Sita

CALL FOR CONSULTANTS – Individual Expert Consultant to Identify Three (3) Investment Projects Ready To Offer (IPROS) In The Agro-Industrial Sector of Suriname

Kripa Sewgobind — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:46:59 +0000

INDIVIDUAL EXPERT CONSULTANT TO IDENTIFY THREE (3) INVESTMENT PROJECTS READY TO OFFER (IPROS) IN THE AGRO-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR OF SURINAME

Institution: The Inter-American Development Bank
Country: The Republic of Suriname
Project: Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program
Sector: Trade & Investment
Loan No.: 4801/OC-SU
Reference No.: SU-L1056-P00101-2.3.1.2
Open to: All Interested Individual Candidates / All Sources
Position: Individual Expert Consultant to Identify Three (3) Investment Projects Ready to Offer (IPROs) in the Agro-Industrial Sector of Suriname
Contract duration: 12-16 weeks
Deadline: January 20, 2026

BASIC FUNCTION OF CONSULTANCY:
The Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), established by the Government of Suriname as the only national competent authority, to act as an agent or promoter to attract, facilitate, and improve trade, export, and investment in Suriname, seeks to originate a pipeline of Investment Projects Ready to Offer (IPROs) that can be marketed to strategic investors and progressed to full feasibility and bankable business plans.
This assignment will identify and shape three (3) priority agro-industrial IPROs with compelling market logic, technically sound concepts, scalable operating models, robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) safeguards, and investible financials.

The objective of the assignment is to research, screen, structure, and present three agro-industrial IPROs that are regenerative in design, commercially viable, culturally acceptable, climate-resilient, socially inclusive, and environmentally restorative. They should be ready for investor engagement and subsequent detailed feasibility studies, while reflecting Suriname’s broader investment constraints and opportunities, including labor, land tenure, and infrastructure.

CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS:
• Advanced degree in Business, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Food Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in designing and evaluating commercial agro-industrial investments, preferably in tropical contexts.
• Proven track record in preparing pre-feasibility studies and financial models for investors and banks.
• Experience integrating smallholders and outgrowers into commercially viable supply models.
• Hands-on experience with mechanization and automation in agriculture and processing (e.g., machinery specification, throughput balancing, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), maintenance strategies, digital controls).
• Strong familiarity with Suriname conditions — agronomic zones/soils, climate and water resources, land tenure/lease options, regulatory and permitting requirements, incentives, logistics and port access, labour market, and financial sector. Prior work in Suriname is highly desirable; experience in the Guyanas and wider Caribbean is an advantage.
• Experience in regenerative agriculture, agroecology, or sustainable land use planning.
• Familiarity with ESG standards, climate adaptation strategies, biodiversity frameworks, and participatory governance models.
• Strong knowledge of value addition, cold chain, logistics, and quality/certification requirements for regional and export markets.
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, and communication skills in English; Dutch proficiency is preferred, and Sranan Tongo is an advantage.

The full Terms of Reference can be accessed through the following link:

https://sita.sr/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TOR-Agro-Industrial-sectors-Dec-16-2025.pdf

Applications for the consultancy must be submitted via e-mail by sending a Curriculum Vitae and Cover letter in English no later than January 20, 2026, at 15:00 hours Suriname Time (SRT) to the e-mail address fiepp-bids@sita.sr.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation
Suriname Investment & Trade Agency (SITA)
Brokopondolaan #97, Corner Mr. Jagernath Lachmonstraat, Paramaribo, Suriname
Program Executing Unit Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program
Attn: Ms. Melissa Chin, Program Manager
E-mail: fiepp-bids@sita.sr

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CALL FOR CONSULTANTS EXPORT ADVISOR

Kripa Sewgobind — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:24:15 +0000

CALL FOR CONSULTANTS - EXPORT ADVISOR

Institution: The Inter-American Development Bank

Country: The Republic of Suriname

Project: Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program

Sector: Trade & Investment

Loan No.: 4801/OC-SU

Reference No.: SU-L1056-P00098-3.8.5

Open to: All Interested Candidates / All Sources

Position: Export Advisor

Contract duration: Twelve (12) Months

Deadline: December 15, 2025

BASIC FUNCTION OF CONSULTANCY:
The general objective of this consultancy is to assist the Government of Suriname in its efforts to create a dynamic, efficient, and effective set of business processes for the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA) in order to promote exports.

SITA is seeking an advisor who will provide capacity building at SITA, and, more specifically, provide mentoring and technical support to the Director of Trade on strategy, business process engineering, functions of the team, services related to the design and implementation of programs for exporters or near- exporters, trade operations, market intelligence, and access to external markets.

The consultant is expected to play a central role in the capacity building of the Trade team, shadowing SITA daily operations for a period of 12 months, at least 50% of the time with in-country presence. This process is intended to be a hands-on approach to capacity building as SITA establishes and develops its services in a progressive manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Specific requirements and preferred qualifications for the consultant are as follows:

Advanced degree(Master’s or higher) in International Trade, Economics, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum of 7 years in a leadership role at a Trade or Export agency or relevant Government department with proven responsibility for export and trade, managing and coaching teams and clients, systems design and performance management. 10 years of experience is preferred
Demonstrated technical mastery of digital trade promotion tools(cloud-based CRM, subscription market intelligence databases, virtual B2B matchmaking platforms) and integration of these into SOPs.
Deep knowledge of trade policy issues in small developing economies. A relevant prior assignment in the Caribbean would be an asset.
Languages:full professional English. Intermediate Dutch would be an asset
Citizen of an IDB member country
Available to reside in Suriname for a minimum of 50% of the duration of the consultancy. Availability of 80 %would be an asset

The full Terms of Reference can be accessed through the following link:
https://sita.sr/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TOR-Export-Advisor-08122025.pdf

Applications for the consultancy must be submitted via e-mail by sending a Curriculum Vitae and Cover letter in English no later than December 15, 2025 before 15:00 hours Suriname Time (SRT) to the e-mail address provided below.

