The Ministry of Economische Zaken, Ondernemerschap en Technologische Innovatie (EZOTI; Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation) is working on plans to designate various areas in Suriname as economic zones. These include areas where many shops and other commercial activities are concentrated.
This was announced by Minister Andrew Baasaron on Wednesday, ahead of the meeting of the Raad van Ministers (Council of Ministers). According to Baasaron, his ministry is working with Grondbeleid en Bosbeheer (GBB; Land Policy and Forest Management) and Openbare Werken en Ruimtelijke Ordening (OWRO; Public Works and Spatial Planning) on the Wet Ruimtelijke Ordening (Spatial Planning Act).
In that context, an assessment is being made of which areas qualify to be designated as economic zones. “We are now looking at where these economic zones should be located,” the minister said. He named Paranam, Albina and Nickerie as possible locations. Areas in Paramaribo are also being considered, particularly in residential neighbourhoods where many commercial activities take place.
By designating economic zones, the government aims to create more order in the establishment of shops and other businesses. According to Baasaron, there are several areas across the country that could qualify for this. “These areas must become a trade facility; we must start trading,” he stressed.
Suriname as an international trade hub
The minister also sees opportunities to make better use of Suriname’s strategic geographical location for international trade. He pointed out that, according to him, some countries earn billions every month by importing and reselling goods. According to Baasaron, Suriname could play a larger role as a trade hub, with goods imported from countries to the south and then exported to other parts of the world.
Neighbourhood surveys for shop permits must improve
In addition to the plans for economic zones, the ministry also wants to improve procedures for issuing shop permits. Baasaron acknowledged that neighbourhood surveys, which are part of the permit process, are not always handled carefully. “Sometimes only two neighbours are interviewed and sometimes, if you are unlucky, one neighbour is not at home,” the minister said.
According to him, such situations can frustrate local residents because they feel insufficiently involved in decision-making on the establishment of shops in their area. To address these problems, EZOTI is working on digitising the procedures and providing clearer guidelines for conducting neighbourhood surveys. “We are digitising the processes and providing better guidelines on how neighbourhood surveys should be conducted,” Baasaron said.
