The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) celebrated its 2nd Anniversary on Friday evening, the 13th of March, while officially launching the International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname 2026, during a high-level event held at the Assuria High Rise Event Center Tower B in Paramaribo.
The gathering brought together government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector leaders, international partners, and members of the business community, reflecting SGCC’s growing role as a platform for regional trade, investment dialogue, and cross-border collaboration between Suriname and Guyana.
The evening served both as a celebration of SGCC’s achievements over the past two years and as a strategic moment to formally introduce the International Business Conference Suriname 2026, scheduled for 13-15 October 2026 in Paramaribo.
Now entering its 4th edition, IBC has established itself as a key regional platform for business engagement, investment dialogue, and cross-border collaboration, particularly between the rapidly evolving economies of Suriname and Guyana.
The 2026 conference will be held under the theme:
“From Energy to Industry: Investing in the Suriname–Guyana Value Chain.”
The theme reflects the growing economic opportunities emerging from the energy sector and the broader industrial ecosystem that supports it, including infrastructure, logistics, manufacturing, services, and regional trade.
Through keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and curated networking opportunities, IBC Suriname 2026 will focus on how businesses and investors can participate in developing the Suriname–Guyana value chain while fostering sustainable economic growth and regional integration.
As host of the conference, SGCC will offer its members a 50% discount on conference passes, alongside a limited early bird registration rate, providing businesses with enhanced access to one of the region’s leading investment and networking platforms.
Strengthening Regional Business Cooperation
Opening the evening, Ms. Minoushi Filemon, Country Lead of SGCC, welcomed guests and highlighted the significance of the moment for the Chamber and its growing network of stakeholders.
“Tonight represents more than an anniversary. It reflects the progress we have made in creating a platform where businesses, policymakers, and investors can engage and explore opportunities between Suriname, Guyana, and the wider region,” Filemon stated.
Ms.Filemon noted that SGCC remains committed to facilitating connections that lead to tangible economic opportunities and regional collaboration.
“The launch of the International Business Conference Suriname 2026 marks an important step in positioning Suriname as a destination for regional dialogue, strategic partnerships, and investment engagement.”
Two Years of SGCC Growth
Reflecting on the Chamber’s progress, Mr. Rahul Lildhar, Chief Executive Officer of SGCC, highlighted the organization’s rapid development as a regional business platform.
“In just two years, SGCC has grown into a credible platform connecting companies, governments, and international stakeholders,” Lildhar remarked. “Our focus remains on strengthening trade and investment relations between Suriname and Guyana while creating opportunities for businesses to engage with the region’s evolving economic landscape.”
He emphasized that hosting IBC Suriname 2026 represents an important next step in strengthening Suriname’s position within the regional business landscape.
“IBC will bring together key stakeholders from across industries and regions. It will provide a platform where businesses can engage directly with investors, policymakers, and decision-makers while exploring new opportunities for collaboration and growth.”
Building a Regional Economic Platform
Providing strategic perspective, Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Chairman of SGCC, emphasized that the Chamber was established as a bridge connecting two rapidly evolving economies.
“Suriname and Guyana are entering a defining moment in their economic development,” Dr. Doerga stated. “The scale of transformation taking place across our region requires strong platforms capable of connecting opportunity with investment, expertise, and innovation.”
He added that SGCC plays an important role in translating economic opportunities into meaningful partnerships.
“Our objective is not simply to host events, but to build a framework that supports sustainable business collaboration and regional growth for years to come.”
Dr. Doerga also formally announced the International Business Conference Suriname 2026, which is expected to attract regional and international investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.
“IBC Suriname 2026 will serve as a premier platform for dialogue, partnerships, and investment opportunities, positioning Suriname within the regional and international business landscape.”
International and Private Sector Collaboration
Representing the international conference partner, Ms. Roxana Barron, Operations & Office Manager for GEP Americas, highlighted the importance of global collaboration.
“IBC Suriname 2026 will connect Suriname with a global network of investors, businesses, and decision-makers,” Barron stated. “We are excited to partner with SGCC in delivering a conference that will showcase Suriname’s economic potential.”
The event also highlighted the importance of private sector partnerships. Mr. Ryan Rozenblad, Senior Commercial Manager at Assuria, emphasized that collaboration between businesses and institutions is essential for economic growth.
“Platforms such as SGCC demonstrate how partnerships can contribute to strengthening the regional business ecosystem,” Rozenblad noted.
Aligning Public and Private Sector for Investment
Addressing the importance of investment promotion, Mr. Preshant Awadhpersad, Director of Investment Promotion at SITA, spoke about the role of collaboration in attracting sustainable investment.
“Suriname is entering an important phase of economic development,” Awadhpersad stated. “By strengthening alignment between government institutions, the private sector, and international partners, we can create an environment that attracts investment while supporting long-term economic growth.”
Government Vision for Economic Development
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Andrew Baasaron, Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation, highlighted the government’s priorities in strengthening Suriname’s economic landscape.
“Suriname is actively positioning itself to take advantage of emerging regional and global opportunities,” Minister Baasaron noted. “Partnerships with organizations such as SGCC are important in connecting our local business community with regional and international markets.
Events like the International Business Conference Suriname create valuable platforms where dialogue, collaboration, and investment opportunities can converge,” he noted. “Such initiatives contribute directly to strengthening Suriname’s economic development and its position within the regional business landscape.”
He further emphasized that initiatives such as IBC Suriname 2026 create valuable platforms for investment dialogue, collaboration, and economic engagement.
Celebrating SGCC’s Milestone
The evening concluded with a ceremonial toast delivered by Mrs. Liselle Blankendal, one of the founding members of SGCC, celebrating the Chamber’s achievements and future vision.
“What began as a vision to strengthen business ties between Suriname and Guyana has evolved into a growing platform for regional collaboration,” Blankendal remarked. “The progress achieved over the past two years demonstrates the importance of building bridges between businesses, governments, and investors.”
Looking Ahead to IBC Suriname 2026
The International Business Conference Suriname 2026, scheduled for 13-15 October 2026, is expected to bring together regional and international investors, policymakers, and business leaders to explore opportunities across key sectors and strengthen economic partnerships.
As Suriname continues to expand its role within the regional economy, SGCC aims to create platforms that connect businesses, investors, and policymakers while supporting sustainable economic growth and regional cooperation.
Please visit the International Conference 2026 Website for reference: https://www.surinamebusinessconference.com/
