Proposed sister-city relationship and COCI trade mission form part of practical economic agenda
POND ISLAND — Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten is advancing efforts to build a structured economic relationship between Sint Maarten and Miami-Dade County, following a working visit with representatives of the Sint Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI). She outlined the initiative during a live press briefing on Wednesday.
The delegation held meetings with the Office of the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Dutch Consulate in Miami. Discussions focused on trade, tourism, entrepreneurship, professional development, technical knowledge-sharing and greater access to international business networks.
A proposal is being worked on for the Council of Ministers to approve moving forward with efforts to facilitate a possible sister-city relationship. Heyliger-Marten said the process must be designed to produce practical opportunities rather than remain a ceremonial arrangement.
“A sister-city relationship should be more than a title or the signing of an agreement,” the Minister said. “Properly developed, it can create a structured channel for cooperation in trade, tourism, entrepreneurship, professional development and the exchange of technical expertise. The objective is a relationship that delivers practical value in both directions.”
Miami-Dade’s experience as a global tourism destination and commercial gateway connecting the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States was central to the discussions. Areas of interest included destination management, economic diversification, business development and access to international markets.
Heyliger-Marten said Sint Maarten also brings value to the proposed relationship through its strategic position in the north-eastern Caribbean, its regional connections and its potential to serve as an entry point for businesses seeking a better understanding of Caribbean markets.
The meetings also addressed support for COCI’s Roots2Routes Trade Mission, scheduled for November 16 to 19, 2026. The mission is intended to help Sint Maarten entrepreneurs establish contacts, explore partnerships and present locally developed products and services to the Miami market.
“The doors are beginning to open, but our businesses must prepare themselves to walk through them,” Heyliger-Marten said. “Government and the Chamber can help create connections, but our entrepreneurs must also be ready to present strong products, services and partnership proposals.”
Local entrepreneurs and businesses interested in participating in the Roots2Routes Trade Mission are encouraged to contact COCI for application information and participation requirements.
The Minister said the next phase of engagement will centre on advancing the proposed institutional relationship and ensuring that the contacts developed in Miami support practical economic cooperation for Sint Maarten businesses.
