Curaçao Export Week Unveils Vast Trade and Export Opportunities
Curaçao Export Week Unveils Vast Trade and Export Opportunities
The highly anticipated Curaçao Export Week (CEW) 2023, themed “Innovation and internationalization through Export”, took place during the week of May 15th through May 19th, 2023, an effort to highlight the importance of exports for Curaçao, as they fill a particularly important role in our economy including diversification of the economy.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and the Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX). This year, the event saw a significant boost with the support of KOLEKTIVO Curaçao, a dynamic, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary event organization partner.
The highlight of the week was the signing of two major Memorandums of Understanding (MoU).
The first one is between Curaçao and the Netherlands, focusing on 'Renewable Energy.' The signing ceremony took place at Fort Nassau, attended by Curaçao's Minister of Economic Development, Ruisandro Cijntje (PNP), and the Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy, Rob Jetten (D66). The objective of the MoU is for Curaçao to generate 5 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2035 through the implementation of offshore floating wind farms.
Second, between the Government of Curaçao, represented by Minister Ruisandro Cijntje and Proteus Ocean Group. Proteus Ocean Group unveiled its groundbreaking Proteus Habitat, also known as the "International Space Station of the Ocean." This cutting-edge underwater facility will play a pivotal role in fostering innovative research and development projects, including scientific research, oceanographic studies, robotics testing, extreme environmental testing, and sustainable blue economy initiatives. To learn more about this remarkable project, visit their website at https://www.proteusoceangroup.com/.
Another notable occasion during Curaçao Export Week was the official launch of the 'Caribbean Women in Trade' platform by Mrs. Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia, Curaçao's Vice Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government of Curaçao. The platform aims to facilitate networking and collaboration among women entrepreneurs and professionals from the Caribbean region and the diaspora, empowering their success in international trade.
Throughout the week, more than 40 informative sessions were conducted, providing practical advice on exporting and the associated benefits. The event witnessed a great turnout, with attendees participating both in person and online. Encouraged by this success, the organizers have committed to making next year's event even more significant.
The focus of this year's Curaçao Export Week centered around the National Export Strategy and its sectors, which are integral to the country's economic growth, Tourism (Wellness), Creative Industries, Education Services, Financial Services, IT Services, Port and Maritime Services, Blue Bio-Economy, and Sustainable Energy (Coming Soon).
The organizers would like to express their gratitude to the sponsors whose support made this event possible. The list of sponsors includes gold - Curaçao Ports Authorities, CURINDE, CUROIL, Bureau Telecommunication & Post, Blue Nap America, Ernst and Young, SiMIA, Curaçao Tourist Board, Central Bank, and InfoTrans & IT Installations. Silver sponsors CXPAY, CIFA, CAH, Cpost, Soxia, Korpodeko, Profound, and Qredits
Curaçao Export Week serves as a testament to the island's commitment to expanding its international trade presence and fostering economic development. With each passing year, this event grows in stature, reinforcing Curaçao's position as a key player in the global market.