Noersalim sees major opportunities in agricultural cooperation with the Philippines

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, cooperation with the Philippines could offer new opportunities for the further development of Suriname’s agricultural sector. Minister Mike Noersalim received Philippine Ambassador Patrick John Hilado for talks on areas in which both countries can share knowledge, technology and experience. The discussions focused primarily on rice production, aquaculture and technological innovation.

Ambassador Hilado said he was interested in strengthening ties through joint projects and technical exchanges. According to the diplomat, opportunities exist in rice research, the application of modern production methods and the development of local industries. Coconut processing was also mentioned as an area in which experience from the Philippines could potentially be useful to entrepreneurs and producers in Suriname.

For Suriname, the discussions come at a time when the agricultural sector faces several challenges. Producers are dealing with high costs, a need for modernization, limited processing of agricultural raw materials and the need to make production more sustainable. International cooperation can provide knowledge, but its ultimate value will depend on the extent to which discussions are translated into concrete programmes, investments and support for producers.

Cooperation with the Philippines focuses on rice and technology

Rice is one of the sectors in which cooperation with the Philippines can be further explored. The Philippines has specialized knowledge institutions, including the Philippine Rice Research Institute, which is engaged in research, development and technology for rice production. For Suriname, exchanges in this area may be relevant for seed development, mechanization, climate-resilient production and more efficient use of agricultural inputs.

Suriname’s rice sector, which plays an important economic role particularly in Nickerie, has been under pressure for some time. Farmers regularly point to rising production costs, water management problems and uncertainty over crop prices. Minister Noersalim has previously indicated that the government can help improve conditions, while market parties must also reach workable agreements themselves. Against that background, technical cooperation may be particularly valuable if it leads to higher productivity and lower costs.

Aquaculture and sustainable fisheries on the agenda

In addition to agriculture and rice production, the talks addressed aquaculture and sustainable fisheries. Suriname has natural potential for the development of fisheries and fish farming, but further growth requires investments in knowledge, production, processing, quality control and access to markets. It has not been announced which specific projects are being prepared in this area or when any follow-up agreements will be made.

Cooperation with the Philippines fits within LVV’s broader efforts to attract foreign knowledge and technology. The ministry has also held discussions with international partners in recent months on agriculture, fisheries, irrigation, research and innovation. For example, Key News previously reported on talks with Indonesia on cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture.

International knowledge only gains value when it becomes visible in the field and in production.

Local processing can generate greater economic value

Another topic discussed was the development of local processing, including coconut-based products. The underlying principle is that Suriname can derive greater value from agricultural products when raw materials are not only cultivated, but also processed locally. This can create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, new jobs and products intended for both the domestic market and export.

Minister Noersalim stated that cooperation with international partners can contribute to food security, more environmentally friendly agricultural practices and the stimulation of local industry. According to him, such developments can not only strengthen the agricultural economy, but ultimately also benefit consumers and producers. “Together, we can work to improve food security, promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices and stimulate local industries,” Noersalim said. The minister expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s interest and his willingness to further explore opportunities for cooperation.

Cooperation with the Philippines still needs to be made concrete

Although LVV describes the talks as promising, no financial amounts, project locations, implementation dates or formal agreements have yet been announced. It is also not yet clear which Surinamese producers, research institutions or companies will be involved in possible projects. For the time being, cooperation with the Philippines therefore remains primarily in the phase of exploration and diplomatic consultations.

For the agricultural sector, the key issue will therefore be what follow-up steps emerge from the discussions. Knowledge exchange may consist of training, demonstration projects, joint research or support for new production techniques. Investments may also be needed to actually apply technology, especially when producers themselves lack sufficient capital to finance machinery, infrastructure or modern production systems.

Food security remains an important policy objective

The focus on international cooperation is in line with the broader discussion on food security in Suriname. The country has extensive agricultural land and freshwater resources, but still imports various food products and agricultural inputs. Increasing local production, improving productivity and expanding processing can contribute to greater resilience against price increases and disruptions in international markets.

At the same time, sustainable growth requires more than foreign contacts alone. Farmers and fishers need good infrastructure, affordable financing, reliable water supplies, technical guidance, properly functioning inspection bodies and predictable policy. New international partnerships can complement that policy, but will primarily be assessed on concrete results for producers and the economy.

Follow-up must show what Suriname stands to gain

The ministry sees the meeting as a step in strengthening international ties and expects that further cooperation can contribute to more resilient agriculture and fisheries. According to LVV, cooperation with the Philippines offers prospects for knowledge sharing on rice, aquaculture, technology and processing, but nothing has yet been announced about a formal implementation programme.

The coming period will have to show whether the talks lead to agreements that have a measurable effect on production, costs, quality and new economic activities. For Surinamese farmers, fishers and entrepreneurs, the main issue is how quickly diplomatic interest is translated into practical support and which sectors will be considered first for joint projects.