Wever seeks more food imports from Dominican Republic to reduce Aruba’s vulnerability

ORANJESTAD — The Aruban Government is exploring a more direct agricultural trade relationship with the Dominican Republic to increase the number of food suppliers available to Aruba and reduce the island’s vulnerability to supply-chain disruptions.

During a meeting in Santo Domingo, Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector Minister Geoffrey Wever discussed with the Dominican Agribusiness Board, JAD, how Dominican producers and exporters could connect more directly with the Aruban market.

The focus is particularly on agricultural products and meat that already meet international standards and have export capacity.

Wever said Aruba’s small, import-dependent economy needs to diversify its sources of supply. The aim is to give the island more suppliers and more alternatives if part of the international supply chain is disrupted.

Market access remains a key issue. Agricultural products and meat must meet clear sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, and exporters need certainty about the documentation and conditions required to enter Aruba.

Logistics are another challenge. A maritime connection currently operates once a week between the Dominican Republic and Aruba via Curaçao. More structural food trade would require reliable delivery, refrigerated cargo capacity and better cargo consolidation.

JAD could help identify Dominican producers that are ready to export and connect them directly with Aruban buyers.

Wever said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy linking producers, markets, transport and regulation.

“Our goal is for Aruba to have more options and less vulnerability,” the minister said.