The meeting, the Regional Policy Dialogue on Trade, Investment and Competitiveness, took place in Panama City on 20 October 2026. Representatives of 22 countries took part in the consultations, during which the LAC Investment Network was officially launched. This platform is intended to strengthen cooperation between countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in the field of investment promotion.
According to IDB figures, the economy of Latin America and the Caribbean grew by an average of 1.8 percent per year over the past ten years. In Asia, average annual growth during the same period was 4.5 percent. With the new network, the IDB aims to contribute to a more attractive investment climate, more foreign investment and a stronger competitive position for the region.
The network focuses, among other things, on knowledge exchange, sharing successful practical examples and developing joint initiatives.
Bouva emphasises importance of regional cooperation
Minister Bouva expressed his support for the initiative during the launch. According to him, the network offers opportunities to jointly address economic challenges and make better use of investment opportunities.
“Suriname is fully committed to the success of this network,” the minister stated. “Through cooperation and concrete action, the network can deliver tangible results for our countries and become an example for other regions.”
Bouva further emphasised that reforms depend not only on policy measures and strong institutions, but also on sufficient expertise and implementation capacity within participating countries.
“Successful reforms require sound policy and strong institutions, but also local capacity and expertise. Suriname wants to build that capacity together with the region,” the minister said.
Four priorities for improving the investment climate
According to the ministry, Suriname is working on various reforms to make the country more attractive to foreign investors.
More than a year ago, with IDB support, a self-assessment was conducted under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement.
Based on the reform agenda, the government is focusing on four key areas:
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Modernisation of investment legislation: adjustment of the legal framework to better facilitate investments.
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Strengthening investment promotion: improvement of the national organisation responsible for promoting trade and investment.
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Better cooperation between government agencies: strengthening coordination between ministries and relevant institutions.
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Digitalisation of procedures: development of a digital platform allowing investors to complete administrative procedures more easily.
With these measures, the government aims to reduce obstacles for investors and improve services for businesses.
Consultations with IDB on investment programme
Following the regional meeting, Minister Bouva held bilateral talks with an IDB delegation. The progress of the Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program (SU-L1056), which is supported by the development bank, was discussed.
This programme is aimed at promoting foreign investment and strengthening Suriname’s export opportunities.
In addition to Minister Bouva, Manodj Hindori, policy adviser for SITA and trade and investment affairs, was also part of the Surinamese delegation.
No details were disclosed about concrete new investment agreements or financial commitments resulting from the meeting.
