The president of Comerciantenan Uni Aruba has warned that the Aruba informal market is expanding and placing registered businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
CUA describes unequal operating conditions
Frans Ponson, president of the business association commonly known as CUA, raised the concern during a recent press conference, according to Diario. His statements were claims made by the association and were not presented as an independent government finding.
Ponson said formal merchants must register, keep their administration in order, pay turnover tax and meet other operating costs. He argued that unregistered competitors can offer similar goods or services without carrying the same obligations.
Registered businesses report growing pressure
According to Ponson, CUA members have asked how they can continue competing when informal sellers can charge lower prices. He said the situation may pressure some owners to close or tempt businesses to leave the formal economy.
Ponson also said members had submitted complaints and information about informal activity to Aruba’s tax and economic-affairs authorities but had not seen sufficient concrete action. The source report did not include a response from those agencies.
Association calls for consistent enforcement
CUA is asking Aruba’s government to establish permanent oversight and apply existing laws equally. Ponson said registered merchants are not seeking special treatment, but a level field in which businesses follow the same requirements.
The association also linked informal activity to public revenue, arguing that non-compliance affects both lawful competitors and government income.
