The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) was inaugurated on Saturday at the Pegasus Corporate Centre and hailed as a landmark moment in strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Rahul Lildhar, Chief Executive Officer of the SGCC, along with Dr Vishnu Doerga, Chair-man of the SGCC, laid out the chamber’s mission to bolster business and economic relations and advocate for a “seamless economic space between the two countries”, a release from the Chamber said. Doerga stressed professionalism, collaboration and the pursuit of well-researched strategies to tackle challenges in workforce development, financial stability, and cross-border trade efficiency.
This event saw over 150 attendees including Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi; Guyana’s Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister Albert Ramdin and Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning Kermechend Raghoebarsingh.
Santokhi highlighted the potential for joint efforts between the nations, advocating for a structured approach to economic cooperation and the removal of trade barriers, the release said. He also underscored strategic collaborations in areas such as oil and gas, underlining the significance of building a stable, democratic, and economically vibrant region.
Singh highlighted the Corentyne Bridge project as a critical infrastructure development to facilitate trade and pledged the government’s support for the SGCC’s activities.
The release said that Suri-name’s Ambassador here, Liselle Blankendal, played a pivotal role in launching the SGCC.
Moving forward, the SGCC has announced plans to participate in the upcoming energy conference in Suriname from June 4th to 7th. The chamber is inviting Guyanese companies interested in showcasing their products and exploring business opportunities in Suriname to join them in this endeavour.
