Suriname seeks international financing for airport development and modernisation

During the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in October 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, a Surinamese delegation held discussions on financing, economic stability, public debt management and the modernisation of the international airport.

Minister Adelien Wijnerman of Finance and Planning and Governor Maurice Roemer of the Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) represented the country at the meeting. They were supported by delegations from their respective institutions.

According to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the discussions focused primarily on securing financing on favourable terms, accelerating ongoing development projects and strengthening technical cooperation with international partners.

IMF continues to provide technical support to Suriname

Although Suriname is currently not implementing an IMF financial support programme, the country continues to make use of technical assistance and capacity building through the fund and the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC).

During discussions with IMF management and the Fiscal Affairs Department, the implementation of the new Comptabiliteitswet was among the matters addressed. The IMF has indicated that it will make its expertise available to support Suriname in this process.

Wijnerman and Roemer also participated in the Caribbean Ministerial Meeting, chaired by IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva. During this meeting, Caribbean countries discussed their economic challenges and the support needed to make regional economies more resilient.

Public-private partnership for airport modernisation

An important topic during the international discussions was the modernisation of Suriname’s international airport.

Together with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, possibilities are being explored to finance and implement the project through a public-private partnership (PPP).

Under such an arrangement, the government and private investors work together on the development, financing or operation of infrastructure.

According to the ministry, it is also being examined whether such forms of cooperation can be applied to other infrastructure projects.

World Bank and IDB urged to implement projects more quickly

Representatives of the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) discussed the progress of ongoing development projects and further cooperation, including in the education and tourism sectors.

The Surinamese delegation emphasised that already available financing must be used more quickly.

According to the ministry, it is important that approved projects are actually implemented, so that investments generate benefits for society within a reasonable period.

Housing construction, infrastructure and sustainable economic development are also among the sectors for which Suriname is seeking further international cooperation.

Consultations with United States on financial management

The delegation also held discussions with representatives of the United States Department of the Treasury on expanding technical cooperation.

Attention was given to financial management, institutional strengthening and improving public administration.

Suriname will prepare an overview of the areas in which additional technical support is needed. This is to form the basis for further agreements with the US authorities.

Minister Wijnerman also participated in a United Nations-organised meeting of finance ministers on the future of international tax cooperation.

Central to the discussions were agreements on the taxation of cross-border services and the prevention and resolution of international tax disputes. Negotiations on the new international framework are scheduled to be concluded in September 2027.

International interest in Surinamese economy

The management of Suriname’s public debt was also addressed during the annual meeting. Director-General Charlene Soentik of the Bureau voor de Staatsschuld participated in the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable.

This international consultation platform focuses on improving debt management, increasing transparency and making procedures for debt restructuring more efficient.

In addition, a meeting was held with existing international investors, during which recent economic and financial developments in Suriname were explained.

According to the ministry, investors showed interest in the opportunities offered by the Surinamese economy. Various international organisations and companies have also expressed interest in technical cooperation in the areas of public finances, public debt management, climate issues and tax reforms.

Concrete implementation must now follow

The Ministry of Finance and Planning considers participation in the annual meeting an opportunity to further strengthen relations with international financial institutions and development partners.

According to the ministry, the discussions have provided starting points for additional financing, institutional strengthening and the implementation of investment projects.

The coming period must show to what extent the initiatives discussed are translated into concrete agreements and projects. The ministry will work with the relevant line ministries and government institutions on further follow-up.

The ultimate objective is for international cooperation to contribute to economic stability, improved public services and sustainable development in Suriname.

Source: Ministry of Finance and Planning. The annual meeting took place from 12 to 18 October 2026, as confirmed by the IMF.