Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin, visited Curaçao to improve trade ties between the two Dutch-speaking nations.
During his trip, Minister Ramdin and Curaçao’s Economic Development Minister, Ruisandro Cijntje, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI).
This LOI sets the stage for negotiations on a package of agreements covering industry, commerce, and investment cooperation. It also includes plans for increased technical collaboration in various sectors.
Key agreements in the pipeline
Among the pivotal agreements being discussed are a bilateral commercial accord designed as a Partial Scope trade agreement and a bilateral fiscal treaty, both aimed at promoting economic stability.
The LOI represents a historic moment, reestablishing formal commercial relations between the two nations after over a decade. The last formal relations were in 2010.
Momentum from past initiatives
This initiative follows the successful hosting of a trade mission from Suriname in November 2022, part of ongoing efforts to develop the Suriname-Curaçao financial corridor.
Curaçao’s Ministry of Economic Development has also organized various commercial visits to Suriname, focusing on stimulating commerce between both nations and expanding regional commerce.
The anticipated signings highlight Suriname’s importance as a commercial, social, and cultural ally for Curaçao.
Engagement with key stakeholders
In addition to formal signings, Ramdin will pay courtesy calls on the Governor, Prime Minister, President of Parliament, and various other ministers and dignitaries.
