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Enterprise in Paradise

Curaçao is an inviting island for investors and entrepreneurs.

By Jeffrey Laign

There's more to Curaçao than fun in the sun. This well-developed island in the southern Caribbean offers a climate that's as balmy for business deals as it is for holiday getaways.

Curaçao offers incoming businesses all the advantages they would find in a highly developed nation. Its infrastructure and services match the highest international standards, providing an efficient and profitable business environment. The most prosperous of the Netherlands Antilles, Curaçao offers a wide range of opportunities for all sorts of businesses.

Curaçao is the crossroads of major shipping routes. It boasts a growing economy and a low rate of inflation. Its currency is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a stable rate of 1.77 to US$1 for cash and 1.78 for travelers' checks. It has one of the region's highest standards of living. The island's workforce, moreover, is trained and well-educated. Curaçao is home to several universities, the largest of which is the University of The Netherlands Antilles.

Political stability is a selling point for businesses in Curaçao. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and seat of government of the Netherlands Antilles, the island offers businesses access to markets in the European Union, the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Curaçao has long been an active offshore financial center. During World War II, it was the ideal destination for Dutch companies that wanted to relocate outside of Europe. Banks in Curaçao are permitted to do business with local and foreign parties; offshore banks are licensed to deal only with foreign businesses. All activities are monitored closely by the Central Bank.

Curaçao's telecommunications infrastructure is also significant, integrating technology and delivery to reduce costs and increase productivity for businesses. As such, Curaçao can promote competitive initiatives and activities for e-commerce companies, which have access to wireless Internet services, a range of bandwidths and other advances.

Global Growth

Business facilities in Curaçao are geared towards the growing global economy. The World Trade Center (WTC) Curaçao is a multifunctional business center on the southern coast near Willemstad. It features an auditorium with state-of-the-art technology, including multimedia and telecommunications facilities, and seating for more than 300.

In addition, the WTC rents offices and features a congress center with 18 halls of varying sizes. Two exhibition areas are available for trade shows, banquets and other gatherings. Catering, seating, tables, stages, lecterns and all other necessary facilities are available to accommodate any sort of function.

A large part of Curaçao's economy revolves around shipping. The Curaçao Ports Authority operates the island's several harbors and commercial ports. Many shipping lines sail more than 1,000 times a year from Curaçao. The Netherlands Antilles is a jurisdiction for ship registration in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The advantages that Curaçao provides to the transshipping community are its simple registration procedures and favorable employment and tax regulations for crewmembers.

Curaçao Port Services operates the island's container terminal and other freight facilities. A 24-hour service is provided for loading and unloading containers, transshipment, storage and cooling of goods, as well as security on quays and in warehouses, offices and cooling stations.

Curaçao Drydock Company, known as CDM, repairs cruise ships, navy ships and offshore support vessels from around the world. Curaçao's refinery is another economic star, which features several well-equipped piers where tankers can load or unload. At other piers, tankers undergo repairs and cleaning.

On land, Curaçao's economy is growing briskly as well. Real estate development here is at an all-time high. In recent years, real estate offices have been opening all over the island as developers have invested in housing, commercial and resort projects. Curaçao offers competitive prices to those interested in purchasing private or commercial property.

When it comes to taking care of business, Curaçao takes care of you.

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