and Aruba could potentially serve as logistical and commercial hubs for Dutch and other European companies seeking access to Venezuela, Colombia and other markets in northern South America.
Van der Burg also pointed to reconstruction needs following recent earthquakes in parts of Venezuela and Colombia. He said consideration could be given to whether companies and facilities on the islands could play a role in those efforts.
For Curaçao to take full advantage of such opportunities, however, Van der Burg believes the island must offer an attractive investment climate.
He said the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs has already been in contact with Curaçao’s Minister Plenipotentiary about the issue and that attention should be given to encouraging more Dutch investment on the island.
Expansion of Curaçao’s port capacity could be an important part of that strategy.
The Curaçao government and companies operating in the port sector are already working on plans to expand port facilities. Van der Burg stressed that these investments are not being developed specifically for Venezuela, but they could place Curaçao in a stronger position if commercial activity with its South American neighbor increases.
The island’s geographic location has historically made it an important maritime and commercial link between Europe and South America. Renewed regional trade could potentially benefit logistics, shipping, storage, maritime services and other sectors of the Curaçao economy.
Van der Burg also sees economic diversification as an important consideration.
Curaçao currently depends heavily on tourism, leaving the economy vulnerable when international or economic developments affect travel. Developing stronger commercial links with South America could provide the island with additional sources of economic activity.
For Van der Burg, Curaçao’s location close to some of South America’s largest markets should therefore be viewed not simply as a geographic fact, but as an economic asset that could be used to attract investment and broaden the island’s economy.