Trade, infrastructure & investment high on Guyana-Suriname cooperation agenda

– as President Geerlings-Simons engages SGCC

Opportunities to potentially expand bilateral trade, facilitate investment and improve connectivity are being highlighted to further strengthen economic cooperation between Guyana and Suriname.
These issues were among strategic priorities presented to the Surinamese President, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, by the Board of Directors of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) during a recent engagement held in Paramaribo.
According to SGCC, the engagement reflected a shared appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring countries and the importance of deepening collaboration in ways that deliver tangible benefits for businesses, investors and citizens.
“Discussions focused on practical opportunities to expand bilateral trade, facilitate investment, improve connectivity, strengthen institutional cooperation and support sustainable economic development. There was broad recognition that Suriname and Guyana possess complementary strengths and are well positioned to build one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic economic partnerships,” the Chamber stated in a missive on Saturday.
As part of the meeting, the Chamber presented its vision for the fourth International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname to be held in October 2026, positioning the event as a strategic platform to convene Government leaders, investors, development partners and the private sector. The conference is expected to catalyse new partnerships, support investment promotion and showcase emerging opportunities across Suriname, Guyana and the wider region.
The SGCC said President Geerlings-Simons welcomed the initiative and recognised its continued contribution to Suriname’s investment agenda.
Moreover, the Chamber also presented its public-private partnership management proposal for the Canawaima Ferry, developed as a practical framework to support the long-term sustainability, efficiency and commercial viability of this critical transportation link. The proposal focuses on strengthening operational management and improving service delivery for businesses, travellers and border communities that depend on the crossing.

SGCC reaffirmed its readiness to continue engaging constructively with the relevant authorities as discussions progress.
Recognising that investment competitiveness extends beyond infrastructure, the Chamber also expressed its willingness to support national efforts aimed at strengthening financial digitisation, investment readiness, streamlined business processes and the overall ease of doing business.
The discussions examined several priority sectors where closer collaboration can generate long-term value, including fisheries, agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, construction, renewable energy, infrastructure, aviation and logistics.
It was further noted that particular attention was given to the fisheries industry, recognising its importance to livelihoods, food security and cross-border commerce. The Chamber encouraged continued engagement between relevant authorities and private sector stakeholders to create greater clarity, predictability and confidence for businesses operating in the sector while also supporting responsible joint investment and value-added production.
Regional connectivity was also highlighted, including continued improvements to the Canawaima Ferry service and the development of the Corentyne Bridge. Both were recognised as important to improving the movement of people, goods and services and to strengthening commercial integration between the two economies.
The Chamber further emphasised the importance of enhanced logistics and trade connectivity, including opportunities to strengthen commercial linkages with Brazil and other Caribbean partners. Improved regional transport and supply chain networks were identified as critical to expanding exports, lowering business costs and positioning Suriname and Guyana as gateways for regional commerce.
During the engagement, SGCC also highlighted the value of an enabling environment for cross-border business, including the conclusion of a bilateral double taxation agreement, continued improvements to investment frameworks and greater regulatory certainty for companies operating across both markets.
The meeting reinforced the importance of sustained public-private dialogue in translating opportunity into measurable outcomes. As neighbouring countries with complementary economies and growing regional influence, Suriname and Guyana are well positioned to build a stronger economic partnership grounded in practical collaboration, mutual respect and shared prosperity.
In Saturday’s missive, the SGCC expressed its appreciation to the Surinamese President for the opportunity to engage on these important matters, adding that it looks forward to continued collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders in advancing sustainable economic growth and regional integration.