The Oranjestad Investment Group (OIG/OBIZ) has welcomed the newly announced fiscal incentive package introduced by the Government of Aruba to support the revitalization of downtown Oranjestad.
According to OIG, the incentives represent a long-awaited and significant step toward restoring vitality, economic activity, and pride in the heart of Aruba’s capital city.
The group expressed its appreciation to Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever for his leadership, persistence, and vision in accelerating Oranjestad’s redevelopment. OIG noted that the minister has demonstrated a strong understanding of what the city center requires to recover and thrive.
The new incentive framework, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, sends a clear signal to investors, business owners, and property owners that Oranjestad is a top priority for the Government of Aruba and that there is a firm commitment to bringing renewed life to the city center.
Leadership That Builds Momentum
For many years, Oranjestad has faced challenges common to historic city centers worldwide, including vacant buildings, deteriorating properties, social issues, and stalled development projects. OIG emphasized that what sets the current moment apart is the government’s practical and forward-looking approach to addressing these issues.
The incentive package introduces concrete tools to stimulate private investment, including temporary exemptions on profit tax and dividend tax for qualifying projects, temporary exemptions on transfer tax and turnover tax (BBO/AZV) during the initial redevelopment phase, and flexible depreciation options for renovation and redevelopment expenses. Together, these measures open new opportunities for investment in downtown Oranjestad.
OIG stressed that the initiative is more than a fiscal adjustment, describing it as a strategic move aimed at long-term urban transformation.
“What we are seeing is leadership that understands the realities of what is needed to stimulate inner-city development,” said one investor affiliated with OIG.
Another investor added that the incentives create the necessary conditions for investors to move forward with confidence, describing the approach as an example of governance that turns plans into tangible projects.
Importantly, OIG highlighted that the government’s focus goes beyond commercial activity alone, encouraging mixed-use development that includes housing, culture, creativity, and essential services. This vision aligns closely with OIG’s goal of transforming Oranjestad into a vibrant city center where people can live, work, study, and connect.
A Shared Commitment to Oranjestad
OIG concluded by applauding the direction taken by the government and expressed its intention to continue close cooperation with the Government of Aruba and all relevant stakeholders. The group reaffirmed its belief that meaningful transformation becomes possible when public leadership and private initiative work in alignment.
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