St. Maarten held discussions with Panama's director of export, exploring the potential of using Panama as a trade hub for St. Maarten and the broader Caribbean. These discussions could open up avenues for direct shipments of fresh produce, potentially impacting consumer costs in St. Maarten.
Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), mentioned this during a live Council of Ministers press briefing. She noted her participation in the Dutch Caribbean Mission in Panama from February 12 to 14, alongside representatives from the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) and Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA). This initiative, the first of its kind, seeks to enhance trade and economic ties between the Dutch Caribbean islands and Panama.
The minister stated, "Despite St. Maarten's limited representation, the event was highly beneficial. I attended a reception hosted by the Dutch ambassador, where I spoke on St. Maarten's trade potential. Additionally, I held 10 one-on-one meetings with Panamanian and Dutch Caribbean businesses, including Copa Airlines and Tocumen Airport, to explore airlift collaboration opportunities."
Heyliger-Marten highlighted discussions with Panama's director of export, emphasizing Panama's role as a trade hub. "A significant discussion took place with Panama's director of export, focusing on leveraging Panama as a trade hub for St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean. This initiative presents promising opportunities for direct shipments of fresh produce, potentially reducing consumer costs on our island," she said.
Source: The Daily Herald