The Department of Economic Affairs and Industry (DEACI) can look back at a successful Aruba Investment Summit that took place virtually on May 31, June 1 & 2, 2021. It included insightful presentations and Q&A sessions with Aruba’s top leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs, including some inspiring international speakers. The three-day event took place online and drew attendees from all over the world, such as the Dutch Kingdom, Europe, the Caribbean, LATAM countries, the USA, and more. There were 366 registrations, a turnout of 69% (equivalent to the industry average), and the event scored 8.5 out of 10.
Summary Aruba Investment Summit
On the first day of the Summit, the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Culture, Mrs. Xiomara Maduro welcomed the attendees. They learned about Aruba’s Promising Sectors from the Director of DEACI, Mrs. Maria Dijkhoff-Pita. Managing Partner of MGM Source, Mrs. Marielsa Croes, elaborated on the business climate of Aruba, and Mr. Daniele Ferrara, CEO at Gianni’s Group, talked about his Group’s sustainable and diversified investment projects.
On day two, the CEO and the CCO of Aruba Ports Authority, Mr. Marc Figaroa and Lex de Ridder respectively, presented the Port City Oranjestad and Barcadera Business Park. The CEO of Aruba Airport Authority, Mr. Joost Meijs, and Mr. Shensly Tromp, Director at Airport Development & Technology, presented ‘Aruba Gateway 2030’ and an innovative Electric Aviation project. Mr. Eric Mijts, Coordinator SISSTEM at the University of Aruba, talked about innovative island solutions, and Mr. Martin Berkenkamp, representative of the German Consortium GreenTech Hub gave a testimonial about setting up an investment project in Aruba. The day was closed off by Mr. Jan Westra, Strategic Business Developer at Priva, who elaborated on investment opportunities in innovative agriculture technologies in island economies.
On day three, Brad Sugars, CEO and Founder of ActionCOACH, gave a motivational speech regarding disruptive entrepreneurship. Managing Director at Royal Aruba Aloe Remko van der Veldt elaborated on the internationalization strategy of the company. The last speaker, Mr. Andrei Moarcas, Environment & Energy Advisor at OCTA, presented a study regarding implementing Blue Economy in island economies. Prime Minister of Aruba, H.E. Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes, gave a powerful closing speech, where she emphasized that Aruba is ready to welcome new investors to the island of Aruba.
Revisit the Summit
All in all, attendees got insightful information about investing in Aruba, made valuable contacts, and got inspired by the many and diverse speakers. For those who want to revisit the Summit, the recordings will be made available online on the YouTube channel of the Aruba Investment Agency (ARINA).
More information or questions?
For more information regarding the Aruba Investment Agency (ARINA), contact us at [email protected].
