The Second edition of the International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname 2025 comes at a critical juncture for the Caribbean region. His Excellency Conrad Enill, Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to Suriname and Guyana, emphasised the conference’s vital role in shaping a collective vision for regional growth and its potential to drive impactful collaborations.
“Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago are all involved in the energy business, but what separates these countries and makes this moment significant, is the recent discovery of substantial resources in both Guyana and Suriname,” noted Enill. “Trinidad and Tobago has been engaged in energy for a very long time. The ability to bring those reserves together in a way that avoids duplicating capacity is what makes these opportunities so exciting.”
Ambassador Enill stressed the urgency of advancing regional projects, given global climate considerations and evolving funding mechanisms. “Given the climate issues globally, there is pressure on how countries like Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago should pursue development. At some point, financing for these projects may no longer be available. This creates a time pressure, meaning you must do a lot in a short space of time. The only way to achieve that is by bringing together those with the knowledge, expertise, and capital to expand capacity.”
According to Enill, the IBC is not just a conference but a model for responsive collaboration. It brings together key stakeholders, including private sector leaders, policymakers, and members of civil society, to foster dialogue. “What the IBC does is use the information it has gathered from its members and respond to the needs of everyone involved. It’s a platform where the private sector, policymakers, and civil society can engage meaningfully. That kind of communication is critical to understanding and addressing gaps in economies.”
Drawing on Trinidad and Tobago’s extensive experience in energy, Enill highlighted how collaboration could fast-track Suriname’s resource development. “There is a model that suggests Trinidad, with its extra capacity, can contribute to Suriname’s space. That means Suriname can avoid building out large-scale infrastructure by leveraging existing capacity in Trinidad. This allows resources to be monetised faster, creating significant opportunities for all involved.”
Beyond energy, the Ambassador pointed to the broader implications of growth in Guyana and Suriname. “You see infrastructure being put in place, additional housing, increased food and education needs. These developments replicate themselves as economies grow, creating opportunities for individuals to upscale their skills and businesses to expand.”
Discussing the strategic advantages of CARICOM integration, Enill explained how collective efforts could open new global markets. “Guyana and Suriname offer what Trinidad cannot—size.
With size, you can expand production, scale up, and enter markets like India and Africa, which have expressed interest in doing business with the region. Collaboration between Suriname, Guyana, and Trinidad can enable us to compete in these markets in ways we couldn’t individually.”
However, he emphasised that success in the energy sector requires adherence to global standards. “The energy business operates at the highest levels of efficiency and safety. If you don’t meet these standards, you will not succeed. It’s a high-risk industry where mistakes cost lives, so we must ensure our processes and procedures meet globally accepted standards.”
Ambassador Enill underscored the importance of the IBC as a space for stakeholders to align their goals. “If you have an opportunity to bring together local businesses, the government, global players, and academia, this is the place to be. Time is not a resource you can control, so engaging in these conversations now is crucial.”
As Suriname positions itself on the global stage, the IBC 2024 is a timely platform for advancing the Caribbean’s economic agenda. By facilitating critical conversations and fostering regional synergies, the conference is poised to drive transformative growth and long-term collaboration across industries.
