Trade and investment facilitation plays a vital role in strengthening economic competitiveness, attracting capital, and fostering sustainable development in Curaçao.
Trade & Investment Facilitation
Invest in Curaçao? This website is your one-stop information shop for all you need to invest in our piece of paradise.
Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency promotes the investment opportunities available in Curaçao, enhances the investment experience and facilitates exports for local businesses.
The UNCTAD iGuide of Curaçao has extensive information on conditions for investing in Curaçao.
Curinde offers entrepreneurs and businesses a gateway to growth through access to free zones, move-in-ready business spaces, and attractive tax incentives—making it easier to launch, expand, and trade internationally from Curaçao.
EU Help Desk
Curaçaoan companies have a significant opportunity to export their products to European Union (EU) member countries with preferential treatment under the arrangement for Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) regulated by the OCT Decision 2013/11/25/755 EU. To be eligible for this privilege, exporters must register in the Customs’ Registered Exporter (REX) system.
The registration process requires submitting several documents, including a certificate of origin issued by the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) for every product. This certificate is essential for securing preferential access to all EU member states. The registration can be completed either through the Customs’ website or the designated link provided by the European Commission.
To register, exporters must have a unique Tax Identification Number (TIN) containing the letters “CW” and the CRIB number assigned to them. In the registration form, exporters must accurately list all products covered by the certificate of origin issued by MEO. The completed form must be printed, signed, and submitted to Customs at Pietermaai 25, along with the necessary documents.
It’s crucial to note that the added value requirement within the OCT arrangement varies for each product. Hence, exporters must strictly adhere to the regulations governing each product category.
Exporters must also keep themselves informed of any updates or revisions to the current OCT arrangement to ensure their continued compliance and eligibility for preferential treatment.
To better understand the process, let us consider example scenario.
Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)
Companies based in Curaçao have been presented with an exceptional opportunity through the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). The initiative aims to strengthen the economies of the Caribbean region by offering preferential treatment in the vast U.S. market. However, to take advantage of these benefits, exporters must follow the regulations outlined in the CBI framework carefully. Notably, one of the essential requirements is to maintain a maximum added value of 35%. Given the complexities involved, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO).
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Registration in the US
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a crucial federal agency dedicated to safeguarding public health by overseeing the safety and regulation of food, tobacco products, pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and more. The FDA enforces the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and related laws. Headed by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, the FDA’s main office is located in White Oak, Maryland, with additional offices and labs across the United States, including Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is the office responsible for Curaçao. In addition to its domestic operations, the FDA has a global presence with staff stationed in foreign countries. For companies seeking FDA registration assistance, Registrar Corp provides comprehensive support for facility registration with the FDA on a global scale. Start your registration here.
Carib Export
The Caribbean Export Development Agency provides support to Caribbean businesses through funding opportunities, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing competitiveness and promoting exports.
Holland House Colombia
Holland House Colombia is a bilateral business platform that fosters trade and investment between the Netherlands and Colombia. It offers market entry support, business matchmaking, and sector-specific services to help Dutch and Colombian companies grow through strategic partnerships and local insight.
Holland House Panama
Holland House Panama serves as a gateway for Dutch companies seeking to access Central America and the Caribbean, with Panama’s strategic location as a logistics and trade hub. It provides tailored support in market research, networking, and regulatory guidance, facilitating sustainable business connections between Dutch and Panamanian enterprises.
SIB subsidy
Are you an entrepreneur with the ambition and capacity to expand to international markets? Do you already know which market suits your product or service? Then, apply for the Support International Business (SIB) subsidy. With this scheme, you can finance various activities that help you take the next step in international trade.
Please click here for more information including Q&A