Suriname and Colombia seek to strengthen trade relations with new Chamber of Commerce

The establishment of the Suriname Colombia Chamber was part of a three-day market orientation programme, held from October 27 to 29. During this programme, Colombian entrepreneurs became acquainted with the Surinamese market and explored opportunities for business cooperation.

The organisation was founded by G. Meyer and A. Rozo López-Ferrier and focuses on supporting companies in finding reliable trade partners, understanding laws and regulations and entering new markets.

The focus is not solely on attracting Colombian investment to Suriname, but also on expanding export opportunities for Surinamese entrepreneurs.

Colombia offers opportunities for Surinamese exports

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation (BIS), there are opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, food processing, tourism, healthcare, logistics, oil and gas, infrastructure, energy and business services.

Colombia has more than 52 million inhabitants and imports approximately USD 75 billion worth of goods annually. This makes the country a potential market for Surinamese products.

However, the trade balance between the two countries shows a significant difference. In 2024, Colombia exported more than USD 24 million to Suriname, while Surinamese exports to Colombia amounted to less than USD 1 million in 2022.

Although these figures relate to different years, according to the information provided they point to opportunities to strengthen Suriname’s export position.

Products such as rice, bananas, timber, shrimp and processed food products are cited as potential export products. In addition, cooperation between companies can contribute to knowledge transfer, technological development and the improvement of production processes.

Bouva emphasises importance of local economic benefits

Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation emphasised during the launch that international trade relations must deliver concrete and sustainable benefits for Surinamese society.

According to the minister, foreign investments should not only lead to economic growth, but also to more employment, business contracts and development opportunities for local enterprises.

The government is therefore working on measures aimed at improving the investment climate. These include a proposed new Investment Law, legislation for the establishment of an investment agency and the introduction of a central one-stop desk for investors.

With these measures, the government aims to simplify investment procedures and provide greater clarity and predictability to entrepreneurs.

The proposed Local Content Law must also ensure that Surinamese companies and workers benefit more from foreign investment projects. This includes the use of local suppliers, staff training and the transfer of knowledge and expertise.

Business meetings should lead to cooperation

During the market orientation programme, pre-arranged business discussions and working visits took place. The participating Colombian companies were active in a range of sectors, including healthcare, maritime services, oil and gas, construction, quality control, security, food, beverages, lifestyle and jewellery.

The Suriname Colombia Chamber will continue to guide the entrepreneurs involved in the follow-up to these meetings. It must be examined which contacts can be converted into concrete trade agreements, investments and long-term partnerships.

The establishment of the Chamber is intended to further expand the economic relationship between Suriname and Colombia and provide Surinamese entrepreneurs with better access to the Colombian market.