Guyana: SGCC welcomes Guyana-Suriname talks, says stronger ties can boost business opportunities

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) has expressed support for the recent discussions between President Dr. Irfaan Ali of Guyana and President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of Suriname. The Chamber stated that stronger cooperation between the two countries could create new opportunities for regional business and investment.

In a statement released on Thursday, SGCC noted that the engagement reflects a growing initiative by both governments to enhance economic ties, improve connectivity, and encourage greater involvement from the private sector. The virtual meeting, held on May 15, addressed various topics, including the fishing industry, navigation along the Corentyne River, oil and gas cooperation, flooding, and plans for the Corentyne River bridge.

SGCC emphasized that ongoing engagement between the neighboring states is crucial for establishing a more reliable and business-friendly environment for companies operating in both markets. Following the discussions, President Ali remarked on the shared commitment between Guyana and Suriname to deepen their partnership and friendship, aiming for further economic cooperation, trade expansion, and economic integration.

President Geerlings-Simons highlighted that the talks focused on strengthening socio-economic cooperation, particularly in fisheries, navigation, and the energy sector. The Chamber noted that closer ties could facilitate greater investment, smoother movement of goods and services, stronger supply chains, and more joint business ventures. It also welcomed plans to involve private sector stakeholders more directly in future cooperation efforts.

The meeting occurred amid recent tensions regarding fees imposed on Guyanese vessels traveling along the Corentyne River, which have raised concerns among local timber and quarry operators. Although this issue was not explicitly mentioned in the statement from Guyana’s Office of the President, it was later acknowledged by President Geerlings-Simons as part of the discussions.

Earlier this year, President Ali formally objected to the fee through diplomatic channels, arguing that such measures could negatively impact relations and ongoing cooperation between the two nations. The fishing industry was also a significant topic, as Guyanese fishermen have expressed challenges in obtaining fishing licenses under Suriname’s current regulations, which primarily restrict licenses to Surinamese nationals and companies.

Additionally, the leaders discussed ongoing flooding issues caused by heavy rainfall in both countries. Guyana has recently provided Suriname with two high-capacity pumps to aid in flood relief efforts. The proposed bridge linking Moleson Creek and South Drain was also a topic of discussion, with plans for a commercial and tourism hub on Long Island, to be constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), although a contract signing date has yet to be announced.

Oil and gas collaboration was another focus of the discussions, with both countries exploring opportunities for joint energy development and related projects. According to Guyana’s Office of the President, both sides agreed to work towards advancing several of the matters discussed within the next three months.

Source: snn.gy

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