SETAR Partners With University of Aruba Students on Tourism Transition Project

FreeZone Aruba closed 2025 with a profit of nearly half a million florins, marking the second consecutive year that the state-owned company has recorded a positive financial result. This follows a prolonged period of losses that had raised concerns about the viability of the free trade zone. The back-to-back profitable years signal a meaningful financial turnaround for the government-owned entity. FreeZone Aruba plays a key role in the island's economy by facilitating trade and attracting commercial activity through tax and duty incentives. Sustained profitability strengthens the case for continued public investment in the zone and boosts confidence among current and prospective business operators. The consecutive positive results suggest that structural improvements or strategic adjustments implemented in recent years are beginning to take hold.

Aruba's government collected more than 136 million florins in tax revenue during July 2026, compared to approximately 126 million florins in the same month the previous year. This represents a year-over-year increase of nearly 8%, signaling stronger fiscal performance for the island. The figures were reported by the government and published by local outlet Noticia Cla. The growth in tax intake suggests improved economic activity and potentially stronger compliance or collection efforts. Higher tax revenues can give the Aruban government greater capacity to fund public services, reduce debt, or invest in infrastructure. The comparison to July 2025 provides a clear benchmark indicating a meaningful upward trend in government income.

Refineria di Aruba (RDA) has launched an international tender process to select a contractor for the demolition of two concrete chimneys standing approximately 300 feet tall. The chimneys are prominent structures on the island's landscape and their removal marks a significant step in the ongoing redevelopment or decommissioning efforts at the refinery site. The demolition project is part of a broader scope of work being carried out at the facility. By opening the selection process internationally, RDA is seeking specialized expertise, as demolishing large industrial structures of this scale requires advanced engineering capabilities. The refinery has historically been a central part of Aruba's industrial identity, and changes to the site carry both economic and symbolic weight for the island. The outcome of the contractor selection will determine the timeline and method for bringing down the towering structures safely.