More than 100 government, business and academic leaders gathered in Willemstad in March to sharpen Curaçao's export ambitions and to agree on the steps needed to deliver them.
Curaçao held its 2026 Trade Strategy Forum from 16 to 18 March with more than 100 people looking at how to accelerate the implementation of the National Export Strategy (NES) 2022-2027 to grow and diversify the island's exports.
'Our task is clear: to transform Curaçao's potential into a competitive, diversified export economy that is resilient, connected, and proudly Curaçaoan,' said Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof as he opened the event.
Co-organized by the Ministry and the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Forum gathered government officials, business leaders, academics, and regional and international speakers for three days of focused sessions on trade priorities and reform.
From strategy to action: advancing Curaçao trade agenda
The Forum took place as Curaçao deepens its regional ties. The island has recently launched a business trade mission across the Caribbean, taken steps toward membership in CARICOM – the Caribbean Community regional bloc – and moved toward joining the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). These moves signal a clear push to become a more connected hub for trade among small island economies.
Participants agreed that the foundations for export growth are in place. The challenge now is execution. Digital tools and technology were highlighted as key to smarter policy, more efficient public services, and better access to international markets.
A key outcome was the renewed commitment to reactivate the Curaçao Export Council, which brings together government and business as a public-private mechanism to coordinate and drive the export agenda.
Five strategic pillars emerged to guide the next phase of export development:
- Cut red tape and simplify trade processes
- Strengthen cross-agency coordination and decision-making to break silos and ensure accountability
- Align talent with future growth sectors
- Accelerate digital transformation
- Improve the business and regulatory environment
'Over the three days of the Forum, we have seen strong ideas and real commitment to implementing the NES,' said Anton Said, Chief of Export Strategy at ITC. 'What is now needed is a clear structure to sustain dialogue in a coordinated way and help Curaçao shape its trade future with purpose.'
Outcomes from the Forum will shape a practical follow-up roadmap that bridges the current NES cycle and Curaçao’s next wave of reforms.
Our task is clear: to transform Curaçao’s potential into a competitive, diversified export economy that is resilient, connected, and proudly Curaçaoan.Roderick MiddelhofMinister of Economic DevelopmentOver the three days of the forum, we have seen strong ideas and real commitment to implementing the NES. What is now needed is a clear structure to sustain dialogue in a coordinated way and help Curaçao shape its trade future with purpose.Anton SaidChief of Export StrategyITC
16 to 18 March 2026, Willemstad, Curaçao – The Forum took place as Curaçao deepens its regional ties. The island has recently launched a business trade mission across the Caribbean, taken steps toward membership in CARICOM – the Caribbean Community regional bloc – and moved toward joining the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Photo by MEO and CINEX
16 to 18 March 2026, Willemstad, Curaçao – A key outcome was the renewed commitment to reactivate the Curaçao Export Council, which brings together government and business as a public-private mechanism to coordinate and drive the export agenda. Photo by MEO and CINEX