Economic Profile

The main pillars of the Netherlands Antilles economy are tourism, oil refining and the rendering of services. Especially for Curacao, tourism has been rising lately and is expected to rise even more in the coming years. Its location, modern airport, natural harbor with a “free zone” make the island also an important gateway to Caribbean and Latin American markets. The financial services sector is an important source of income as well.

For the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles and for Aruba, tourism is - as has since long been - the most important economic sector. Oil refining is important for Aruba as well, whereas lately, in its efforts to improve the economy, the Aruban government has also been focusing on technology, finance and communications.

On all the islands, the sectors that have been flourishing lately are tourism, construction (especially of hotels to accommodate the rising number of tourists) and real estate.

Influence of the Netherlands
It is expected that the constitutional changes and the stronger influence of the Netherlands on the financial management of Curacao and St. Maarten during the first years of their independent status will have a positive influence on the economy of these islands. The annual aid of the Netherlands to Curacao and St. Maarten will be allocated to maintaining law and order, improving education and stimulating structural economic developments.

Trade Advantage
The Dutch Caribbean are a member to the association treaty known as OCT, signed by members of the European Union. This treaty makes it possible for the members to export their products to the European market without taxation or restrictions on quantity.

Trade Partners
The main trade partners of the Netherlands Antilles are Venezuela, the United States and Italy. The islands mainly export to the United States, Panama and Mexico. Aruba’s main export partners are the Netherlands, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela.

More information
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Curacao
Business Curacao
Spin Off Curacao
Wikipedia
Factbook CIA Netherlands Antilles
Factbook CIA Aruba