Curacao's Advantage

In addition to being a tourism destination Curacao is also a well-known international business center. Located at the crossroads of major shipping routes, Curacao has an affluent economy, a low rate of inflation, a stable currency (pegged to the US dollar) and one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean.

The island also has an excellent business infrastructure, including the region's largest deepwater port, a state-of-the-art container transshipment terminal, superior telecommunications and a full service international airport.

As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the seat of government of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao has close juridical and political ties to the Netherlands. The island is a politically stable parliamentary democracy. Businesses that operate in Curacao have special access to markets in both the European Union and the United States.

A special Association Agreement with the European Union allows companies which do business in and via Curacao to export many products to European markets, free of import duties and quotas. Curacao is a beneficiary of the US Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). The island is also a gateway to Latin American and Caribbean markets.

Investment possibilities in the growing tourism sector include hotel properties, apartment complexes, restaurants, dive shops, water sports, and so on.

New hotels: 
Hyatt Regency Resort, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino, Morena Resort

Major hotels were expanded:

Avilla Beach Hotel, Linos Dive & Beach Resort, Lodge Kura Hulanda Beach Club, Best Western Blue Bay Village, Papagayo Resort.

New airport terminal opened July 2006.

More and more cruise ships visit this beautiful island.

Thus the tourism market is rapidly growing, new jobs are created, economy is booming and prices for real estate are bound to rise over the next few years.

There are special loan and grant programs for commercial investment in tourism-related projects to stimulate the renovation of historic buildings.

Curacao also offers opportunities for foreign investment in manufacturing and industry. Long lease sites and multi-purpose industrial buildings are for rent at competitive rates in the fully serviced Industrial Park. Local trading companies can manage the marketing and distribution of a company's products.

Many trading companies manage the distribution of their products via Curacao. At the Curacao Free Zone, goods for export can be stored, manufactured, processed, assembled, packed, exhibited and released from bond, free from all duties and customs fees. Export promotion support is available.

Curacao is developing into a major Caribbean logistics center. The seaport and airport are in key positions to become transshipment points for people and merchandise. Both are currently making substantial investments in infrastructure and related services, including telematics.

More information on www.investcuracao.com