Key Points:
Investment & Economic Growth
- Investment Leadership: Keynote address emphasized integrated approaches to attract high-value investors and create sustainable business opportunities.
- Regulatory Improvements: Discussion on reducing bureaucratic barriers, strengthening institutions, and ensuring investor confidence in Suriname’s business landscape.
Industry & Infrastructure Development
- Energy Sector Growth: Panels explored business opportunities in Suriname’s energy supply chain, highlighting local content policies and multinational partnerships.
- Infrastructure Expansion: Major upcoming projects focused on improving transportation networks and regional connectivity across Suriname, Guyana, and the Caribbean.
Tourism & Cross-Border Collaboration
- Dutch Heritage Tour: New 8-day experience launched by Evergreen Adventures, showcasing Dutch colonial influences in Suriname and Guyana, backed by investment authorities.
Business & Cultural Insights
- Business Culture in Suriname & the Caribbean: Experts examined how cultural differences impact negotiations, corporate decision-making, and partnerships.
- Public-Private Collaboration: Discussions underscored the need for tax incentives, policy reforms, and SME support to ensure long-term economic sustainability.
Networking & Future Outlook
- Business Matching & Networking: High-level engagement opportunities facilitated investor connections and potential cross-sector collaborations.
- Upcoming Focus Areas: Final conference day to cover private-sector competitiveness, digital transformation, and sustainable investment strategies.
Paramaribo, Suriname, February 7, 2025 – PRISM MediaWire – The second day of the International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname 2025 was marked by high-impact discussions on investment leadership, regulatory frameworks, energy procurement, and regional business culture under the theme “Doing Business in Suriname.”
The day began with a welcome address by Mr. Amar Alakhramsing, CEO of the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), who highlighted the country’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign direct investment and private-sector growth.
At the International Business Conference in Suriname, Evergreen Adventures announced the launch of its Dutch Heritage Tour, presented by Mrs. Andrea L. de Caires, General Manager of Evergreen Adventures, and Mr. Salvador de Caires, Manager of Baganara Island Resort.
Developed as an 8-day, 7-night immersive experience highlighting the deep-rooted Dutch colonial influence in Guyana and Suriname, this initiative, supported by the Guyana Office for Investment, fosters cross-border tourism by integrating historical, cultural, and natural landmarks into an interconnected journey. Key sites include Fort Zeelandia (Suriname and Guyana), Jodensavanne, Paramaribo’s UNESCO-listed colonial district, Kaieteur Falls, and a guided exploration of Georgetown’s rich heritage.
The Keynote Address on Investment Leadership in the Region, delivered by Mr. John Edghill, Senior Director of Investment at the Guyana Office for Investment, reinforced the need for integrated and collaborative approaches to attract high-value investors and create sustainable business opportunities. His address set the stage for further discussions on how Suriname and Guyana can strategically position themselves as regional investment hubs.
A climactic panel discussion, “The Role of the Public Sector and Institutions in Creating and Delivering Value,” examined regulatory improvements, political stability, and infrastructure development; this featured Mr. Anand Kalpoe, Managing Director of the Energy Authority of Suriname; Mrs. Diana Bruma-Overman, Managing Director of Algemeen Pensioenfonds Suriname; Mr. Steven Debipersad, Head of the Economist Association of Suriname; Mr. Raoul Chong, Director of Trade at SITA; and Ms. Marita Wijnerman, Director of Taxes and Customs Suriname, engaged in a thought-provoking exchange on reducing bureaucratic barriers.
The discussion explored key topics such as diversifying energy sources beyond hydro energy, policy incentives for renewable energy, and improving Suriname’s global business reputation. Panelists emphasised the importance of strong institutions, tax incentives, and local investment security while advocating for a client-oriented approach in tax reforms supported by the IDB.enhancing investor confidence, and ensuring legal security for businesses.
Later in the day, the session “Beyond FID – Emerging Business Opportunities for the Private Sector” explored how Suriname’s energy, construction, and logistics sectors are creating regional supply chains and benefit from multinational partnerships. This engaged Mr. Bobby Gossai, Jr., Senior Petroleum Coordinator at the Ministry of Natural Resources Guyana; Mr. Nigel Hintzen, Finance Project Manager at GDM Management Consulting & Mines Services Suriname; and Mr. Simon Noerdjan, Commissioner of Internal and Foreign Affairs at Nogosari Foundation.
The panel addressed the broader scope of local content, emphasizing its relevance beyond the oil and gas sector to industries like infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. Discussions also covered business sustainability beyond 2025, policy gaps in local content development, and strategies for SMEs to thrive. Panelists stressed the need for public-private collaboration to create a robust business ecosystem.
With Suriname’s oil and gas industry advancing, the “Energy Procurement – Business Opportunities in the Supply Chain” panel examined how local and regional suppliers can strategically position themselves within the energy sector. Experts from Staatsolie, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil Guyana, and RAMPS Logistics shared insights on local content policies, supply chain development, and market-entry strategies.
Infrastructure development was another key focus during the “Critical Infrastructure to Support Suriname’s Growth and Development” panel, where Mr. Farsi Khudabux, CEO of Baitali Group of Companies; Mr. Willem Bloem, Principal of Bloem Consultants N.V.; Mr. Jose Quesada, CFO of Alterra Worldwide; and Mr. Robert Bosman, Regional Manager at Boskalis discussed major upcoming infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening transportation networks, urban resilience, and connectivity between Suriname, Guyana, and the broader Caribbean region.
Closing the day was the session “Culture of Doing Business”, which explored how cultural differences influence business interactions, negotiations, and corporate decision-making in Suriname, Guyana, and the wider Caribbean. Ms. Anne-Rita Wijdh, International Business Director at JSL International Group of Companies; Mr. Derrick Klaverweide, Board Member of the Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce; Mrs. Charlene Soerodimedjo, Managing Partner at DOOR Advisory; Ms. Gloria Naarendorp, Vice-Chair of the Women’s Sustainable Development Foundation Suriname; and Ms. Vashtie Dookiesingh, Private Finance Operations Lead Specialist at IDB Lab engaged in a discussion on how businesses can navigate cultural differences to maintain successful partnerships. Moderated by Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Chair of the Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce, the panel provided key takeaways for businesses operating across both markets.
Day Two concluded with an exclusive Business Matching session, allowing companies to establish valuable connections, followed by a high-level Evening Networking Reception at Surinaamsch Ruimhuis, providing further opportunities for collaboration and investment exploration.
As IBC Suriname 2025 enters its final day, discussions will focus on finance, investment, and innovation, with panels on private-sector competitiveness, digital transformation, and sustainable development. With top industry experts and global investors poised to drive further discussions, the conference continues to shape the future of business in Suriname and the wider region.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please get in touch with Amrita Naraine, Chief Projects Officer, at anaraine@actioninvest.org/ ibc@actioninvest.org or visit the website: https://www.surinamebusinessconference.com.
Source: International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname 2025