SGCC Meets with Her Excellency President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons to Advance Bilateral Cooperation and Private Sector Priorities

July 14, 2026•4 min read

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) was honoured to meet with Her Excellency President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons to discuss matters of strategic importance to the future of economic cooperation between the Republic of Suriname and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The engagement reflected a shared appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring countries and the importance of strengthening collaboration in ways that deliver tangible benefits for businesses, investors and citizens in both countries.

The discussion focused on practical opportunities to deepen bilateral trade, facilitate investment, improve connectivity and strengthen institutional co-operation, while reaffirming the private sector's commitment to supporting sustainable economic development across the region.

Throughout the meeting, there was broad recognition that Suriname and Guyana possess complementary strengths and are uniquely positioned to build one of the Caribbean's most dynamic economic partnerships. As neighbouring nations experiencing significant economic transformation, continued dialogue, policy coordination and public-private collaboration were identified as essential to unlocking shared opportunities and enhancing regional competitiveness.

The engagement formed part of the Chamber's ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful public-private dialogue and ensuring that the priorities of the business community continue to inform efforts to deepen economic relations between the two neighbouring nations.

During the meeting, the Chamber presented its vision for the International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname 2026, outlining the event as a strategic platform to convene government leaders, investors, development partners and the private sector to catalyse new partnerships, facilitate investment and showcase emerging opportunities across Suriname, Guyana, and the wider region. Her Excellency welcomed the initiative and recognised its potential contribution to Suriname's investment promotion agenda.

The Chamber also presented its Public-Private Partnership Management Proposal for the Canawaima Ferry, developed as a practical framework to support the long-term sustainability, efficiency and commercial viability of this critical transportation link. The proposal focuses on strengthening operational management while enhancing service delivery for businesses, travellers and border communities that depend on the crossing. The SGCC reaffirmed its readiness to continue engaging constructively with the relevant authorities as discussions progress.

Recognising that investment competitiveness extends beyond infrastructure alone, the Chamber further shared its willingness to support ongoing national efforts aimed at strengthening financial digitisation and investment readiness. Modernising financial systems, streamlining business processes and enhancing the ease of doing business were recognised as important components of creating an increasingly attractive environment for domestic and international investment.

The discussions also examined several priority sectors where closer collaboration can generate long-term economic value, including fisheries, agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, construction, renewable energy, infrastructure, aviation and logistics.

Particular attention was given to the fisheries industry, recognising its importance to livelihoods, food security and cross-border commerce. The Chamber advocated for continued engagement between the relevant authorities and private-sector stakeholders to establish greater clarity, predictability and confidence for businesses operating within the sector, while encouraging opportunities for responsible joint investment and value-added production.

The meeting further considered initiatives to strengthen regional connectivity, including continued improvements to the Canawaima Ferry service and the development of the Corentyne Bridge. Both projects were recognised as important components of improving the movement of people, goods and services while supporting greater commercial integration between the two economies.

Regional logistics and trade connectivity also formed part of the discussions, including opportunities to strengthen commercial linkages with Brazil and other Caribbean partners. The Chamber emphasised that enhanced regional transport and supply chain networks will be critical to expanding exports, lowering business costs and positioning Suriname and Guyana as gateways for regional commerce.

The Chamber further highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment for cross-border business through initiatives such as the conclusion of a bilateral double taxation agreement, continued improvements to investment frameworks and greater regulatory certainty for companies operating across both markets.

Throughout the engagement, there was shared recognition that sustained dialogue between government and the private sector remains essential to translating opportunity into measurable outcomes. As neighbouring countries with complementary economies and expanding regional influence, Suriname and Guyana are well positioned to build a stronger economic partnership grounded in practical collaboration, mutual respect and shared prosperity.

Reflecting on the engagement, the Chamber noted that the meeting reinforced a shared commitment to building a stronger economic partnership founded on cooperation, connectivity and shared prosperity. The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to Her Excellency President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons for the opportunity to engage on these important matters and looks forward to continued collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders in advancing initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic growth, regional integration.

About the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) is dedicated to advancing bilateral trade, investment, and business relations between Guyana and Suriname through advocacy, trade missions, networking, strategic partnerships, and market access initiatives that support sustainable private sector growth and regional economic integration.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Guyana Office: Ms. Saudia Persaud Incoming CEO Ag., SGCC +592 629 7374 | [email protected]

Suriname Office: Ms. Minoushi Filemon Country Lead (Suriname), SGCC +597 746 0020 | [email protected]

www.surguychamber.org

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Guyana Office (English-speaking)
+592-703-0020 | [email protected]

Suriname Office (Dutch & English-speaking)
+592-746-0020 | [email protected]