Curaçao Steals the Spotlight at Global SME Ministerial in Johannesburg!

Last week, Curaçao’s Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof lead the Curaçao delegation at the prestigious Global SME Ministerial Meeting in Johannesburg, hosted by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Government of South Africa. The conference brought together ministers, thought leaders, and innovators from around the world to discuss the future of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a rapidly changing global economy.

As a small island with global ambitions, Curaçao is committed to strengthening its SME ecosystem, ensuring its entrepreneurs have the tools, support, and access to international markets they need to succeed. The island is strategically positioning itself as a hub for sustainable, innovative business practices, from harnessing the power of green competitiveness to adopting a digital-first approach.

The discussions were focused on critical areas, including access to finance, export readiness, and the green transition. By engaging with global leaders and forming strategic partnerships, Curaçao reinforced its commitment to creating an environment where small businesses can thrive on the world stage.

Curaçao’s involvement underscores the island’s commitment to advocating for enhanced support for small economies and island nations, ensuring that SMEs are equipped to drive job creation, innovation, and economic growth.