One Island, One Economy: COCI and CCISM sign historic cooperation agreement

GREAT BAY--In a historic step toward greater economic cooperation between Dutch and French St. Martin, the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) and the Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin (CCISM) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday, November 5, 2026, establishing a formal framework for collaboration aimed at strengthening businesses, expanding trade opportunities and promoting the island as one economic destination.

The agreement, signed by COCI President Tamara Leonard and CCISM President Angèle Dormoy, as well as board members and Directors of both Chambers, marks the culmination of discussions dating back to 2012, with previous efforts undertaken in 2014 and 2017. Although the two chambers have collaborated on various initiatives over the years, the signing represents a major milestone in formalizing their relationship and creating a foundation for more structured cooperation.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Leonard emphasized that despite the two different legal and administrative systems governing the island, St. Martin remains one interconnected economy whose businesses stand to benefit from closer cooperation.

"The reality is when we work in two different systems, it's still one economy. It's still one island," Leonard stated, stressing that businesses should be able to benefit from the opportunities available under the respective legal frameworks.

Dormoy echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that the chambers share a responsibility to serve the entire island's business community, regardless of the border separating the two jurisdictions.

"We work for the businesses on both sides, whether French side or Dutch side," Dormoy said. She explained that the economic potential of St. Martin must be viewed collectively rather than as two separate markets.

A central objective of the agreement is to improve cooperation between the chambers in assisting entrepreneurs seeking to establish or expand business activities across the border. Both presidents clarified that the MOU does not override existing legislation or automatically grant businesses new operating rights. Instead, it creates a framework for helping entrepreneurs navigate the opportunities already permitted under the respective legal systems.

Leonard also raised the possibility of engaging the relevant legislative authorities in the future to explore whether changes could make cross-border business activity more efficient.

The partnership will extend beyond business registration to include joint trade missions, conferences, professional exchanges, market development and initiatives intended to increase the international visibility of St. Martin businesses.

One of the first examples of cooperation is the upcoming From Island Roots to Global Routes initiative, which will take a delegation of businesses to Miami later this month to explore commercial relationships, market access and opportunities for international expansion.

Dormoy also proposed joint participation in the Foire de Paris, one of France's major consumer exhibitions, as an opportunity for businesses from both sides of the island to present their products and services to a wider international market.

Another proposal under consideration is the development of a unified "Made in Saint Martin" identity that would allow locally produced goods and services to be promoted collectively. Dormoy suggested that the concept could be complemented by local craft markets and other activities showcasing the island's entrepreneurs.

"I think we can create a product called Made in Saint Martin," Dormoy said, explaining that the intention would be to develop a common identity rather than separate products for the French and Dutch sides.

The chambers also disclosed that discussions are underway on an internship initiative through which French-side students and trainees could gain professional experience on the Dutch side. The initiative is being developed by the respective directors and is intended to strengthen professional exchanges and workforce development.

Beyond the immediate initiatives, both presidents emphasized that the agreement must produce tangible results and remain a priority for future chamber boards.

Leonard noted that the responsibilities of chamber leadership extend beyond individual terms of office and should be guided by the long-term interests of the business community.

"Our decisions and our actions have to reflect growth for time to come," she stated, emphasizing the importance of continuity, business stability and creating opportunities that benefit future generations.

Dormoy similarly stressed that the signing should be viewed as the beginning of a broader working relationship rather than the completion of a single objective.

"This MOU was just the start," she said, pointing to the need for continued cooperation and practical initiatives capable of producing economic benefits.

The November 5 ceremony also recognized the contributions of previous chamber boards and directors who helped advance the agreement over the past 14 years. Both presidents credited their respective directors with helping bring the longstanding initiative to completion.

For Dormoy, the cooperation also carries a personal significance rooted in her identity as a St. Martiner. She explained that although she was born on the French side, she identifies first with the island and its people rather than the administrative border.

"I really consider myself a Saint Martiner. And wherever I go, I always promote that as a Saint Martin, that I am a Saint Martiner," she stated.

The historic agreement reflects a shared commitment to recognizing St. Martin's economic potential as a whole, while respecting the legal and institutional structures governing each side.

For COCI and CCISM, the challenge now shifts from formalizing their partnership to implementing initiatives that make cross-border cooperation easier, strengthen local enterprises and position St. Martin's business community to compete in regional and international markets.

The chambers have committed to building on the agreement through continued dialogue and joint action, with the shared objective of ensuring that the benefits of cooperation extend to businesses and future generations across the entire island.

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