Aruba moves closer to importing meat from Colombia

ORANJESTAD — Aruba has made progress toward importing meat directly from Colombia after Health Minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras and Curaçao's Minister Boekhoudt signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The initiative began in 2023 under the leadership of Minister Geoffrey Wever, who headed a trade mission to Colombia to explore importing quality meat at more affordable prices.

According to Wever, the agreement with Curaçao represents an important step toward diversifying import markets, increasing competition and potentially lowering meat prices for Aruban consumers.

However, imports cannot begin yet. Legal and sanitary procedures must first be finalized, followed by an agreement with the relevant Colombian authorities.

Wever hopes the remaining steps can be completed within several months, allowing local importers to access the new market.