During a high-level meeting in Paramaribo on June 26, the Chamber and President Simons discussed practical measures to deepen bilateral cooperation between the neighbouring countries, with a focus on facilitating trade, attracting investment, improving transport links and fostering sustainable economic growth.
According to the Chamber, the discussions reflected “a shared appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring countries and the importance of deepening collaboration in ways that deliver tangible benefits for businesses, investors and citizens.”
The SGCC said both sides recognised that Guyana and Suriname, buoyed by expanding oil and gas industries and complementary economies, are uniquely positioned to become one of the Caribbean’s strongest economic partnerships.
A key feature of the meeting was the Chamber’s presentation of its vision for the fourth International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname, scheduled for October 2026. The conference is expected to bring together heads of government, investors, development institutions and private sector leaders to promote investment opportunities and forge new commercial partnerships across Suriname, Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
The Chamber said the conference is intended to serve as a catalyst for investment promotion while showcasing emerging opportunities in sectors poised for regional growth. President Simons welcomed the initiative and recognised its continued contribution to Suriname’s investment agenda.
SGCC Board of Directors with Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings Simons
Another major proposal centred on the future of the Canawaima Ferry service, the principal maritime link connecting South Drain, Suriname, and Moleson Creek, Guyana.
The Chamber presented a public-private partnership management proposal designed to improve the ferry’s operational efficiency, financial sustainability and commercial viability while enhancing services for businesses, commuters and border communities that depend on the crossing.
The Chamber reaffirmed its readiness to continue working with the relevant authorities as discussions on the proposal advance.
Regional transportation infrastructure also featured prominently, with the proposed Corentyne River Bridge highlighted alongside improvements to the Canawaima Ferry service as critical projects capable of transforming trade and the movement of people and goods between the two countries.
Recognising that competitiveness extends beyond transport infrastructure, the Chamber also offered its support for initiatives to modernise financial systems, strengthen investment readiness, simplify business procedures and improve the overall ease of doing business.
The discussions extended to several sectors identified as having significant potential for bilateral growth, including fisheries, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, education, construction, renewable energy, aviation, logistics and infrastructure.
The fisheries industry received particular attention because of its importance to employment, food security and cross-border commerce. The Chamber called for continued dialogue between government agencies and private sector stakeholders to provide greater clarity and regulatory certainty while encouraging responsible investment and value-added production.
It also advocated stronger logistics and transport connections beyond the Guyana-Suriname corridor, identifying expanded commercial linkages with Brazil and other Caribbean markets as key to increasing exports, reducing business costs and positioning both countries as strategic gateways for regional trade.
To further facilitate cross-border commerce, the Chamber proposed completing a bilateral double taxation agreement, improving investment frameworks and providing greater regulatory certainty for companies operating in both jurisdictions.
According to the SGCC, the meeting reinforced the value of sustained public-private dialogue in translating economic opportunities into measurable outcomes.
“As neighbouring countries with complementary economies and growing regional influence, Suriname and Guyana are well positioned to build a stronger economic partnership grounded in practical collaboration, mutual respect and shared prosperity,” the Chamber said.
The Chamber expressed appreciation to President Geerlings-Simons for the opportunity to discuss its proposals and reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside governments, investors and the private sector to advance sustainable economic growth and regional integration.
Established to strengthen commercial ties between Guyana and Suriname, the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce promotes bilateral trade and investment through advocacy, trade missions, business networking, strategic partnerships and market access initiatives designed to support private sector growth and deepen economic cooperation between the two neighbouring states.
