The recently concluded International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname 2025, hosted by the Suriname/Guyana Chamber of Commerce has been dubbed a “resounding success” as just one week later, the impact of the event continues to be felt, with unprecedented opportunities for investment, strategic partnerships, and economic transformation, a release from the IBC has stated.
IBC Suriname 2025 featured a distinguished lineup of global business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts exploring Suriname’s economic prospects across energy, trade, technology, finance, and infrastructure, the release said.
The conference consisting of three days of intense discussions under the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Suriname” proved to be a nexus of innovation and collaboration with key stakeholders and global investors, fostering high-level discussions that have already catalysed significant cross-border ventures, it added.
The event was inaugurated by Chair of the Suriname/Guyana Chamber of Commerce Dr Vishnu Doerga and followed by the launch of the “Who’s Who in Suriname Business Directory 2025”, a key resource for investors.
Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation Albert Ramdin, delivered the ministerial address, emphasising the country’s commitment to foreign investment and global economic partnerships. A high-level panel featuring regional and international leaders discussed business development through strategic regional cooperation, while President of Afreximbank Professor Benedict Oramah highlighted innovative financing models for sustainable growth, the release said.
Presidential addresses from Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Chandrikapersad Santokhi of Suriname, reinforced the importance of regional collaboration for economic transformation.
The second day of the conference centered on “Doing Business in Suriname”, with a focus on investment leadership, regulatory frameworks, and energy procurement. Key highlights included a presentation by Chief Executive Officer of the Suriname Trade and Investment Agency Amar Alakhramsing highlighting Suriname’s efforts to attract foreign investment, and the launch of the Dutch Heritage Tour by Evergreen Adventures aimed at cross-border tourism between Guyana and Suriname, the release said.
Another was the Senior Director at the Guyana Office for Investment, John Edghill’s presentation which emphasised regional collaboration to drive business growth. Thereafter, a panel on “The Role of the Public Sector and Institutions in Creating and Delivering Value” discussed regulatory improvements, energy diversification, and boosting investor confidence. The day concluded with a Business Matching session and Networking Reception at Rumhuis for further investment discussions, it added.
IBC Suriname 2025 concluded with a powerful focus on finance, investment, and innovation, reinforcing Suriname’s status as a key driver of regional economic growth.
The final day featured high-level discussions with experts, industry leaders, and policymakers exploring private-sector competitiveness, digital transformation, and sustainable development, the release said.
Other highlights included a keynote address by Elizabeth Robberechts of IDB Invest, on the importance of private-sector investment, while a panel on sustainable development strategies, addressed sectors like natural resources, agriculture, and renewable energy. Panels on innovation and digitalisation featured leaders discussing AI, fintech, and digital infrastructure’s role in Suriname’s economic future, while the renewable energy panel focused on integrating clean energy sources.
Delegates lauded the conference for its strategic networking opportunities, actionable insights, and commitment to fostering investment-friendly relations, and as Suriname continues its economic transformation, IBC Suriname 2025 stands as a landmark event that has set the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity, the release added.
The conference was marred by an incident that saw a Surinamese speaker displaying a map that inaccurately depicted Guyana’s New River Triangle area as part of Suriname’s territory.
