ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector, Geoffrey Wever, is inviting active members of the creative sector, as well as those interested in joining the creative industry, to register for the upcoming ‘Creatives Without Borders’ workshop hosted by the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce, and Industry (DEZHI) through its Expro Desk.
The three-day workshop, set to take place on April 15, 16, and 17, is titled “Creatives Without Borders: Turning Creativity into Export Opportunities”. The goal of the workshop is to encourage and support the creative industry and provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop their businesses in Aruba and expand into international markets.
During the workshop, participants will learn how to generate income abroad, position their work and businesses for international markets, and transform creativity into real opportunities. They will also receive practical information on protecting their work and working professionally with international clients. This initiative highlights that creativity knows no borders and that local talent, regardless of the size of the business, has the potential to place Aruba on the international map.
Last year, the Aruba government secured USD 151,200 in funding from Holland via the Temporary Work Organization (TWO) for the development of a comprehensive strategy for a Creative and Cultural Industry (CCI), which includes a strategic vision, an action plan, and an incentive package. The Orange Economy, a promising sector with great economic and cultural potential, plays a central role in Aruba’s economic strategy under the AVP-Futuro Cabinet.
The Aruba government continues to demonstrate its commitment to the creative sector through concrete steps, including two new fiscal incentives that came into effect in January 2026. These are the Starters Regeling and an incentive for stimulating more activity in the FreeZone. The creative sector, also known as the “Orange Economy”, benefits from both of these fiscal incentives, aiming to stimulate the sector and diversify Aruba’s economy while creating more job opportunities for the community.
Minister Wever expressed his gratitude to DEZHI and Expro Desk for their ongoing efforts and commitment to the development of the Orange Economy and encouraged everyone interested to participate in the workshop to learn, grow, and be part of the creative sector’s growth in Aruba. Participation in the workshop is free, but space is limited, so don’t miss this opportunity.
