SGCC's Advocacy In Action & Members' Representation
Welcome to this week's newsletter, where we bring you exciting updates on key activities and developments. From our impactful participation at GuyExpo 2024 to key advocacy efforts supporting business interests in Suriname and Guyana, we are proud to champion opportunities for growth and collaboration. Scroll for updates on the upcoming International Business Conference (IBC) Suriname 2025!
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The SGCC and a few of our Esteemed Members, participated in GuyExpo 2024
We spent the fantastic 4-day Expo engaging in meaningful networking, boosting exposure for participating members, meeting potential new members, and enjoying meet-and-greets with His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, PM Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Anthony Phillips, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh, and Hon. Collin Croal. Click below to view on FB
SGCC Booth Participants at GuyExpo 2024
Rahul Lildhar, CEO of SGCC, attends CEO's Brunch 2024 in at Baganara
Baganara Island Resort recently hosted an exclusive CEO’s Brunch, bringing together leaders from across the country for a day of relaxation, networking, and inspiration. Nestled in the serene Essequibo River, just 20 minutes by flight from Ogle or an hour’s jet boat ride from Parika, Baganara offers the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility.
The resort caters to corporate events, management meetings, private celebrations, and unforgettable getaways. The SGCC was honored to experience this idyllic retreat, exploring its world-class facilities and picturesque setting.
Baganara is more than a destination—it’s where innovation meets relaxation. Whether for business or leisure, it’s your gateway to inspiration.
SGCC Advocacy in Action: Easing the Path for Lumber Trade Between Suriname and Guyana
The Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) continues to lead the way in fostering cross-border trade, with a recent breakthrough in the ongoing issue of lumber importation from Suriname to Guyana. After months of collaboration and advocacy, SGCC is excited to share the outlined steps provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana to facilitate this process.
To import lumber, businesses must adhere to the following requirements:
Sustainable Forest Management Certification: All lumber must originate from certified operations, ensuring eco-friendly and responsible sourcing.
EU Standards Compliance: Lumber must meet legality matrix standards aligned with European regulations, guaranteeing full traceability and accountability.
Import Licensing: Businesses must secure an import license in accordance with Guyana's forestry regulations.
As the premier business body bridging Suriname and Guyana, SGCC is committed to supporting our members in navigating these steps.
We will work closely with businesses to ensure their operations meet these requirements, enabling smoother transactions and fostering compliance with international standards.
This advocacy milestone underscores the SGCC’s role in creating opportunities while maintaining sustainable practices. Members facing challenges in meeting the outlined requirements are encouraged to reach out—together, we can ensure success while promoting environmental responsibility in the lumber trade.
For further assistance or to connect with experts in certification and licensing, contact SGCC today.
Your success fuels our drive.
Progress on the Canawaima Ferry Project
The SGCC is actively advocating to improve the Canawaima Ferry service, addressing key challenges such as increased passenger demand, limited trips, and the absence of a unified online booking system.
Proposed Updates:
Online Booking Portal: A centralized system to reduce wait times, enhance transparency, and boost revenue.
Optimized Scheduling: Additional crossings to meet growing demand.
Partnership Feasibility Study: The SGCC has proposed a public-private partnership, and our team is actively pursuing this opportunity to take on the management of the ferry service, ensuring sustainable and efficient operations.
Stay tuned as we work to bridge opportunities across the region!
Guyana Sets Climate Transparency Benchmark
Guyana has made history as the first developing nation to submit its Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) to the UNFCCC, earning recognition at the UN Climate Summit in Baku. The report highlights Guyana’s low deforestation rates, high carbon absorption, and compliance with the Enhanced Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement.
By submitting early, Guyana demonstrates leadership in climate action, leveraging its progress to access climate finance.
Funds will support its Low Carbon Development Strategy, thus benefiting national development and indigenous communities. This milestone underscores Guyana’s dedication to transparency as well as environmental sustainability.
Guyana's Oil Sector: Driving Economic Growth and Empowering Local Communities
ExxonMobil Guyana, alongside co-venturers Hess and CNOOC, has achieved a milestone of producing 500 million barrels of oil from the Stabroek block, just five years after Guyana became an oil producer. This rapid development stems from over $55 billion in investments across six sanctioned projects. Current production exceeds 650,000 barrels per day, with plans to double by 2027.
The industry has generated $5.4 billion in revenues and royalties since production began in December 2019, with significant benefits for Guyana's economy. Over 6,000 Guyanese are employed in operations linked to the Stabroek block, representing nearly 70% of the workforce.
Local content initiatives have allocated $314 million to procurement from local businesses, and have facilitated the hiring of 424 new employees in 2024 alone.
These efforts, alongside plans to introduce a local content app, aim to boost Guyanese participation in the oil sector while fostering long-term community growth.
Promoting Sustainable Forest Management in Suriname
The Sustainable Forest Management Suriname project, supported by Regieorgaan SIA, has made strides in areas like charcoal production, food production, tourism, and sustainable forestry. Led by Dutch universities of applied sciences, including Van Hall Larenstein and Inholland, the project fosters local and international collaboration.
Research findings, to be shared at an upcoming meeting, aim to enhance education, professional practice, and community involvement in forest preservation. This initiative underscores the importance of balancing economic benefits with ecological conservation, ensuring long-term sustainability. Key topics include controlled logging, forest by-products, and strategies for engaging indigenous and local communities.
“The preservation of nature is directly linked to the preservation of the forest. At the moment, we see a lot of environmental destruction, such as water pollution. Overhunting is also taking place. Some activities are simply no longer appropriate in a modern society and are not yet sufficiently addressed. With a good Nature Act, we will have more instruments to monitor this and ensure the preservation of our natural environment,”
~ Rudi van Kanten, director of Tropenbos Suriname
Masterclass Tackles Surveyor Challenges in Land Registration
Certified surveyor Nielkamal Kalpoe has developed a masterclass addressing challenges in land registration campaigns, particularly those arising from outdated survey maps and limited expertise in the field. The Parcel Identification Decree of 2016 mandates unique Parcel IDs for real estate transactions, enhancing transparency and reducing conflicts. However, inaccurate maps and untrained surveyors remain key issues, causing delays and disputes.
The free masterclass, scheduled for November 22 at the Lalla Rookh building, aims to educate landowners, policymakers, and real estate professionals on best practices.
Let’s continue driving innovation and strengthening partnerships for a prosperous future in Suriname and Guyana!
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