Minister of Finance and Planning Adelien Wijnerman spoke with a World Bank delegation at the end of August about the progress of projects in Suriname and cooperation for the coming years. During the visit, the new Caribbean Country Director, Achim Fock, and the new World Bank representative in Suriname, Juan Carlos Alvarez, were introduced to the minister.
According to the ministry, the Country Partnership Framework 2025–2029 forms the basis for cooperation. It focuses on economic growth, education and skills, climate resilience and strengthening public administration.
An important topic of discussion was Suriname’s access to financing through the International Development Association (IDA), which the country joined in 2024. In 2025, USD 22.2 million was made available through IDA for the SuPER project, which is aimed, among other things, at reducing flood risks. The ministry expects Suriname to receive approximately USD 20 million in IDA funds annually in the coming years. In addition, according to the ministry, the country will be eligible for approximately USD 3 million extra in 2027, after implementing agreed policy measures.
The delegation also discussed the rehabilitation of the Saramaccakanaal system, a project to strengthen the private sector and improve governance in mining, and the further implementation of SuPER. Financial inclusion, poverty research, carbon credits and vocational education were also discussed.
Cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, was also addressed. The IFC concluded a financing agreement of USD 5 million with Finabank this year. According to the ministry, this is the first IFC financing in Suriname in fifteen years. The organisation is also exploring possibilities for a public-private partnership in the expansion and modernisation of the international airport.
Wijnerman said she attaches value to the relationship with the World Bank. She thanked former representative Doretti, who stepped down from her position at the end of August, for her efforts over the past years.
