Curaçao is establishing itself as a regional trade and investment hub. Most recently, the Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX) led a high-impact mission to Suriname. During the Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit (SEOGS), CINEX collaborated with Curaçao-based companies, such as Curoil, Amicorp, and Navigator Insurance, to establish the island’s presence as a significant player in regional investment and energy services. The results are evident.
At SEOGS, CINEX set up an eye-catching booth that became a networking and matchmaking hub. The booth drew interest from major global players like Staatsolie, TotalEnergies, and Petronas, establishing Curaçao as a reliable service and logistics partner in the Caribbean energy sector.
CINEX also met with Afreximbank, which recently announced a $5 billion Local Content Facility, including $1.6 billion for Suriname’s state oil company. These discussions mark the beginning of stronger Africa-Caribbean ties, and Curaçao is at the forefront.
A notable moment was Staatsolie’s official listing of bonds on the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange (DCSX), totaling over USD 468 million and EUR 43 million. This move strengthens Curaçao’s role in regional finance and highlights its ability to facilitate large-scale investment flows.
In order to ensure long-term collaboration, CINEX signed formal agreements with the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency and the Suriname Energy Chamber. These partnerships lay the groundwork for future trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
Curaçao’s presence in Suriname is already yielding results. Navigator Insurance partnered with the Kersten Group to launch Kersten Insurance Broker, and Surinamese companies like Assuria have expanded into Curaçao, actively working with local providers. The bilateral tax treaty between Curaçao and Suriname continues to support this momentum by removing barriers to investment.
Looking ahead, CINEX is preparing to participate in the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) in Grenada with investment opportunities ready to present. And Curaçao will not simply be participating, it will be leading the proceedings.