About Us

Welcome to the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, the beacon of trade facilitation and economic partnership between Suriname and Guyana. Established with the vision of strengthening the economic ties and fostering a vibrant business environment, our Chamber serves as a bridge connecting businesses, governments, and communities across our two nations and the Caribbean.

Our History

SGCC Timeline

2022

Establishment of the SGCC

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) was founded in 2022 on a shared vision of economic cooperation between Suriname and Guyana and was initiated by Ambassador Liselle Blankendal (Suriname Ambassador to Guyana) and Dr. Vishnu Doerga. This groundbreaking collaboration, championed by key government figures from both Suriname and Guyana, aimed not only to strengthen economic ties but also to set a new standard for regional cooperation.

Initial Phase

Formation of the Startup Committee

The initial phase saw the formation of a dedicated startup committee, a diverse group of enthusiastic and visionary members from companies across both nations. From Guyana, representatives from Floor It Guyana, M. Sookhai & Co, Guyana Port Inc, and Glasgow Law Firm joined forces with Suriname's Creative Tech Hub Caribbean, Optiek Ninon, Fernandes Group, and Elgawa Suriname. Their dedication laid the groundwork for what would become a beacon of hope for businesses in both countries.

January 2024

Milestone

January 2024 marked a significant milestone with the chamber's first Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election. A board of directors was chosen, representing an equitable mix of business leaders from both Suriname and Guyana, further emphasizing the chamber's commitment to bipartisan and binational cooperation. This commitment was underscored by appointing Mr. Rahul Lildhar as CEO, who was given the responsibility of guiding the SGCC towards its grand objectives.

Today

The SGCC: A Dynamic Platform for Growth

Today, the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce is more than just an organization; it is a dynamic platform for growth, a nurturer of opportunities, and a catalyst for economic transformation. We owe our existence and success to the visionary leadership of our founders, the dedication of our startup committee, and the unwavering support of our member businesses.

Guyana (2024–2025)

Guyana continues to lead global economic growth, posting a record-breaking 43.6% real GDP increase in 2024, fueled by a 57.7% surge in oil production to around 616,000 bpd, alongside a 13%+ expansion in non-oil sectors . With oil output expected to reach approximately 674,000 bpd in 2025 and real GDP projected to grow at a robust 14% annually over the next five years, Guyana’s oil-driven prosperity is also driving broader infrastructure development and non-oil diversification

Suriname (2024–2025)

Suriname’s economy rebounded in 2024, with early estimates indicating a 3.05% GDP growth, steered by investment gains and a recovering commodity sector. While offshore oil projects have been progressing, supported by Staatsolie’s domestic oil output (about 10% of GDP), commercial production is still emerging. Forecasts for 2025 estimate growth of around 3.2%, with Suriname poised for greater future gains as its oil sector matures. Suriname’s first FID of US$10.5 billion and a highly anticipated second FID on the way signal a new dawn for the nation.

BRIDGING THE GAP - WHAT LED TO THE FORMATION OF SGCC

Despite our geographic proximity, shared CARICOM membership, and complementary economies, Suriname and Guyana have historically lacked a structured platform for private sector collaboration. While both nations experienced rapid shifts, driven by oil discoveries, infrastructure growth, and evolving regional trade dynamics, the absence of consistent cross-border coordination left significant opportunities untapped.

Businesses on both sides faced logistical, regulatory, and connectivity barriers that hindered trade and investment. Recognizing this gap, the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) was established in 2023 to formalize dialogue, strengthen bilateral ties, and serve as a unified voice for the private sector across both markets.

2022

Establishment of the SGCC

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) was founded in 2022 on a shared vision of economic cooperation between Suriname and Guyana and was initiated by Ambassador Liselle Blankendal (Suriname Ambassador to Guyana) and Dr. Vishnu Doerga. This groundbreaking collaboration, championed by key government figures from both Suriname and Guyana, aimed not only to strengthen economic ties but also to set a new standard for regional cooperation.

Initial Phase

Formation of the Startup Committee

The initial phase saw the formation of a dedicated startup committee, a diverse group of enthusiastic and visionary members from companies across both nations. From Guyana, representatives from Floor It Guyana, M. Sookhai & Co, Guyana Port Inc, and Glasgow Law Firm joined forces with Suriname's Creative Tech Hub Caribbean, Optiek Ninon, Fernandes Group, and Elgawa Suriname. Their dedication laid the groundwork for what would become a beacon of hope for businesses in both countries.

January 2024

Milestone

January 2024 marked a significant milestone with the chamber's first Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election. A board of directors was chosen, representing an equitable mix of business leaders from both Suriname and Guyana, further emphasizing the chamber's commitment to bipartisan and binational cooperation. This commitment was underscored by appointing Mr. Rahul Lildhar as CEO, who was given the responsibility of guiding the SGCC towards its grand objectives.

Today

The SGCC: A Dynamic Platform for Growth

Today, the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce is more than just an organization; it is a dynamic platform for growth, a nurturer of opportunities, and a catalyst for economic transformation. We owe our existence and success to the visionary leadership of our founders, the dedication of our startup committee, and the unwavering support of our member businesses.

Mission

Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce Inc. aspires to facilitate collaboration, promote investment opportunities, and foster strong partnerships to drive economic growth, strengthen investment relationships, and enhance the prosperity between Guyana and Suriname.

SGCC's Objectives As A Bilateral Business Support Organization

1

Represent the interests of the Surinamese private sector in trade matters in Guyana and the Guyana private sector in trade matters in Suriname.

2

Provide a platform for facilitating the exchange of business ideas and interests, leading to the development of relevant policy positions that safeguard and promote investments.

3

Promote trade and investment opportunities between Guyana and Suriname.

4

Encourage innovation and foster partnerships among members to enhance competitiveness and expand the presence of Surinamese & Guyanese businesses in each other's markets.

5

Develop strategic alliances with stakeholders to advance the chamber's mandate.

6

Generate and disseminate market intelligence and information about potential opportunities.

7

Facilitate capacity-building.

Why SGCC?

Develop strategic alliances with stakeholders
Access our unique platform for Surinamese and Guyanese firms.
Promote and access trade and investment opportunities
We encourage and provide a platform for innovation and partnerships
Strengthen your commercial and diplomatic ties for mutual prosperity
Disseminate and access market intelligence on potential opportunities
Exchange resources, information, and build partnerships
We facilitate capacity-building initiatives for members
We provide tailored business support and advocacy based on your unique needs
We represent our members at regional and international expos and conferences
We feature members weekly via newsletter and blog highlights that reach 2200+ readers
We expand your market reach through B2B matching, representation, and network access