Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, embarks on a significant journey to China, marking the second visit by a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leader to the Asian powerhouse in recent weeks.
Leading a diverse delegation comprising entrepreneurs and businessmen, Santokhi’s visit aims to forge deeper bilateral ties and explore avenues for economic collaboration.
Bilateral cooperation in focus
Scheduled from April 12 to 20, the visit’s agenda is packed with discussions on various fronts.
Talks will center on bilateral cooperation, debt restructuring initiatives already in progress at the technical level, as well as the exploration of new projects. With an eye on the future, both parties seek to solidify relations and enhance cooperation across diverse sectors.
Attracting investments
Suriname presents an enticing prospect for international investors, and Santokhi’s delegation wastes no time in engaging with major companies eager to tap into the potential of the Dutch-speaking CARICOM nation.
Meetings with representatives from 12 prominent firms are on the agenda, aimed at fostering partnerships and exploring avenues for investment in Suriname’s burgeoning economy.
Meeting President Xi Jinping
Undoubtedly, a pivotal moment of the visit is the anticipated meeting between President Santokhi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
While this serves as a cornerstone of diplomatic exchange, Santokhi expresses eagerness to engage with other key figures, including the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Communist Party.
Highlighting the longstanding diplomatic ties spanning almost five decades, Santokhi emphasizes the need to elevate cooperation to new heights.
Exploring opportunities beyond Beijing
Beyond the bustling streets of Beijing, Santokhi’s itinerary extends to the cities of Dalian and Shenzhen. Here, engagements with both potential investors and existing players in Suriname’s economic landscape are on the agenda.
The visit underscores Santokhi’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships for Suriname’s development and prosperity.
Empowering Surinamese talent
Amidst diplomatic engagements and business deliberations, Santokhi is keen to connect with Surinamese students studying in China.
Encouraging them to acquire knowledge and expertise, he envisions a future where these skilled individuals return to Suriname, contributing to its growth and development.
Santokhi’s visit follows Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who recently returned from a successful trip to China.
