Aruba as a gateway; history repeated or new concept?

The Aruban economic policy focuses on developing Aruba as a green gateway. The strategic location of Aruba and the economic ties can be perfectly used to create a green gateway. Hasn’t Aruba always been a gateway for the Netherlands and European countries?

According to historical records Holland saw the importance of the Caribbean islands long before the current economic policy was developed. The islands were used as a gateways; maybe not as green as nowadays but the islands fulfilled an important role within the Kingdom.

In the early 17th century, Latin America became even more important because of its raw materials. Many European countries fought for the best positions. Materials such as gold, cinnamon, sugar, potatoes, petroleum, coffee, cacao, tobacco, rubber, etc. became more valuable in Europe. The Netherlands were in need of a strategic hub to trade these materials with Europe or Asia. Here is the point where the islands became important distribution platforms.

The strategic location of Aruba and former Netherlands Antilles was perfect as a gateway to Central and South America and of course Europe. After the conquest of Brazil by the Portuguese, trade from these locations became more important.

It looks like Latin America always had an important position as a supplier for raw materials. Is history repeating itself or is this a different scenario? In today’s world economy South America is becoming a more dominant player. In economic sections of newspapers you will find daily information about the emerging economies in Latin America.

The world economy is increasingly in need of strategic hubs. Do you think Aruba will always remain the Kingdoms strategic hub to the Americas?

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