Suriname joins LAC Investment Network to boost regional trade

Suriname participated in the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Regional Policy Dialogue held on October 20. The meeting, attended by 22 countries, marked the launch of the LAC Investment Network, a regional platform designed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and competitiveness.

Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation expressed Suriname's commitment to the network. The initiative aims to help countries improve their investment climates, attract foreign investment, and increase exports through knowledge sharing and joint initiatives. This comes as the IDB reports that the Latin American and Caribbean economy grew by an average of 1.8 percent annually over the last decade, compared to 4.5 percent in Asia.

Suriname is currently pursuing a reform agenda following a self-evaluation conducted with IDB support under the WTO Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. Key priorities include modernizing investment legislation, strengthening trade promotion, improving inter-agency coordination, and simplifying administrative procedures through digital platforms.