By curacaochronicle.com | 12 july, 2024 | News

BOGOTÁ - Between June 11 and 13, Colombia welcomed a delegation of entrepreneurs from the Dutch Caribbean islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba in a significant trade mission aimed at fostering business relationships between the island entrepreneurs and their Colombian counterparts.

This mission, the largest from the Dutch Caribbean to visit Colombia, included 25 companies, most of which were seeking suppliers. Colombia’s reputation for offering high-quality products and services at competitive prices, coupled with its strategic geographical location, positioned it as a favorable trade ally, standing out among other countries in the region.

The mission was spearheaded by Edison Rijna, the Special Envoy of the BES Islands to the EU, the UN, and for Economic Development with Latin America. It was organized by the Colombian-Dutch Chamber of Commerce, Holland House Colombia. The delegation also featured Phar Martha, Director of the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce, along with seven representatives from the Government of Sint Eustatius.

Entrepreneurs from diverse sectors such as construction, agriculture, textiles, health and beauty, technology, and processed foods participated in the mission. Over the three-day event, a business roundtable and numerous individual sessions with Colombian entrepreneurs were held. Additionally, meetings with Colombian government entities facilitated the exchange of knowledge. In total, nearly 250 meetings took place, resulting in potential alliances between businesses from both nations.

"I came looking for connections and people who can provide us with materials and solutions, and the meetings have been spectacular and very fruitful," said Karen Obersi, a businesswoman from Bonaire and representative of Gino Obersi Architecture.

A significant opportunity for doing business in the Dutch Caribbean islands lies in their low internal production, necessitating the import of most supplies. Additionally, tourism, the primary economic activity in these islands, creates a continuous demand for various products.

"It is very interesting to explore new alternatives for exporting our products to areas with as much potential as Bonaire," mentioned Fabián Huertas, a Colombian entrepreneur and Director and Co-founder of Panavayu, during the business roundtable.

To conclude the mission and facilitate further networking among the entrepreneurs, both Colombian and from the BES islands, a networking cocktail event was organized. This event enabled entrepreneurs to connect across sectors and strengthen commercially significant relationships.

Reference: https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/colombia-hosts-dutch-caribbean-trade-mission-fostering-new-business-alliances/