THE HAGUE – The Dutch government will continue to support Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten in their economic development. This is outlined in a vision document sent to the Dutch Parliament by State Secretary Zsolt Szabó (Digitalization and Kingdom Relations) and Minister Dirk Beljaarts (Economic Affairs). The focus is on improving access to financing, aligning education with the labor market, and advancing digitalization. 

Economic development is primarily the responsibility of the autonomous countries themselves. However, the Netherlands collaborates with the islands through the Landspakketten (Country Packages) to achieve concrete improvements. For Curaçao, this includes cooperation in the development of a green hydrogen sector. On Sint Maarten, infrastructure investments are being managed through the World Bank’s Trust Fund for Reconstruction. Additionally, the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) provides support to all three countries. 

According to State Secretary Szabó, a long-term vision, sufficient public investment, and a well-functioning capital market are essential for economic growth. “This is crucial for improving living standards and creating new opportunities for the people and entrepreneurs of the Caribbean part of our Kingdom,” Szabó stated. Minister Beljaarts added that a clear approach and strong cooperation will enhance the economic resilience of the region. 

Beyond financing and infrastructure, other economic priorities have also been identified. Efforts are being made to better align education with the labor market and reduce bureaucratic burdens for entrepreneurs. Digitalization and data availability are expected to improve policy development and execution. 

Another key priority is food security. The islands are heavily reliant on food imports, leading to high prices and economic vulnerability. To address this, the Dutch government has allocated over 47 million guilders. A project leader is currently exploring sustainable and innovative solutions, with implementation planned to begin after the summer. 

On April 16, the Parliamentary Committee on Kingdom Relations will debate the economic development and self-sufficiency of the Caribbean territories with State Secretary Szabó and Minister Beljaarts.