Nicolaas, Ghislaine2024-08-282024-08-282016Nicolaas, G. (2016). Magnifying the intangible: an explorative study on Aruba's trade missions. Bachelor dissertation. University of Aruba. 74 pp.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14473/856This independent study seeks to gain insight into how economic interests are being pursued by a Sub-National Island Jurisdiction (SNIJ) in the para-diplomatic maneuvering space within the international realm. This thesis analyses the organizational processes of trade missions, which are being used as an instrument of economic diplomacy. Particular attention is dedicated to practices utilized by a Sub-National Island Jurisdiction: with Aruba at the center of this case study. Within economic diplomacy, trade missions are considered as an instrument that can spur quick economic advances for both public and private sector participants. Within the empirical literature the case of a SNIJ has been seldom researched. This study has an explorative qualitative case study design in order to discern what these advances entail for Aruba. This research analyzed four cases in which Aruban delegations participated, consisting of both public and private participants in a trade mission in 2015. Interviews were conducted with both participants, identified institutional actors in the field of Aruba and an expert in the field of economic diplomacy. In total 13 interviews were conducted. The overall conclusion is that the benefits that were ascertained from participants in the various trade missions have an intangible result, such as: networking, gaining business intelligence, a better understanding of the market abroad. As for the tangible results, several elements were identified, such as: signing contracts and agreements which are transformed into partnerships and distribution deals. The main recommendations pertain to a greater collaboration between the public and private sector and by facilitating business intelligence and market analysis information to participants.EnglishEconomic DiplomacyPolitical EconomySmall Island Developing StatesDevelopmentInternational Economic CollaborationTrade MissionExport PromotionSub- National Island JurisdictionIsland StudiesBachelor dissertation