Business
Bon Bini to Business by Susan Campbell There’s never been a better time to invest in or set up shop on Aruba.
This island has always extended a warm welcome (bon bini) to anyone seeking to set up shop and do business. This is the case even more this year as Aruba is projected to have the highest economic development potential in the region. Few places in the entire Caribbean can boast such a sophisticated, modern infrastructure, stable economy, high standard of living, and well-educated multilingual workforce as Aruba. When doing busi ness, this has a significant positive impact on the bottom line. And don’t let the small size of this island fool you, this little rock is buzzing year-round with affluent visitors from all over the world, including record-breaking numbers of cruise-ship passengers. There is much more than beautiful beaches to draw potential investors to its shores, however; there’s a comprehensive support structure and finely honed system in place to ensure commercial success whatever the venture. 50 Nights
Aruba is on the threshold of one of the most important island-wide transformations in its history. The government’s forward-thinking and comprehensive blueprint to improve both the visitor and local experience on the island incorporates a multitude of opportunities for
new business ventures. A creative mix of industries and services will be needed including green technologies, IT, service companies, additional retail, food service, and entertainment industries. The well-established and dynamic Aruba Chamber of Commerce & Industry is the legal holder of the Trade and Foundations’ Register. The Chamber sti mulates and supports entrepreneurship in order to achieve economic growth for the island and provides social, financial, and economic information and advice to the government and potential investors alike. Sustainability, innovation, and pro gress are important focus points of the Aruba Chamber. There is also plenty of room for inter national business such as the import/ export of goods, warehousing, consultancy, research and development, and access to global marketplaces in the Free Zone of Aruba. Specific trade agreements are another benefit of operating from E Photos by Can Stock Photo and iStockphoto
Business the Free Zone, as is the zone’s promotion of niche markets. Lucia White, Policy Advisor for Free Zone Aruba (FZA) N.V., says, “Aruba’s commitment to green energy offers the perfect location to showcase to as well as access the growing Latin American market, and Free Zone Aruba will help you get your business up and running quickly.” New organizations, such as ARINA (the Aruba Investment Agency) have been created specifically to promote Aruba as an investment destination by working with the government to facilitate the establishment process of new business through exclusive permit and licensing fast tracks. And SETAR – the island’s premier telecommunications firm – ensures reliable and world-class connectivity to the rest of the world 24/ 7.
The planned restructuring of the port to accommodate a multi-cargo sea terminal port at Barcadera will streamline import/export of goods by providing a safe, efficient, accessible, and intermodal transportation system for people and goods. Also, Aruba’s modern airport is one of only five in the world to offer preUS customs clearance. And the island’s
location makes it a natural gateway to Latin American and European markets, with increased interest growing every day from North American markets too. The government’s urban and neighborhood renewal project offers up a new vision of tomorrow’s Aruba and it is fast becoming a reality with the new tram in Oranjestad already in place. And the planned creation of new green spaces, a linear park, new modern malls, and new cultural and commercial centers well in the works will breathe new life and character into the cities and boroughs. These ongoing improvements will make this island an even more inviting place to live, work, and visit. The momentum is already well underway, so the time to get onboard and ride this exciting new wave of growth is right now. K
The following organizations can provide advice and information about investing in or opening a business on Aruba. Aruba Chamber of Commerce & Industry • Tel: 582-1566 • arubachamber.com Aruba Investment Agency – ARINA • Tel: 582-5659 • arina-aruba.com Aruba Ports Authority NV • Tel: 582-6633 • arubaports.com Free Zone Aruba • Tel: 582-0909 • freezonearuba.com Setar • Tel: 525-1000 • setar.aw 52 Nights
Photos by BigStock, Can Stock Photo, and iStockphoto