The Friendship Treaty
Providing Opportunities to Inject Growth into Curaçao’s Economy The recent presentation of the Tourism Master Plan to the Government of Curaçao, and business associations, outlined a solid path to increase the economic contribution that tourism makes to the island’s economy. TEXT KATY BRANUM
The focus of this plan is to attract larger numbers of visitors from the northeastern area of the USA. This target group is particularly attractive, because they spend much more on the island than visitors from other parts of the world. This in turn could mean that they use more services, which results in an injection of a greater amount of money into local businesses. It also provides potential for local businesses to grow and help support the community with jobs. The good news is that the island’s ability to prepare local people for the influx of these visitors, both regarding the type of business opportunities it presents and the service skills that US clientele require, has now become easier. “The Friendship Treaty,” an initiative that
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CURAÇAO BUSINESS
| NUMBER 1 | 2016
is embedded in Curaçao’s history, has been in effect since the fifties and was originally initiated to help foster economic development on the island. After years, a new interpretation of the Treaty has presented itself, and has been in effect since 1 June 2015. Within the ‘reinterpreted’ Treaty framework, American and Dutch passport holders are able to work in Curaçao under similar pretenses, providing opportunities for knowledgeable workers to come to the island, share their experiences, and inspire others. Curaçao’s history and rich tradition of collaboration with USA and the Netherlands dates back to the Second World War, when the island relied very much on protection from US forces, after the Netherlands fell to the Nazis. The US occupied Fort Nassau was a key defense position, deterring potential attacks. In its new interpretation, the Friendship Treaty outlines the following criteria for Dutch and American citizens. According to research, figures indicate that foreign workers spend more money locally than abroad. Further, these workers expose the
