SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In a landmark step towards deeper economic integration and regional collaboration, the Sint Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) and the Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint – Martin (CCISM) official signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), today, November 5, 2026, that will strengthen cooperation between the Dutch and French sides of the island and create new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors.
The agreement outlines a three (3) year partnership focused on business development, entrepreneurship, investment promotion, economic intelligence, advocacy and sustainable economic growth.
The MOU was formally signed by Tamara Leonard, President of COCI, and Angèle Dormoy, President of CCISM, during an official signing ceremony attended by senior representatives of both institutions. The gathering reflected the shared commitment of both Chambers to strengthening cooperation and advancing the interests of the business communities on both sides of the island.
In her remarks, Tamara Leonard emphasized that the signing of the MOU represents a significant milestone in the relationship between the two Chambers and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between Saint Martin and Sint Maarten.
She noted that meaningful economic progress requires long term commitment and stressed that the partnership should continue to grow and deliver benefits to the island’s business community beyond the tenure of the current Boards, serving as a lasting framework for future generations of Chamber leadership.
President Angèle Dormoy acknowledged the collective efforts that made the agreement possible and expressed her appreciation to the past, present and future Boards of both Chambers for their commitment to cross border cooperation.
She extended recognition to the Executive Directors and all those who contributed to advancing the initiatives over the years, noting that the concept for a formal partnership between COCI and CCISM has been under discussion since 2012.
Angèle Dormoy highlighted that the signing of the MOU represents the culmination of years of dedication, dialogue, and perseverance and marks the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration between the French and Dutch sides of the island.
This agreement recognizes the unique economic interdependence of Saint Martin and Sint Maarten and reinforces the shared commitment of both Chambers to support a stronger, more competitive, resilient, and sustainable economic future for the entire island. Through this partnership, both institutions will collaborate on joint events, networking initiatives, business support programs, training opportunities, market intelligence, investment promotion efforts, and entrepreneurship development.
Under the agreement, both Chambers will work together to facilitate cross border business engagement, encourage commercial partnerships, support small and medium sized enterprises, exchange non confidential economic data and market insights, and explore opportunities for joint participation in regional and international initiatives. The MOU also creates a framework for future collaboration on projects that may attract Caribbean, European, regional, and international funding opportunities.
The MOU will remain in effect for an initial period of three (3) years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.
On closing both President’s added that the MOU is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions share a common vision and remain committed to the greater good of the island. “Today, we are not only strengthening the relationship between our Chambers, but also laying the foundation for stronger businesses, greater opportunities, and a more resilient economy for Saint Martin and Sint Maarten for years to come.”
“The work that began more than a decade ago has now evolved into a formal commitment between our institutions.” This MOU honors the effects of those who came before us while creating new opportunities for those who will continue this important work in the future.
