A bilateral agreement to benefit businesses
The Inter-professional Consular Chamber of Saint Martin (CCISM) and the Sint Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) signed a memorandum of understanding on 5 November aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two organisations for the benefit of businesses. This marks a first in the territory’s history.
Signed by the presidents of the two institutions – Angèle Dormoy on behalf of the CCISM and Tamara Leonard on behalf of the COCI – this agreement, the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’, marks a significant step forward in bringing the two consular chambers closer together. It is the first formal agreement of this kind between the CCISM and its Dutch counterpart.
For Angèle Dormoy, president of the CCISM, it is a natural step in a region where “entrepreneurs are already working together, exchanging ideas and developing business activities on both sides of the border”. The aim, therefore, is not simply to formalise relations between the two chambers, but to implement concrete measures and offer new opportunities to businesses.
Whilst Saint Martin and Sint Maarten operate within two distinct administrative, legal and regulatory frameworks, their economies remain closely linked. This interdependence calls for better coordination between economic and institutional stakeholders. The protocol sets out several priority areas for cooperation, foremost among which is the development of economic exchanges, through the joint organisation of professional meetings, forums, trade fairs and events that foster business relations between the two territories. It also sets out the framework for supporting entrepreneurship and SMEs, notably through the sharing of expertise, training, skills development and business networking, as well as for joint projects funded by European, Caribbean or international sources. Ultimately, the sharing of information and economic data will provide a better understanding of the dynamics in each part of the island and inform the decisions of economic stakeholders. The aim is thereby to highlight the complementary nature of the two territories to investors and regional and international partners.
The two institutions also intend to strengthen their dialogue on the challenges they share: business competitiveness, economic diversification, access to skills, innovation and the resilience of the entrepreneurial sector.
Signed for a period of three years, this partnership provides for regular coordination between the two chambers, the appointment of dedicated points of contact and institutional meetings at least once a year to assess progress and set out the next priorities. The initiatives will gradually be translated into action plans and joint projects, depending on the opportunities and needs identified.
