about us
Our Background
The Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the voice of private enterprise in Curaçao. The Chamber’s has been incorporated by law in 1884 with the goal to represent the general interest of trade and industry in Curaçao vis-a-vis Government. This representative role of private sector is secured through democratically organized elections of its board members, which election is organized and executed by an independent election committee. The voters are solely business owners and officers registered for at least one year with the commercial register anchoring the Chamber’s character as a business and employer’s representative.
The board members are each elected for three years with the possibility of being re-elected. The president of the board is elected yearly by the nine board members for a one year term.
Since 1945 the Chamber also carries out other functions and in that respect keeps a complete roster of Curaçao businesses, and provides information and services to local and international companies with an interest in doing business in, trading and exporting from or through Curaçao.
Products/Services offered
Commercial Registry
The Commercial Register keeps records of and provides information on registered businesses and legal entities, their respective representations and activities. The Commercial Register also emits extracts of registrations, certificates of origin for re-export, legalization of authorized signatures and other business related documents. It can also supply addresses of local businesses by category.
Information and support services
The Curaçao Business Information Center provides orientation, initial mediation, and assistance for small business and other entrepreneurs interested in doing business in or trading and exporting from or through Curaçao. It also provides orientation about trade with the United States, the European Community, and other major markets.
Publications
Currently we have 1 regular publication. For the Empresa Chiki, please visit our Facebook Page Empresa Chiki.
Regional Market Access
The Curaçao Chamber of Commerce has as its aim to promote the Curaçao business community both regionally and internationally. Through its website (www.curacaochamberofcommerce.com), participation in international conferences, fairs and other activities. The Chamber is on the board of Holland House Bogotá, Holland Panamá and member of the Holland House Costa Rica.
Board of Directors
The Chamber Board consists of nine members who are elected directly by the voting members of the business community. Five members represent the corporate sector and four members represent the small business sector.
The decisions taken by the Chamber, and the projects it initiates, require preliminary as well as executive activities. To carry out these activities and to assist the Board with its tasks, the Chamber relies on a professional staff and secretariat, of 27 persons, headed by the Executive Director.
Current board members:
President: Raoul Behr
Vice-President: Ralph Ottenheim
Members: Marco Cheis, Willem (Billy) Jonckheer, mrs. Sueene Ostiana, mrs. Maria Helena Seferina-Rojas, Arthur Rosaria, Omar de Souza, mrs. Elizabet Bermudez
Executive Director: John Jacobs