June 27th has been approved as Entrepreneur Day in Curaçao

Willemstad – On the proposal of the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO), the Council of Ministers has approved June 27th as Entrepreneur Day in Curaçao.

According to the Minister of Economic Development, Ruisandro Cijntje, the approval of June 27th as Entrepreneur Day in Curaçao reaffirms their commitment to continue creating management, and facilitating the investment and financing climate to support entrepreneurs for a sustainable future, providing a hand to the most vulnerable, and creating a path for a more sustainable and prosperous way of life for everyone. MEO is extremely pleased to have the support and approval of ADECK, which enthusiastically looks forward to the preparation for celebrating this date in the future.

Closely related to the international day of micro, small, and medium enterprises 2024, Minister Ruisandro Cijntje acknowledges the crucial role they play in the process of recovery and growth of our economy. According to statistics in Curaçao, 98% of businesses are micro, small, and medium enterprises; their contribution to Curaçao’s GDP is 30% and to the labor market is 60%. This shows that these businesses make a vital contribution to job creation, driving economic growth, and empowering vulnerable groups.

Despite the important role these businesses play, Minister Cijntje recognizes that there is still a lot of adequate support lacking. This is also highlighted in the theme that the United Nations has chosen this year for the International Day of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The theme is: Leveraging the Power and Resilience of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to Accelerate Sustainable Development and Eliminate Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises.

According to Minister Cijntje, MEO is working on various initiatives to support and facilitate entrepreneurs in different sectors and areas. Among others, training courses for entrepreneurs in different sectors, such as the agricultural sector and the tourism sector. The Minister also indicated that MEO collaborated with Qredits to make an agricultural fund available to entrepreneurs. MEO also ensured irrigation water via Aqualectra, an agricultural database, and a WhatsApp Group “Protected Fruits and Vegetables”. For the future, MEO is working on the classification of agricultural products, a draft law for the expansion of the list of protected products, and a draft law for minimum tariffs.

Another aspect that Minister Cijntje highlighted is that our export strategy is focused on our micro, small, and medium enterprises to facilitate their access to international markets in 7 focus sectors. In this context, recently, the Curaçao Music Export Office was opened to facilitate our entrepreneurs in the music area, and the Medical and Wellness Tourism Export Strategy was launched, which is aimed at our entrepreneurs active in the wellness area.

Another initiative that MEO has contributed to is the Curaçao Innovation Award. This award has been granted for 25 years. It is to stimulate more innovation and digitization among entrepreneurs. MEO is also working on Mi NEGOSHI Shared & Support Services, to help micro, small, and medium enterprises successfully manage their businesses through practical advice and training.

In conclusion, Minister Cijntje remarked that he is aware there is much more to be done, and he has extended an invitation to other ministries, the private sector, other relevant stakeholders, and the community to continue the discussion in a healthy manner on how we can better support entrepreneurs and buy locally!

The Minister extends congratulations to all entrepreneurs in Curaçao and wishes them much wisdom and strength to continue persevering in their efforts for the success of their companies, contributing to Curaçao’s economy and the prosperity of our community.