Building a productive and prosperous future for the people of Suriname.

Mr. Amar Alakhramsing
Chief Executive Officer, Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA)

Suriname is a country of endless possibilities – a country where rich natural resources, cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit come together. Today we stand at a crucial crossroads, where the choices we make will shape the future for generations to come. With this responsibility in mind, I share with you a long-term vision for Suriname. A vision rooted in sustainability, innovation and shared prosperity.

A vision rooted in sustainability and innovation.

The global economy is rapidly shifting towards sustainability and technological advancement. For Suriname to thrive in this new era, we must embrace these principles across all sectors. Imagine a Suriname where our energy is 100% renewable and powered by the sun, the wind and our mighty rivers. Imagine our communities powered by solar grids and our cities designed for green living.

The Suriname Investment and Trade Agency is committed to attracting investments in green technologies to help make Suriname a leader in sustainable energy by 2035, with plans to expand solar parks, invest in wind energy projects and modernize our hydropower infrastructure. This shift will not only protect our environment but also create thousands of jobs in emerging industries.

Empowering local entrepreneurs and exporters

Suriname’s growth depends on the success of its local entrepreneurs. Our small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of innovation and economic resilience. To support their growth, we are launching the Suriname Business Acceleration Program, an initiative that provides training, mentorship and access to financial support for local Exporters. We are also planning a program to help local companies to become suppliers to large domestic and foreign companies operating in Suriname.

We see Suriname as a hub for digital innovation in the Caribbean. Our goal is to create technology parks by 2030 that stimulate startups focused on software development, fintech and digital marketing – sectors that have the potential to connect Suriname to the global market.

Imagine a young entrepreneur from Nickerie creating technological solutions that are exported to Europe, or a small cocoa producer in Marowijne expanding his business through digital platforms. This is the future we need to build together.

 Unlocking New Growth Sectors for Sustainable Development

In addition to digital innovation, we are setting course for strategic sectors that not only strengthen Suriname economically but also anchor it in the global transition to sustainability and inclusive growth. One of those sectors is Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), where our multilingual and well-educated workforce offers a unique advantage. Suriname is the only Dutch-speaking country in the region, combined with strong English language skills, which enables us to provide high-quality customer service, IT support and other business services to both European and North American markets.

Our rich waters also offer perspective. Through targeted investments in sustainable aquaculture, including the farming of tropical shrimp, tilapia and other fish species, we aim to attract investors who will build a future-proof blue economy that responds to the growing global demand for responsibly produced fish and seafood.

In this, renewable energy remains an undeniable priority. Suriname not only embraces solar and wind energy but also looks ahead to innovative solutions. In this way, we strengthen our energy independence and actively contribute to the global climate goals.

A significant growth opportunity exists in agriculture and agro-processing. While some of our large sectors have declined in the past years (Banana, Rice) we have thousands of hectares of unexploited farmland that could provide food security (fruit, vegetables, meat) not only for Suriname but also for much of the Caribbean. And let’s not forget that our huge forest reserves also offer potential for tomorrow’s medicines and cosmetics without reducing forest cover.

These same forest reserves also offer exciting opportunities to develop our tourism sector to enable visitors from around the world to discover our hidden secrets while also offering employment and skills opportunities for our local indigenous communities.

Together, these sectors form the foundations for a resilient, inclusive and internationally competitive economy, in which Suriname converts its natural resources into long-term prosperity for all its inhabitants.

Positioning Suriname as a Regional Trade and Logistics Hub

To secure Suriname’s position on the world stage, we are intensifying our efforts to build strong international partnerships. Our country is strategically positioned with access to both the Caribbean and South American markets. Through improved trade agreements and targeted investments, Suriname can become a gateway for trade in the region.

We are actively working on partnerships with countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia to boost the exports of our agricultural products and industrial goods. Our goal is clear: by 2040, Suriname will be recognized as an exporter of high quality sustainable and environmentally friendly products, responsibly sourced minerals.

We must also recognize that Suriname is strategically positioned as a potential gateway for all of South America. This means we need to approach the development of our logistics sector with much greater ambition and seriousness. Developing a efficient and competing logistics sector is crucial to this regional role. The expansion of the EAG Airport is only the first step in that direction, a necessary start, but certainly not the end goal.

Strategic goals for the future 2025-2030:

• Work with public and private sectors to create and promote a compelling national brand and image for Suriname that will promote our country and its opportunities to targeted audiences.
• Attracting green, solar and wind energy investment projects for Suriname to maintain and expand our carbon-neutral credentials while reducing our energy costs.
• Support our local entrepreneurs to become suppliers to demanding international buyers operating in Suriname.
• Work with Government Ministries and Agencies to help streamline and simplyfy the processes and procedures linked to doing business in Suriname.
• Launch of the Suriname Export Business Acceleration Program to support local exporters to successfully enter and compete for business in foreign markets.
  
• Strengthening the digital infrastructure to support e-commerce and technological innovation ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation in AI and technologies of the future
• Attract sustainable and environmentally friendly investments from outside Suriname to create jobs and supply opportunities for the benefit of Suriname’s peoples.
• Expand and develop the capacities of our embassies abroad to promote Suriname’s values and trade and investment opportunities.

Expanding our exports through negotiation of strategic partnerships to help our companies compete internationally

A call to action:
Building the future together

This vision is not just a blueprint, but a call to action. I invite all citizens of Suriname – entrepreneurs, community leaders and students – to build this future together with us. Together we can make Suriname a beacon of sustainable growth, innovation and prosperity.

Let us move forward with pride, determination and unity.
The path is clear and now is the time to make this breakthrough.