Key Points

Finance, Investment, and Economic Growth

• Private-Sector Investment: Keynote by Ms. Elizabeth Robberechts emphasized the importance of leveraging financial instruments and fostering entrepreneurship to drive economic resilience.
• Sustainable Development: Discussions focused on investment strategies in natural resources, agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy, highlighting risk mitigation and capital access.

Innovation and Digital Transformation

• Technology’s Role in Economic Competitiveness: AI, fintech, and digital infrastructure were key themes, with experts from NVIDIA LATAM and regional institutions exploring Suriname’s future in digitalization.
• Renewable Energy Expansion: Panels examined Suriname’s clean energy transition, emphasizing wind, solar, and biomass projects to integrate sustainable power into the national grid.

Workforce and Leadership Development

• Talent & Leadership Strategy: Industry leaders discussed workforce digitization, leadership training, and talent acquisition to align with emerging industry demands.

Diaspora and Regional Cooperation

• Business Summit of Diaspora Suriname: The event marked a strategic shift towards engaging the diaspora in economic development and cross-border collaboration.
• Presidential Vision for Growth: H.E. President Chandrikapersad Santokhi reaffirmed the country’s commitment to transparency, good governance, and investment-driven regional cooperation.

Conference Impact and Future Outlook

• Strategic Business Platform: The event provided a high-value networking space, fostering cross-sector partnerships and shaping Suriname’s role as a regional economic hub.
• Path Forward: Discussions set the stage for long-term sustainable growth through digital innovation, private-sector competitiveness, and strategic investments.

Paramaribo, Suriname, February 7, 2025 – PRISM MediaWire – The final day of the International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname 2025 delivered a powerful agenda centered on finance, investment, and innovation, reinforcing Suriname’s position as a dynamic hub for regional economic growth. High-level discussions brought together financial experts, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore opportunities for private-sector competitiveness, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

The day began with a keynote address by Ms. Elizabeth Robberechts, Acting Managing Director and Division Chief of Infrastructure and Energy at IDB Invest, who emphasised the role of private-sector investment in driving resilient and sustainable economic growth. Her address set the stage for discussions on leveraging financial instruments, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring economic stability in Suriname’s evolving business

The panel discussion on Investing in Resilient and Sustainable Development was a major highlight. The panelists explored financial investment strategies across various sectors, including natural resources, agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Industry experts, including Mr. Nawien Ghisiawan of IDB Invest, Dr. Marlene Street Forrest of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, Mr. Brian Alleyne of Republic Bank (Suriname) N.V., Mr. Alexander van Petten of De Surinaamsche Bank, and Mr. Shawn Gurcharran of Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry Ltd., engaged in thought-provoking discussions on risk mitigation, regulatory improvements, and access to capital markets.

The conversation on innovation and digital transformation took center stage during the panel discussion on Fostering Innovation and Leveraging Digitalisation to Drive Suriname’s Economic Development. Experts, including Dr. Anvit Ramlakhan of Datasur, Mr. Brian Imambaks of GDM Management Consulting, Mr. Amir E. Azar of Quantum Horizon Capital, Mr. Meghnath Gosein of the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), Mr. Jerrel van Eer of Solver Academy, and Mr. Guilherme Fuhrken of NVIDIA LATAM, explored how technology adoption and digital solutions are shaping Suriname’s future economic competitiveness. Discussions focused on the role of artificial intelligence, fintech solutions, and digital infrastructure in accelerating business efficiency and unlocking new growth opportunities.

The conversation then shifted to Suriname’s renewable energy landscape during the Supercharging Renewables – Projects and Investments for a Consolidated Clean Energy Sector in Suriname panel. Energy leaders Mr. Eddy Fränkel of Staatsolie, Mr. Jimmy Manna of ELGAWA, and Mr. Orlando Olmberg of the Suriname Energy Chamber discussed how wind, solar, and biomass energy investments shape the country’s long-term sustainability strategy. Panelists highlighted ongoing initiatives to integrate cleaner energy sources into Suriname’s national grid and the role of public-private partnerships in driving renewable energy development.

The Strategic Workforce Development: Empowering Leadership for Innovation and Growth panel examined the workforce’s role in Suriname and Guyana’s economic expansion. Panelists, including Ms. Naomi Esajas-Friperson of the Ministry of Labour, Employment Opportunity and Youth Affairs, Ms. Reshma Ramkhelawan of Finabank, Mr. Farsi Khudabux of Baitali Group of Companies, and Ms. Lyndell Danzie-Black of Cerulean Inc., discussed key trends in talent acquisition, leadership development, and workforce digitisation. The discussion provided valuable insights into how organisations can align their workforce strategies with emerging industry demands and innovation-driven growth.

The closing of IBC Suriname 2025 marked the opening of the Business Summit of Diaspora Suriname, showcasing continued collaborative partnership. This transition highlighted the critical role of Diaspora engagement in Suriname’s long-term economic prosperity, upon which this ushered in a series of impactful discussions focused on strengthening economic ties across borders.

The President of Suriname’s Vision and Leadership

The President of Suriname, His Excellency, Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, has been a pivotal figure in shaping the nation’s vision for sustainable economic growth and regional cooperation. Under his leadership, Suriname has made significant strides in transforming its economy through diversification, strategic partnerships, and fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation. His administration has strongly emphasized transparency, good governance, and the importance of international collaboration to drive Suriname’s development agenda forward.

In his remarks during the IBC Suriname 2025, H.E. President Chandrikapersad Santokhi acknowledged the vital role of active engagement in the private sector and regional cooperation in Suriname’s growth trajectory. With Suriname’s position as an emerging economic hub in the Caribbean and Latin American region, His Excellency echoed the role of the IBC Suriname 2025 as key to a sustainable business environment conducive to the ease of doing business, economic stability, and foreign direct investment.

Delegates and participants at IBC Suriname 2025 expressed profound appreciation for the conference, lauding its exceptional ability to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and visionaries. Many reflected on the depth and relevance of the discussions, which not only illuminated critical issues in finance, innovation, and sustainable development but also provided a platform for forging cross-border collaborations that will shape the region’s future. The event was heralded as an invaluable opportunity to align regional efforts towards a common goal—advancing sustainable growth through strategic investment and collaboration. The quality of discourse and the innovative solutions presented.

As IBC Suriname 2025 came to a close, it was evident that the conference had successfully provided a strategic platform for regional business development, investment attraction, and cross-sector collaboration. The event solidified Suriname’s role as an emerging economic powerhouse, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, strengthening international partnerships, and driving long-term, sustainable growth. F

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please get in touch with Amrita Naraine, Chief Projects Officer, at email: anaraine@actioninvest.org/ ibc@actioninvest.org or visit the website: https://www.surinamebusinessconference.com

Source: International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname 2025