Agreement aims to fight trafficking of counterfeit goods in major Caribbean and Latin American free trade zone

HONG KONG (May 12, 2014) – The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (“IACC”), a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization committed to combating trademark counterfeiting and piracy, and Curinde N.V. (“Curinde”), manager and operator of the free zone of Curaçao, signed an agreement today in which the parties agreed to IACC assistanting Curinde in fighting trafficking of counterfeit goods. The collaboration will provide Curinde with access to know-how and assistance by IACC to deal with this most important issue which would enable the Curacao Freezone to further develop.  The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of the Minister or Economic Development of Curacao Mr. Stanley Palm during the spring conference of the IACC in Hong Kong. The agreement defines areas of mutual interest and will enhance the ability to communicate, cooperate, and share information and resources in the furtherance of efficient intellectual property enforcement operations and programs. Curaçao is home to a free trade zone consisting of two free trade areas and one industrial park operated by Curinde, a government entity overseen by the Minister of Economic Development. Illicit trafficking through free trade zones has been cited as a growing concern in recent years, and such smuggling is seen as an impediment to growth and investment in Curaçao’s legitimate economy. “Free trade zones should be just that: free, to focus on their comparative advantage and not be disadvantaged by the infestation of counterfeit goods.” says IACC President, Bob Barchiesi. “This agreement expands our international partnerships to a critical trade area of the world.  We applaud the Ministry of Economic Development and Curinde for their leadership on these issues in Curaçao and throughout the Caribbean.” Minister Palm at the signing of the MOU said: “The development of our Freezone is of utmost importance to the development of our economy.  Curinde, now with the assistance of the IACC can start this most important process to the durable development of our Freezones.  We look forward to a fruitful cooperation between the parties to the benefit of our community and our international trade.” Mrs. Jacqueline Jansen on behalf of Curinde said: “We believe that our Free Zone can be a recognized Free Zone in the Caribbean and Latin America. Our philosophy is to provide professional assistance and high quality facilities to those interested in operating in the Airport Free Economic and/or the Harbor Free Economic Zone, under competitive and legal conditions.”