Expanding business horizons: RVO/EZK information and networking session connects Curaçao entrepreneurs with new opportunities!

On Tuesday, February 7, CINEX, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Economic Development organized an RVO/EZK information and networking event at the conference room of the Renaissance Hotel. This event, aimed at stakeholders and entrepreneurs, was led by Mr. Ronald Vermeeren, Coordinator for the Dutch Caribbean at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The objective of this gathering was to inform Curaçao entrepreneurs about the opportunities offered by the RVO.

The RVO assists entrepreneurs and organizations in investing, developing, and expanding their business and projects, both in the Netherlands and abroad. It is a government agency that is part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate. Mr. Vermeeren extensively discussed RVO activities in the Dutch Caribbean, emphasizing information and knowledge exchange, networking and contacts, financing, project development, and initiatives.

Since January 1, 2018, the RVO has made available a number of export (goods and services) and trade instruments for the Dutch Caribbean. These include:

● The RVO App called "NL exporteert" is the number one export app designed for both novice and experienced entrepreneurs with ambitious international goals. The app provides access to interesting export markets, up-to-date information on different countries, and relevant business opportunities and laws and regulations. This app makes it easier to capitalize on international business opportunities. Visit the following link for more information: https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/persoonlijk-advies-buitenland/nl-exporteert-app

● Customized country information: specialized information about countries, compiled in collaboration with a foreign network of embassies, consulates, and Dutch Business Support Offices (NBSOs). We also use existing sources such as Euromonitor, Statista, Kompass (business database), and IBIS World.

● Business Partner Support (BPS): a free service for entrepreneurs who need assistance in finding business partners abroad. The service is based on the entrepreneur's profile and individual needs. More information is available through the following link: https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/persoonlijk-advies-buitenland/zakenpartnersupport-op-maat

● Starters International Business (SIB) provides support for six activities: trade missions, individual participation in trade fairs (if group participation is not possible), knowledge development and skills in legal and fiscal matters, market studies and export training, market access (for new trade activities and introduction to new markets), coaching for export to specific countries and alternative markets (due to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia). For more information, please refer to this link: www.rvo.nl/sib.

● Subsidy opportunities for companies based in the European part of the Netherlands, under the heading of Demonstration, Feasibility, Investment (DHI), enable them to submit DHI project applications for projects in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba, Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten and for countries outside the Kingdom. For companies based in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, they can submit a DHI project application for projects in Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten and for all countries outside the Kingdom. This subsidy is intended for feasibility studies, demonstration projects, and investment preparation studies. Additional information can be found through this link: https://www.rvo.nl/subsidieregelingen/dhi/voorwaarden/landen.

This presentation was attended by 150 individuals from the business community, NGOs, government, and other organizations

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