During a recent visit to Curaçao, Dr. Lynette Holder, Chairperson of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), Dr. Damie Sinanan – Executive Director, and board member for Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Dhanraj Harrypersad reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to supporting the Region’s private sector development, trade and investment promotion mandate. Their participation is reflective of the Agency’s proactive approach to regional engagement and its ongoing efforts to support regional integration across the Caribbean.

Supported by members of the technical team at Caribbean Export (Wayne Elliott – Manager, Technical Programmes and Mikaela Franklyn – Export Development and Promotion Officer, the delegation met with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Economic Development, Curacao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX), the Curaçao Manufacturers Association (CMA), The Curaçao Trade and Industry Association (VBC), to discuss the Agency’s mandate, raise awareness of the Agency’s work and detail opportunities for collaboration.

The delegation also had an active involvement in the Curaçao Export Week of activities held from May 12–16, 2025. The team participated in a series of highly engaging interventions that included the presentation of the Keynote Address at the Launch of the Week, a Market Intelligence Workshop, and various contributions to technical sessions such as an Export Hackathon and an Export Policy Dialogue.

At the Opening Ceremony of Curaçao Export Week, hosted by the Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX), Dr. Sinanan delivered the keynote address. He shared insights on how Caribbean micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) can remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving global trade environment—emphasizing innovation, resilience, and strategic collaboration as critical drivers of success.

The Board members contributed to the Export Week of activities by sharing perspectives on doing business in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting opportunities and key considerations for trade and investment in these markets as well as the role that their respective institutions (The Small Business Association of Barbados and Global Trinidad and Tobago) could play in deepening relations with the Curaçao Private Sector.

The mission concluded with a debrief meeting with the Honourable Charles Cooper, Minister of Economic Development of Curaçao. Discussions focused on Caribbean Export’s role in supporting private sector development as well as trade and investment opportunities. The Minister also took the opportunity to reiterate his gratitude to the Caribbean Export Delegation and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing actions that would bring greater support and benefit to the private sector in Curaçao

Curaçao’s proactive steps—such as joining CARICOM as its sixth Associate Member, developing new trade routes and agreements, and targeting high-potential regional markets like Trinidad and Tobago, The Dominican Republic and Guyana—demonstrate a bold commitment to economic growth and regional integration.

At Caribbean Export, we believe that unlocking the region’s full potential requires unity, innovation, and consistent collaboration. Curaçao Export Week clearly demonstrated the value of strategic regional engagement and the shared ambition to strengthen Caribbean trade. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Curaçao as we champion Caribbean business on the global stage.