Title of Presentation:

Doing Business with, in, and through the BES Islands Roundtable –
Opportunities for Curacao

Description of Subject:

Doing Business with, in, and through the BES islands – ins and outs
A roundtable meeting with the Special Envoy for the BES islands for EU-
and UN-funding and economic relations with Latin America. During this session, the Special
Envoy will explain his role and position and discuss with participants the terms of doing
business in, with, and through the BES islands. The emphasis will be on identifying the
opportunities and how companies in Curacao can make use of the unique position of Bonaire,
St. Eustatius, and Saba in the Netherlands, the EU, and Latin America.
A roundtable meeting with the Special Envoy for the BES islands for EU- and UN-funding and
economic relations with Latin America. During this session, the Special Envoy will explain his
role and position and discuss with participants the terms of doing business in, with, and
through the BES islands. The emphasis will be on identifying the opportunities and how
companies in Curacao can make use of the unique position of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba in
the Netherlands, the EU, and Latin America.

Bio Edison Rijna – Special Envoy for the BES-islands for EU- and UN- funding and economic
relations with Latin America

Born in Bonaire on July 7 th , 1967, Edison Rijna has dedicated his career to serving the people of
Bonaire and the wider Caribbean region. He is a respected figure in the politics and finance
industry, with extensive experience in various roles.

Since April 18th, 2023, Mr. Rijna has taken up the role of Special Envoy for the BES islands for
EU- and UN funding and economic relations with Latin America. In this capacity, he is
responsible for representing the interests of the BES islands in various international forums,
promoting economic relations with Latin America, and securing funding from the European
Union and the United Nations for important initiatives in the region.
Before he was appointed Special Envoy, Mr. Rijna served as the Governor of Bonaire, a position
he was appointed to in 2014.

Mr. Rijna obtained his bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance in 1996, and subsequently
worked for several private companies in the banking sector between 2004 and 2011. He also
served as the executive director of Bon Recycling B.V., a waste recycling company in Bonaire
that aimed to create awareness among the people of Bonaire about the importance and
benefits of recycling.

Throughout his career, Mr. Rijna has demonstrated a commitment to public service and a
passion for improving the lives of those around him. His extensive experience in the banking
sector, coupled with his political and leadership skills, make him an ideal candidate for the role
of Special Envoy for the BES islands.