ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever recently organized a town hall meeting with the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA) to explain the contents and impact of the Rijkswet houdbare overheidsfinanciën (HOFA) and the local Landsverordening waarborging houdbare overheidsfinanciën.
During the presentation, Minister Wever detailed the significant financial benefits for Aruba. He explained that the agreement with the Netherlands will reduce the interest rate on Aruba’s Afl. 916 million COVID-19 loan from 6.9% to approximately 3.5%, resulting in savings of Afl. 128 million. Additionally, the Netherlands will refinance six international loans at a reduced rate, saving Aruba a further Afl. 238.5 million. In total, the country stands to save a minimum of Afl. 366.5 million in interest payments.
Minister Wever emphasized that these savings can be reinvested into the community for projects including education, infrastructure, the economy, and the primary sector.
The meeting also provided space for an open dialogue between AHATA members and Minister Wever, allowing participants to ask questions and discuss their concerns regarding the new laws.
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