China to help Suriname with investment zones

(De Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO –Suriname recently signed an agreement with China for investment in industry zones. Minister Don Tosendjojo of Trade and Industry (HI) says the project aims at creating special zones where large industries can settle. Although the plans are still being studied, it shows the government’s dedication to free residential areas from the burden of having industries and other businesses in their midst.
China is willing to make the investment although no details on the extent of such an investment have been made available by the authorities. Tosendjojo tells de Ware Tijd that the current energy crisis will be included in the feasibility studies since energy is a necessary requirement for creating industry zones.
The authorities have agreed that next to investments by the Chinese, they will be allowed to participate in the industrialization. Tosendjojo promised that Surinamese entrepreneurs will not be left out. With these plans in the pipeline, it is likely the authorities will no longer issue permits to enterprises to settle in residential areas. The fate of the industries that are already operating in residential areas is unclear.
The Suriname Manufacturers Association (ASFA) is happy with the plans which have originated when former HI Ministers Raymond Sapoen and Michael Miskin were in charge. ASFA chairman Wilgo Bilkerdijk hopes that small local entrepreneurs will be able to benefit from the investment and that the government will draft legislation to prevent the entire industry to be dominated by multinationals.
Tosendojojo emphasizes that the industry zones will be located close to waterways for better transport opportunities. Former Minister Sapoen had already chosen a possible location in Para. Assisted by Zonal Planning, HI will look for other locations.