In today’s modern world our personal information is a part of our identity, which we value dearly. It is something we keep shielded and do not easily hand over to others. Whenever we are requested to provide this information, it leaves us with a sense of exposure. But we still need to give it to companies such as banks when we want a bank account or a credit card, insurance companies when we want to insure our new home or car, clubs when we want to become a distinguished member, and last but least to the Chamber of Commerce when we want to start a business.
When you register your business at the Chamber of Commerce, you are following legally defined procedures in accordance with the Aruban laws. Moreover the required information is needed to avoid undesired situations and unnecessary costs, and it will get you benefits. The law is put in place to maintain order and protect those who abide by it. The regulation of the trade register (“Handelsregisterverordening”) contains articles which explicitly address registration. Article 3, for example, prescribes that any alteration in the registration data needs to be communicated and updated within a week. Violating this clause might result in a penalty due to non-compliance with the law. If the information entered does not correspond with the facts and the actual situation or is intentionally incorrect, the fine for this offense can reach a maximum of AWG 25.000 in accordance with article 20. The Chamber strives to maintain a Trade Register with up to date information about the companies on Aruba. This information includes names of the owners, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. If the registration is incorrect or incomplete it can lead to obstructions, frustrations and eventually a waste of time for business people who would prefer to focus on doing business. Business owners can be confronted with situations in which they need to have the information in place. Not updating this information could affect you as a business owner or it could be passed on to your loved ones who might inherit accumulated dues as a consequence of negligence or an honest mistake. The way you manage your information will affect you and your beneficiaries either positively or negatively when they have to face tax obligations for example.
To help all local entrepreneurs the Chamber is continuously sharing information to guide and provide insight in commercial developments.
If a new opportunity presents itself and it is of interest to local businesses, the Chamber immediately sends out the necessary information to all the potential and interested parties. Sharing the contact information available in its registry-database with registered companies, allows local entrepreneurs to grab a new opportunity to further develop their business. In order to ensure the information reaches the right audience, the Chamber needs to have the right contact information. An updated database of active companies including their contact information, enables the Chamber to structurally match information of upcoming events, courses. market specific seminars and trade missions with entrepreneurs. The Chamber of Commerce has a strict privacy policy regarding personal information. Without proper consent nothing is disclosed. It is defenitely not the intention to provide unsolicited information. In order to help their businesses grow the Chamber simply believes it’s important for entrepreneurs to be informed. However non-disclosure is respected if this is desired.
All entrepreneurs are encouraged by the Chamber to call or drop by to verify their contact information.
If they don’t, they might never find out know what great opportunities for
their business will come their way in the future.