The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) has welcomed the recent discussions between President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, saying stronger cooperation between the two countries could create new opportunities for regional business and investment.
In a statement on Thursday, the Chamber said the engagement reflects a growing push by both governments to strengthen economic ties, improve connectivity and encourage greater involvement from the private sector.
The virtual meeting between the two leaders was held on May 15 and covered a range of issues, including the fishing industry, movement along the Corentyne River, oil and gas cooperation, flooding, and plans for the Corentyne River bridge.
SGCC noted that continued engagement between the neighbouring states is important for building a more reliable and business-friendly environment for companies operating across both markets.
Following the talks, President Ali said Guyana and Suriname share a “commitment to deepening our partnership and friendship to ensure further economic cooperation, expansion of trade, and integration of our economies.”
President Geerlings-Simons said the discussions focused on “the further strengthening of socio-economic cooperation between Suriname and Guyana”, including work in fisheries, navigation and the energy sector.
The Chamber said closer ties between the countries could support greater investment, easier 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 came against the backdrop of recent tensions over fees imposed on Guyanese vessels travelling along the Corentyne River. The measure has raised concerns among local timber and quarry operators.
Although the issue was not mentioned in a statement from Guyana’s Office of the President, Suriname’s President later indicated publicly that it formed part of the discussions.
Earlier this year, President Ali formally objected to the fee through diplomatic channels, arguing that such measures could negatively affect relations and ongoing cooperation between the two countries. The fishing industry was also raised during the engagement. Guyanese fishermen have long complained about difficulties accessing fishing licences under Suriname’s current laws, which largely restrict licences to Surinamese nationals and companies.
In addition, the two leaders discussed ongoing flooding caused by heavy rainfall in both countries. Guyana recently provided Suriname with two high-capacity pumps to assist with flood relief efforts. Talks also continued on the proposed bridge linking Moleson Creek and South Drain. The project is expected to include a commercial and tourism hub on Long Island and will be built by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), though authorities have not yet announced a signing date for the contract.
Oil and gas collaboration also formed part of the discussions, with both countries continuing to examine 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.
