“With transparency, consistency, and determination, we continue to work for the progress of Curaçao.”
WILLEMSTAD – Recently, via social media, Minister Cijntje noted that fervent proponents of certain politicians were sharing information that is only accessible to members of the Council of Ministers, specifically through Ibabs. This illustrates that there is no protection of information and is something to be lamented. It is clear that the sharing of information about Minister Cijntje’s travels only creates confusion among individuals who believe there is no justification for his trips.
In December 2022, the Ministry of Economic Development, in close consultation with entities falling under the Minister’s responsibility, created a travel agenda with the aim of advancing the Ministry’s international agenda to strengthen the economy, provide favorable opportunities for Curaçao’s business owners to conduct business abroad, and position the island’s economy internationally. There have been trips, others are planned, and some have already occurred. “It is a dynamic agenda, and we consciously choose to maximize the benefits of each trip,” says the minister.
If there is a Minister who has consistently maintained a record of all his trips and officially submitted them to Parliament, it’s Ruisandro Cijntje. As has been previously explained, the Minister of Economic Development’s responsibilities encompass not only local economic development but also international economic relationships. There is a sector within the ministry dedicated to maintaining and facilitating international economic relationships with the goal of creating business opportunities and thereby fostering economic growth.
Article 11 of the Administrative and Organizational Regulation Act – Labo, outlines the tasks of the Ministry of Economic Development: “The Ministry of Economic Development shall at least be responsible, to the extent that it does not belong to the specific care of another ministry, for the balanced development of the national economy in the broadest sense, including the care for international and regional economic relations, promoting market competition, economic innovation, and a favorable business climate.”
Establishing commercial relationships with opportunities to foster businesses logically involves the Minister of Economy traveling. In today’s world, post-pandemic, those who are most proactive, consistently present, and strategically positioned on the international stage achieve more. With the challenges we face, and if we do not explore these opportunities on the international market, we risk isolation from the rest of the world. Considering the importance and impact of the international economy on ours, it is imperative to implement the international agenda.
Sectors tied to the global economy that are crucial for the Minister’s presence in commercial affairs include Tourism, Financial Services, Air Transport, Port, Maritime Services, Energy, Free Zone, and several others, as identified in Curaçao’s National Export Strategy. Minister Cijntje says his presence has contributed to the expansion of flight and cruise ship numbers and has also left an impact on investors. It has had definite influence, as seen in the significant growth of Tourism and increased investment in this sector, which currently provides the largest employment in Curaçao. Cijntje says his presence played a fundamental role in Azul’s successful initiation of flights and will lead to an increase in flight numbers. Whereas Aruba was more recognized before, now Curaçao is becoming better known through promotions in the market, utilizing our baseball players and talented youth in various sports fields. Together with the Curaçao Tourist Board, this promotion is taking place successfully, says the minister.
Upon returning from every trip, Minister Cijntje compiles a report and submits it to Parliament and the Council of Ministers. At the end of the year, a comprehensive report will be generated, reflecting all actions, to measure progress and advancement. The Ministry of Economic Development is highly focused on improving the investment climate, eliminating ‘red tape,’ strengthening small businesses, stimulating relevant export sectors, and attracting more investment. For transparency, it would be beneficial for all Ministers to publish their travel reports and the progress of each trip’s implementation.
Bron: Curacao Chronicle