The district of Commewijne is on the verge of far-reaching economic changes. Major investments in port facilities, tourism and the oil and gas sector are expected to create more employment and business activity in the coming years.
In a conversation with the Communicatie Dienst Suriname (CDS) (Suriname’s Communication Service) on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Ramsahai stated that several investors are now active in Commewijne. The strategic location, historic plantations and proximity to the capital in particular make the district attractive for new economic activities.
According to the district commissioner, interest in tourism is growing, with more and more accommodations and other facilities being developed to receive visitors. However, the greatest economic boost is expected from two major port projects closely linked to developments in the offshore oil and gas industry.
Two port projects to strengthen economy
These are the Dordt Marine Support Base, also known as Haven Dordt, at Lust en Rust and the planned Commewijne Port Facility N.V. (Comport) in Nieuw-Amsterdam. Both projects are expected to contribute to the expansion of logistics and maritime services in Suriname.
According to Ramsahai, the investments are still in various preparatory phases, but the outlook is favourable.
“Everyone is in the preparatory phase. It looks good. Development is coming to Commewijne,” said the district commissioner.
The projects are expected not only to attract new business activities, but also to contribute to economic diversification outside Paramaribo.
Hundreds of jobs in prospect
According to Ramsahai, the anticipated investments offer concrete opportunities for the local workforce. He announced that one of the port projects has already selected around 300 staff members. At the other project, 50 people have already been hired during the preparatory phase.
The district commissioner expects employment to increase further as the projects progress.
Entrepreneurs in agriculture, fisheries, the transport sector and other service industries can also benefit from the growing oil and gas industry, according to him. However, companies will have to prepare for the requirements set by large international enterprises.
Ramsahai particularly stresses the importance of certification and quality standards. Without the required certificates and compliance with business standards, there is a risk that local enterprises will be unable to participate sufficiently in economic activities.
“Certification is one of the most important matters, because they will not do business with just any company,” he states.
Second bridge increasingly necessary
The anticipated economic growth is also placing additional pressure on existing infrastructure. According to Ramsahai, the opening of the Jules Wijdenboschbrug in 2000 played an important role in the development of Commewijne.
Since then, more and more people have settled in the district, and new residential areas and commercial activities have emerged. However, the increase in traffic is placing an ever greater burden on the existing connection.
“So we need to look towards a second bridge,” Ramsahai says.
With the anticipated expansion of port activities and freight transport, traffic pressure may increase further in the coming years. A second connection to Paramaribo is therefore seen by the district commissioner as an important future need.
Ramsahai expects that within five years Commewijne can develop to such an extent that the district will increasingly acquire urban characteristics.
Opportunities for trade with French Guiana
According to Ramsahai, the new port facilities can also play an important role in regional trade. He sees opportunities to develop Commewijne into a logistics hub for goods flows towards French Guiana.
Due to its geographical location, the neighbouring country may in the future be able to route part of its imports through Suriname.
This would benefit not only port companies, but also transport operators, storage companies and other service providers.
Growth of residential areas threatens agricultural land
In addition to the economic opportunities, Ramsahai draws attention to another development: the disappearance of agricultural areas due to the expansion of residential neighbourhoods.
More and more land previously used for agricultural production is being designated for housing. According to the district commissioner, uncontrolled construction must be prevented from coming at the expense of food production.
He therefore advocates balanced spatial planning, in which sufficient space is retained for agriculture, housing construction and industrial development.
According to him, food security must be given an important place in future policy. Commewijne has traditionally held a strong position in agriculture and fisheries and must continue to protect these economic sectors.
“The intention is for us to try to be as self-sufficient as possible locally,” Ramsahai said.
The district commissioner believes that Suriname as a whole should become less dependent on foreign products. According to him, this requires targeted investments in national production sectors.
“We must move away from all that importing, and I think we need to look at how we as a country can invest in the various sectors.”
For Commewijne, the challenge therefore lies not only in attracting major investments, but above all in finding a balance between economic expansion, employment, accessibility and preserving the district’s agricultural function.
