A delegation from state mining company Grassalco is holding talks in Barbados on the export of Surinamese construction materials, international financing and cooperation within the agricultural sector. Through the mission, the company aims to strengthen its position in the regional market and develop new commercial opportunities.
The delegation is led by president-director Johan Seymor. Operational director Berto Sampi, financial director Jerney Noordzee, commissioner Joël Anches and several advisers are also taking part in the visit.
An important topic during the talks is the possible supply of crushed stone, silica sand and other construction materials from Suriname. According to Grassalco, Barbadian senior minister Kerrie Symmonds has indicated that his country is interested in Suriname as a supplier.
Barbados needs construction materials for further infrastructure development, while its own reserves are declining, according to the company. Grassalco sees opportunities in this to position Suriname as a regional supplier of construction materials.
Talks with international banks
The Grassalco delegation also spoke with representatives of the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank. Those present at the meeting included incoming Chief Operating Officer Roy Reid, Okey Ijerika and Afreximbank representative for Suriname Raymond Ward.
The talks concerned trade and project financing, investments, infrastructure development and regional trade. Discussions also covered the development of bankable projects that can support both Grassalco’s growth and Suriname’s economic development.
Grassalco presented its new plans to the bank during the meeting. Afreximbank focuses, among other things, on supporting trade and development projects in Africa and the Caribbean.
In addition, an initial introductory meeting took place with the Caribbean Development Bank. Grassalco aims to cooperate more frequently with regional and international financial institutions to finance profitable projects that are of national importance.
Barbados shows interest in IVP expertise
Cooperation opportunities are also being explored in the agricultural sector. The ministry responsible for agriculture in Barbados has expressed interest in cooperation with InVitroPlants Grassalco N.V., a subsidiary of Grassalco.
Barbados is working on establishing a modern tissue culture laboratory. According to Grassalco, the country wants to draw on InVitroPlants’ knowledge and technical expertise in setting up and commissioning the laboratory.
The cooperation is intended to contribute to the production of high-quality planting material free of diseases and pests. Opportunities are also being explored for the development, import and export of planting material and agricultural products.
The parties aim to record the agreements in a memorandum of understanding in the short term. The cooperation is intended to contribute to strengthening the agricultural sector, food security and regional trade.
Follow-up talks announced
Grassalco says it will continue talks with the authorities and business partners in Barbados, Afreximbank and the Caribbean Development Bank. The company wants to turn the discussed opportunities into trade, investment and financing agreements.
According to Grassalco, the new management is focused on increasing sales, entering new markets and entering into strategic partnerships. In doing so, the state company aims to derive greater economic value from Suriname’s natural resources.
The mission was organised and led by Dawn Simpson, international business development adviser at Grassalco. She was supported by Alphea Wiggins, special envoy of the Prime Minister of Barbados.
