During my interview with the Minister of Economic Affairs on Wednesday, he indicated that 0.4 per cent of the total budget has been allocated to his ministry. According to the minister, this amounts to approximately SRD 280 million.
This means that of every SRD 100 in the budget, only 40 cents is intended for Economic Affairs. A small share for a ministry from which we expect much. Especially now that we are talking about oil and gas, local content and the opportunities for Surinamese entrepreneurs.
SRD 280 million sounds like a large amount. But how much of it goes to salaries and fixed costs? How much remains available to actually support entrepreneurs? And what results must be achieved with it?
Entrepreneurs must be prepared
Local content means that Surinamese companies and workers can participate and benefit. To do so, our entrepreneurs must be prepared. They must know which contracts will become available, which quality requirements they must meet and how they can access financing. Permits, training and guidance must also be in order.
A small entrepreneur cannot automatically compete with a large foreign company that has capital, experience and specialised staff. The government must help reduce that disadvantage.
That preparation must take place now. Once contracts have been awarded and agreements concluded, it becomes more difficult to still secure a place.
From ambitions to concrete support
It must therefore become clear how that approximately SRD 280 million aligns with the tasks and ambitions of Economic Affairs. What support will additionally be available through other ministries and programmes? And how much money actually reaches the entrepreneurs who need to prepare?
More money is no guarantee of better policy. There must be concrete plans, clear deadlines and measurable results. Entrepreneurs must be able to see what the policy means for their businesses.
We cannot keep saying that Surinamese people must benefit from oil and gas without investing sufficiently in their preparation.
Local content must become visible in contracts, jobs and businesses that can grow.
