The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), in partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), today successfully concluded the Suriname segment of the TTMA Trade & Investment Mission to Guyana and Suriname 2026, bringing together 58 delegates representing more than 30 Trinidad and Tobago companies for a day of structured business engagement, networking, and market exploration activities.
Facilitated and organized locally by SGCC, the mission builds upon the success of the 2025 edition, which facilitated more than 350 SGCC-curated business-to-business meetings across Guyana and Suriname, generated over US$300 million in reported business opportunities, and led to numerous distributorship arrangements, partnerships, and joint venture discussions.
Building on that momentum, the 2026 mission facilitated more than 250 business-to-business meetings in Guyana and over 230 business-to-business meetings in Suriname, connecting participating companies with carefully selected distributors, manufacturers, retailers, importers, service providers, investors, buyers, suppliers, government agencies, and strategic partners.
This year’s mission welcomed a delegation of 58 participants representing more than 30 Trinidad and Tobago companies across sectors including manufacturing, food and beverage processing, retail and distribution, construction and infrastructure, engineering, logistics, energy services, fisheries, cosmetics, consumer goods, technology, and professional services.
The Suriname programme commenced with a series of SGCC-curated business-to-business meetings held at the Royal Torarica Ballroom. The programme was the culmination of several months of consultation, company profiling, stakeholder engagement, and matchmaking undertaken by SGCC and TTMA to better understand the products, services, expansion goals, and partnership interests of participating companies and identify suitable opportunities within the Surinamese market.
Throughout the day, delegates participated in pre-arranged meetings designed to facilitate commercial discussions ranging from distributorship arrangements and representation agreements to procurement opportunities, service contracts, strategic alliances, investment partnerships, and joint venture opportunities. The engagements provided participants with valuable market insights while creating a platform for meaningful dialogue and long-term business relationship development.
The day’s activities culminated with the Suriname Mission Closing Networking Cocktail Reception, held at the Banquet Hall of Torarica Resort, bringing together mission delegates, government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector leaders, and stakeholders to celebrate the successful completion of the mission and further strengthen regional business relationships.
Welcoming guests to the reception, SGCC Country Lead (Suriname), Ms. Minoushi Filemon, emphasized that the mission represented far more than a series of business meetings and networking opportunities. Reflecting on the day’s business engagements, Ms. Filemon noted the transformative potential of the connections established throughout the mission
“This evening represents much more than a networking reception. It represents the strengthening of regional relationships, the creation of new opportunities, and the shared commitment of Caribbean businesses to work together, invest together, and grow together. Every meeting represents a potential partnership. Every introduction represents a potential investment. Every conversation creates new opportunities for regional growth.”
Speaking on behalf of Republic Bank Suriname N.V., sponsor of the Closing Networking Cocktail Reception, Managing Director Mr. Damien Barnes reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting initiatives that facilitate entrepreneurship, trade, investment, and private sector development throughout the region. He highlighted the importance of fostering stronger commercial relationships and creating platforms that enable businesses to explore opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Delivering SGCC’s host remarks, Director Mr. Brian Imambaks underscored the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to serving as a bridge between regional markets and facilitating meaningful business connections that contribute to economic growth, investment, and private sector development across Guyana, Suriname, and the wider Caribbean.
SGCC Operations Manager Mrs. Saudia Persaud and incoming chief executive officer reflected on the continued growth of the mission and highlighted the increasing interest among regional companies seeking opportunities within the Guyana-Suriname corridor. She noted that the programme continues to demonstrate the value of deliberate matchmaking, stakeholder engagement, and structured business facilitation in translating commercial interest into tangible opportunities and partnership.
Speaking on behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association, Director and Corporate Secretary Mr. Jonathan Garcia expressed appreciation to SGCC for its continued partnership and facilitation of the mission. He highlighted the importance of initiatives that connect Caribbean businesses with emerging opportunities throughout the region and encouraged participants to capitalize on the relationships established throughout the week. Mr. Garcia further emphasized the critical role of regional collaboration in driving business growth, expanding commercial opportunities, and strengthening Caribbean business networks.
Delivering diplomatic remarks, H.E. Ambassador Virjanand Depoo, Ambassador of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to Suriname, highlighted the growing economic relationship between Guyana and Suriname and emphasized the important role of private sector engagement in advancing regional development. He noted that initiatives such as the TTMA Trade & Investment Mission create practical platforms through which businesses can identify opportunities, establish partnerships, and contribute to deeper regional integration.
A major highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by The Honourable Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname, whose participation underscored the Government of Suriname’s continued engagement with the private sector and support for initiatives that strengthen regional trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Bouva highlighted the importance of deeper regional collaboration and stronger economic partnerships among Caribbean nations. He emphasized the role of the private sector as a key driver of economic development and reaffirmed Suriname’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for trade, investment, innovation, and sustainable growth throughout the region.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Minoushi Filemon, who expressed appreciation to the Government of Suriname, Republic Bank Suriname N.V., TTMA, participating companies, stakeholders, and partners whose support contributed to the successful execution of the mission.
SGCC and TTMA also extended their appreciation to Torarica Resort, venue partner for the Suriname programme, for hosting both the business-to-business meetings at the Royal Torarica Ballroom and the Closing Networking Cocktail Reception at the Banquet Hall.
The successful completion of the 2026 Trade & Investment Mission further reinforces SGCC and TTMA’s shared commitment to strengthening regional trade, facilitating cross-border investment, and creating sustainable business opportunities throughout Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the wider Caribbean.
