Succesful Aruba-Suriname Trade Mission
From June 24 to June 28, 2024, the Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KvK), on the initiative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Communication and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEZHI) and the Aruba Trade & Industry Association (ATIA), organized a trade mission to Suriname. The mission included a commercial delegation of 15 businesspeople representing 13 Aruban companies, who visited Paramaribo to explore and create business opportunities with Surinamese entrepreneurs. A large number of Surinamese entrepreneurs met with the Aruban delegation during matchmaking sessions. The delegation had nearly 100 meetings with Surinamese businesspeople and was very satisfied with the meetings received.
Trade Mission
The delegation consisted of various entrepreneurs offering products and/or services in different sectors, including engineering, food products, cigars, agricultural imports, medical devices, and ICT. The meetings with Surinamese businesspeople were organized by the Vereniging Surinaams Bedrijfsleven (VSB). Founded on March 28, 1950, VSB aims to promote the economic and social well-being of the community and is one of the largest employer organizations in Suriname. During the mission, Ernst & Young in Suriname gave a comprehensive presentation on doing business in Suriname to better inform and prepare the Aruban businesspeople for their meetings.
Program
The official program for the trade delegation began on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The delegation was welcomed by the VSB team. The program started with an interesting presentation on doing business in Suriname, covering various topics such as general economic information, business opportunities, export data, legal and fiscal information, and cultural aspects of Suriname that a businessperson should consider. After this informative session, the program continued with the first meetings. The first day of the mission concluded with a networking event organized by Minister of Economic Affairs, Communication and Sustainable Development, Mr. Geoffrey Wever.
Simultaneously, KvK President, Mr. Kemmerling, along with Minister Wever and ATIA Director, Mr. Henriquez, met with Suriname's Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, Mrs. Rishma Kuldipsingh, to explore cooperation opportunities in the economic field between Aruba and Suriname to stimulate more commercial activity between the two countries. They also met with the President of Suriname, Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, discussing various topics, including the possibility of adding a cargo flight between Aruba and Suriname.
The next day, the Aruban businesspeople had over 50 meetings with Surinamese entrepreneurs. Each entrepreneur had the opportunity to sit with Surinamese companies, where both parties could get to know each other. During these meetings, various future cooperation agreements were initiated. In the evening, the delegation had the opportunity to experience local Surinamese cuisine with a delightful dinner.
On Wednesday morning, KvK President, Mr. Kemmerling, along with Minister Wever and ATIA Director, Mr. Henriquez, met with two logistics companies who explained the tariffs and how different products could be consolidated into one container. Following this, KvK President and the Aruban delegation visited the Port of Suriname and met with the Minister of Transport, Communication, and Tourism, Mr. Uraiqit Ramsaran, responsible for the Port of Suriname.
Thursday morning began with more matchmaking meetings with Surinamese businesspeople. A prominent Aruban company successfully signed a contract with the Surinamese government to export a medical product to all hospitals in Suriname. This is a significant achievement for the company after many years of negotiations. KvK congratulates the company on this great accomplishment.
The trade mission concluded with a networking event organized by the Dutch Ambassador to Suriname, Mr. Walter Oosterbos, at his residence. Mr. Oosterbos welcomed all businesspeople and reminded the Aruban businesspeople that he also represents Aruba, as he is the Ambassador of the Dutch Kingdom. The commercial delegation participated in this networking event along with various stakeholders from Suriname.
Finally, Mr. Kemmerling presented the Dutch Ambassador to Suriname, on behalf of KvK, with a painting of Aruba on canvas, as a gesture of appreciation for his kindness and hospitality to our businesspeople during their visit to his residence.
Gratitude
KvK would like to thank VSB, Minister Geoffrey Wever, the Department of Economic Affairs, and ATIA for their collaboration in making this trade mission a great success. A special thanks also to all the Aruban businesspeople who participated in this mission and made it a tremendous success!
KvK is extremely pleased with the results of the mission and continues to seek opportunities for local entrepreneurs and promote our island as a business destination. You can see pictures of the mission on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/arubachamber.