WILLEMSTAD - Starting July 1st, Curaçao can once again begin importing all products from Venezuela, as was the case before the border closure in February 2019. This decision was made by the Council of Ministers in agreement with the petition of the Minister of Economic Development, Mr. Ruisandro Cijntje. This decision by the Council of Ministers indicates that it applies to imports of goods both by sea and by air. The number of days that vessels can stay in our harbor to unload goods from Venezuela will also be extended from two (2) to a maximum of four (4) days, as long as it can be demonstrated that two (2) days are not sufficient for loading and unloading the cargo to and from the ship. This is part of the export stimulation program.
From an economic perspective, Minister Cijntje and the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) consider it extremely important and necessary to continue stimulating trade activities with Venezuela, considering the developments since the gradual reopening of the borders between the countries. Small economies, such as Curaçao's, are highly vulnerable. A significant part of the economic crisis experienced in Curaçao in recent years began as a consequence of the border closure with Venezuela in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic, shortly after the border closure, further emphasized the crisis. It is within this context that MEO finds it essential to stimulate trade activities where possible, and Venezuela is one of these possibilities.
The decision of the Council of Ministers makes a distinction between wholesale trade and retail trade. Vessels engaged in wholesale trade from Venezuela bring products to supermarkets and also supply some products to the vessels at Sha Caprileskade, as wholesale vessels travel more frequently. Wholesale vessels can import all products from Venezuela without restriction, except for prohibited items such as gold, chicken eggs, certain fruits, and vegetables. This means they have an exception to import these products. As for the vessels stationed at Sha Caprileskade, this remains the same. The floating market is considered retail trade, which means they can continue to sell only fish, fruits, and vegetables from Venezuela, as well as eight (8) additional specific products, including cinnamon sticks, coconut oil, castor oil, basil, cumin, sweet cloves, bay leaves, and thyme.
“The intention is to have the best possible control and protect our borders from possible importation of illegal products and contraband, while also expanding the possibilities for trade to promote the development of our local economy,” said MEO in a press release. Prior to the Council of Ministers' decision, MEO, together with Minister Cijntje, discussed these proposals with all relevant services in Curaçao that are part of the working group responsible for the reopening of the border with Venezuela. Over time, the government, together with this working group, will continue to evaluate the border reopening and based on the evaluation, make necessary decisions regarding agreements between Curaçao and Venezuela.