Suriname business association warns of import and labor hurdles

The Association of Surinamese Business (VSB) is raising concerns regarding regulatory uncertainties that could impact the national economy. The organization has warned of potential delays and increased storage costs due to unclear implementation rules for the modified Negative List, which are set to take effect on November 1, 2026. The VSB has requested urgent clarification from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) regarding required documentation and the coordination between the ministry and Customs.

In a separate effort to support economic expansion, the VSB is also working to identify bottlenecks in the admission of foreign labor. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for specialized personnel in Suriname’s emerging oil, gas, and mining sectors. The association is collecting feedback from its members regarding work and residence permit procedures to advocate for a more efficient and transparent system that can support industrial growth and attract foreign investment.