Suriname seeks concrete action on diaspora expertise and new investment law

Suriname has a Diaspora Engagement Policy and a 2024‑2029 action plan that calls for knowledge transfer, technical support and training from its overseas community. Officials say the diaspora’s expertise is welcomed, but implementation has been slow and some professionals encounter suspicion that their involvement could threaten local officials.

At the same time, Surinamese business groups are urging the government to adopt a new Investment Law and to establish the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA). They argue the draft law lacks clear, objective criteria for sector prioritisation and risk‑based incentives, which could lead to arbitrary treatment. The entrepreneurs call for legal certainty, transparent selection processes, equal treatment for local, foreign and diaspora investors, performance‑linked benefits, and stronger protection for small and medium‑sized enterprises.

Both sets of stakeholders stress that concrete, transparent mechanisms are needed to turn policy statements into measurable results for the country’s economic development.