TOPIC: TRADE MISSION RECAP: SGCC AT SEOGS 2026

July 14, 2026•5 min read

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) today officially opened our Pavilion at the 2026 Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit and Exhibition (SEOGS), marking another milestone in regional private sector collaboration and cross-border business development.

As a Supporting Partner of SEOGS 2026, SGCC led a trade mission comprising 16 participating companies and organizations from Suriname and Guyana, bringing together businesses operating across professional services, logistics, environmental services, technology, business development, media, real estate, education, and trade support services. The mission reflects SGCC's continued commitment to supporting cross-border market expansion, investment, and commercial partnerships between the two countries.

SGCC's SEOGS 2026 Trade Mission Partners included: Guyana Shore Base Inc., RCFA Accountants and Tax Advisors, SOGLASS, Fleet-Man Solutions, DADA'S Realtor & Marketing, PBS Suriname Limited, Phenox Consultants Suriname, King Ocean Services, Integra Marine & Freight Services N.V., Who's Who in Guyana Business, Who's Who in Suriname Business, ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., the FITTskills Programme, Cevons Environmental Services Inc., ActionCOACH Suriname, SIB Signs & Designs, and the International Business Conference (IBC).

Throughout the mission, participating companies also benefited from a programme of strategic business engagement coordinated by SGCC. This included official ministerial and stakeholder meetings that connected members directly with key government officials and institutions, as well as an interactive market briefing hosted by the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA). The session provided practical guidance on establishing operations in Suriname, navigating the local business environment, investment opportunities, regulatory processes, and the support available to companies entering the Surinamese market.

The Pavilion showcased companies from Suriname and Guyana operating across professional services, logistics, environmental services, technology, business development, media, real estate, and trade support services.

Participating companies included RCFA Accountants and Tax Advisors, Guyana Shore Base Inc., SOGLASS, PBS Suriname Limited, Dada's Realtor, Fleet-Man Solutions, Who's Who in Suriname Business, Who's Who in Guyana Business, King Ocean Services, Integra Marine & Freight Services, Phenox Consultants Suriname, Cevons Environmental Services Inc., and ActionCOACH Suriname.

At the opening ceremony, SGCC Chairman, Mr. Mark Sookhai, highlighted the growing importance of regional partnerships, business readiness, and private sector collaboration as Suriname and Guyana continue to emerge as key economic and investment destinations within the Caribbean and South America.

A major highlight of the event was the official launch of three SGCC member initiatives in Suriname.

DADA'S Group of Companies N.V. formally launched its operations in Suriname, expanding its portfolio of services in real estate, property management, hospitality, business development, marketing, and related sectors. Founder and President Davendra Rampersaud described the launch as a demonstration of confidence in Suriname's future and in the strengthening economic relationship between Guyana and Suriname.

Fleet-Man Solutions also officially launched its presence in Suriname, introducing advanced fleet management, telematics, and vehicle intelligence solutions designed to support the growing needs of public and private sector operators. Founder Raphael Bagot emphasized the importance of technology, innovation, and regional collaboration in helping businesses scale efficiently and competitively.

The event also featured the official launch of the FITTskills Programme in Suriname by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., in collaboration with the Who's Who Business Directories of Suriname and Guyana. Speaking at the launch, Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Chair of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., highlighted that while the two countries are experiencing significant economic opportunity and increased international investment interest, sustainable participation requires stronger technical capacity in international trade. The FITTskills Programme, developed by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) in Canada, was presented as a practical, globally recognized framework designed to strengthen skills in trade finance, market entry, logistics, negotiation, and export readiness, enabling regional professionals and businesses to better engage in cross-border and global markets.

Delivering special remarks, Guyana's Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat, M.P., commended the leadership and membership of the Chamber for creating opportunities for businesses in both countries and facilitating stronger private sector engagement. He noted that Guyanese and Surinamese businesses must continue strengthening their competitiveness to take advantage of opportunities not only locally, but regionally and internationally:

"I want to commend the [SGCC] leadership and the membership for highlighting and for facilitating opportunities for businesses in both countries, and at some point in time, we will have to ensure that the businesses that we create in Suriname, Guyana, that they reach to the standard where they can compete regionally and internationally [...] but that requires building capacity, it requires partnership, as you mentioned, it requires investment, and it requires a lot of commitment by individuals, so congratulations. Thank you very much. I feel very honored to be here this morning with you, and to be in Suriname over the next few days to be engaged in some very lively discussion that will take us forward as a region."

The Honorable Minister was accompanied by H.E. Virjanand Depoo, Ambassador of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to Suriname, G. Bobby Gossai, Jr., Senior Petroleum Coordinator at Guyana's Ministry of Natural Resources, and Mr. Michael Munroe, Director of Local Content and Legal Officer.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the SGCC Founding Visionary Award to outgoing Chief Executive Officer Rahul Lildhar in recognition of his exceptional vision, leadership, and dedicated service as the Chamber's Founding CEO.

Presented by Incoming Chief Executive Officer (Ag.) Saudia Persaud, SGCC Country Lead Minoushi Filemon, and members of the Board of Directors, the award recognized Mr. Lildhar's role in building the Chamber from concept to institution and establishing a platform that continues to advance bilateral trade, investment, and private sector collaboration between Guyana and Suriname.

The opening concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, networking reception, and member showcase, providing opportunities for engagement among business leaders, investors, government officials, and stakeholders attending SEOGS 2026.

Throughout the week, participating SGCC companies engaged in business-to-business meetings, investment discussions, stakeholder consultations, networking activities, and strategic engagements that strengthened regional value chains, expanded market access, and created new opportunities for collaboration between Guyana, Suriname, and the wider region.

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.

Click here to view more information on this mission

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]