News item | 10-03-2025 | 16:43
Better access to banking services and financing for entrepreneurs. Better connection between education and the labor market. Digitization of processes and availability of data for policy and implementation. These preconditions for the economic development of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom are in the vision that State Secretary Zolt Szabó, (Digitization and Kingdom Relations) today also sent to the Lower House on behalf of Minister Dirk Beljaarts (Economic Affairs).
Economic development and self -reliance
Together with the governments, entrepreneurs and public and private stakeholders on the islands, the cabinet wants to work on concrete solutions to further develop the economies of the islands. For all islands, they are responsible for this themselves. For Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, there is also a role in promoting economic development and self -reliance. The Netherlands supports the autonomous countries via the land packages.
State Secretary Szabó: “Eand widely supported long -term vision on the economy, sufficient public investments, a well -functioning capital market and good regional cooperation, in addition to good governance and a financial healthy government, are important for economic development and self -reliance. This is essential for improving living conditions and offering new opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs of the Caribbean part of our Kingdom. “
Minister Beljaarts: “For a strong and future -proof economy in the Caribbean part of our Kingdom, a clear approach, targeted investments and good cooperation are crucial. By giving entrepreneurs the space and offering residents perspective, we strengthen the economic resilience of the region. “
Economic priorities Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
Each island is asked to indicate what they see in both the short and in the long term as the most important economic priorities. For example, Bonaire works on sustainable tourism and strengthening the infrastructure, Sint Eustatius focuses on, among other things, the further development of cultural-historical heritage and tourism and Saba focuses on strengthening ecotourism and development of the port. For all islands, the awarded regional deals will contribute to the realization of the plans.
Various reports and conversations with entrepreneurs, the public bodies and civil society come five important tasks that are not new, but are important for economic development. For example, access to banking services and financing are needed to promote the business climate. Other preconditions are connectivity and infrastructure, fewer transport costs and regulatory pressure, a well -functioning labor market, digitization and availability of data.
Targeted support in economic development of autonomous countries
Management of economic development is an autonomous affair of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten itself. From the Netherlands, the Caribbean countries work, among other things, on accessible financing for SMEs with the SME credits guarantee. Based on the agreements made in the land packages, there is a collaboration on a better connection between education and the labor market and digitization.
On Sint Maarten, Sint Maarten of the World Bank Investments in the infrastructure takes place through the Trustfonds. In addition, Curaçao cooperates with the development of a green hydrogen chain and the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center (Cartac) support takes place in all three Caribbean countries.
Less dependence on food turns
Food security is an important theme on all six islands. They are largely dependent on food import from abroad, which makes them vulnerable and leads to high food prices. To tackle this challenge, the government has cleared 24 million euros to increase food security and to reduce dependence on imports in the long term. State Secretary Szabó has appointed a quartermaster who will investigate which instrument is most suitable for achieving sustainable and innovative results. The goal is to start implementing this plan after the summer.
On April 16, the Kingdom Relations Committee will debate with State Secretary Szabó and Minister Beljaarts on economic development and self -reliance of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.