Government and IMF Discuss Public Finances and Economic Priorities
ORANJESTAD – Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever met on September 29, 2026, with Mr. Marco Arena, IMF Mission Chief for Aruba, for an IMF staff meeting focused on recent economic and fiscal developments and Aruba's priorities for the upcoming period.
The meeting served as an important moment for exchange and preparation ahead of the next evaluation.
During the meeting, Minister Wever and the IMF discussed, among other things, the review of the 2026 budget and the preparation of the 2027 budget, fiscal priorities, Public Financial Management (PFM), the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF), the Aruba Ordinance on Sustainable Public Finances (Rijkswet Houdbare Overheidsfinanciën Aruba - HOFA), the Investment Fund, purchasing power, and structural economic priorities.
An important topic was the impact that international shocks can have on the cost of living. Minister Wever explained that the Government has taken temporary measures to mitigate rising fuel prices, but this experience confirms the need for Aruba to have a more structural framework aimed at protecting purchasing power.
The Government is working to more precisely identify families that truly need support, including through the development of a poverty definition and poverty map. The goal is for public resources to reach those who need them most more effectively.
“Solid public finances give the Government the capacity to act when the community needs it. Our next step is to strengthen the instruments that allow us to provide more targeted support without compromising the country's financial stability,” Minister Wever stated.
Another key point was the progress on policy-based budgeting. The process began with the 2026 budget and is being expanded for 2027, with the goal of connecting public resources more directly to management priorities, identifying fiscal risks earlier, and strengthening transparency and accountability.
The IMF was also informed that Aruba plans to develop a revenue forecasting model with technical assistance from the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) to improve the quality of government revenue projections and strengthen budgetary planning.
The meeting further addressed Aruba's investment agenda. Following years of insufficient investment in infrastructure, schools, and other public properties, the Government is focused on restoring the country's productive capacity. In this context, discussions covered the Investment Fund, the investment portfolio, HOFA, and the Agri-Innovation Park.
This direction aligns with the policy of connecting government priorities more directly with budgetary resources and establishing an investment fund.
Minister Wever emphasized that despite positive developments in government revenues, fiscal caution remains necessary. Aruba's economy is sensitive to international developments, while much of public expenditure is structural.
“We must continue to invest in Aruba, protect those who need it most, and at the same time maintain sufficient financial space to face any challenges that may arise. That balance is essential to maintaining stability and preparing our country for the future,” Minister Wever concluded.