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CALL FOR CONSULTANTS MID-TERM EVALUATION CONSULTANT

Kripa Sewgobind — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:12:27 +0000

CALL FOR CONSULTANTS MID-TERM EVALUATION CONSULTANT

Institution: The Inter-American Development Bank

Country: The Republic of Suriname

Project: Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program

Sector: Trade & Investment

Loan No.: 4801/OC-SU

Reference No.: SU-L1056-P00090-4.4.1.1

Open to: All Interested Candidates / All Sources

Position: Mid-term Evaluation Consultant

Contract duration: Seven (7) months of 100 discontinuous working days.

Deadline: January 6, 2026

BASIC FUNCTION OF CONSULTANCY:

The overall objective is to assess the Program in meeting the objectives and expected results, monitoring and adaptive management to improve outcomes, and early identification of risks to ensure sustainability. These findings will indicate the strengths and weaknesses of the project and come up with findings, lessons learned and recommendations to further improve the implementation of the FIEP Program. In addition, the consultant will build the PEU’s M&E capacity by providing training in evaluation design, data analysis, indicator tracking, and IDB-aligned reporting, to support ongoing monitoring and future evaluations. This mid-term evaluation will cover the period starting from the signing of the loan contract on February 6, 2020, through the first three (3) quarters of 2025.

The mid-term evaluation will assess:

appropriateness of the project design;
progress towards project objectives and outputs;
sustainability of project achievements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in economics, business administration or related field.
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in conducting evaluations of development programs, preferably with experience working with competitiveness or private sector development programs.
Experience in the design and application of analytical tools or methodologies for progress evaluations of programs.
Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluation in the Caribbean in the past 5 years. Experience in Suriname is an asset
Demonstrated analytical skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.
Trustworthiness and integrity and a demonstrated ability to work independently in challenging environments.
Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency in written or spoke Dutch is an asset.

The full Terms of Reference can be accessed through the following link:
https://sita.sr/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TOR_Mid-Term_Evaluation_consultant.pdf

Applications for the consultancy must be submitted via e-mail by sending a Curriculum Vitae and Cover letter in English no later than January 6, 2026, before 15:00 hours Suriname Time (SRT) to the e-mail address fiepp-bids@sita.sr.

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Launch of SITA’s Linkages and Supplier Development Program

Kripa Sewgobind — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:02:42 +0000

SITA Initiates Linkages Developer Program Survey to Strengthen Local Content

PARAMARIBO, Suriname – On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), an executive arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation, hosted a Business Breakfast event to officially kick off Suriname’s Linkages & Local Content Agenda.

This pivotal event brought together directors, CEOs, and local suppliers to identify concrete opportunities, bottlenecks, and priority actions for 2026. The Business Breakfast served as a crucial platform to forge connections between foreign investors and Surinamese enterprises, with the overarching goal of strengthening the local value chain. It also marked the official Launch of SITA’s Linkages Developer Program Survey. The outputs from this event will directly feed into SITA’s matchmaking and aftercare efforts.

Director Amar Alakhramsing of SITA emphasized in his speech the growing importance of local development within Suriname’s investment climate. “Our role extends beyond merely attracting investments. We bear the responsibility to ensure that Surinamese companies can genuinely participate and benefit. Building bridges between foreign investors and local entrepreneurs is central to this endeavor.” Supplementing this, Preshant Awadhpersad, SITA’s Investment Director, elaborated that the Agenda encompasses a strategy “that strengthens our SME base, raises national capabilities, attracts higher-quality investment, and ensures that the benefits of growth are broadly shared.” He further stressed that “this requires an ecosystem approach: standards and skills that meet market needs, information and transparency in value chains, institutional coordination, and most importantly, strong linkages between buyers and local suppliers.” The urgency of this agenda is underscored by major investments that create demand for local goods and services, requiring firms to have clear standards and reliable suppliers. Simultaneously, local MSMEs need visibility and support to meet specifications (quality, HSSE, delivery), and a structured linkages program significantly reduces search and coordination costs for both sides, thereby accelerating purchase orders.

A key component of the program was the panel discussion “Local Content and the Impact of Local Linkages,” where experts and representatives from various sectors delved into opportunities, challenges, and preconditions for effective local participation. The presence of the Local Content Board on the panel underscored the institutional commitment to this objective. Additionally, the crucial Linkages Developer Program Survey was launched. This questionnaire, designed for both buyers and suppliers, represents the first systematic step in identifying capacities, gaps, and future business opportunities for Surinamese companies. Its primary objectives are: 1) to launch and drive completions of this survey; 2) to surface opportunities by capturing buyer categories/volumes and supplier capabilities; and 3) to accelerate local content by recording feasible 2026 actions and responsible owners. The results from this survey will be utilized by SITA “to plan and implement a Supplier Development Program that will support local companies to upgrade capacities and skills to meet the quality and volume requirements of large, local and international buyers of goods and services based in Suriname.”

The event concluded with a networking session, where participants established new contacts, explored collaboration possibilities, and discussed next steps for the further development of Suriname’s Linkages and Supplier Development Program, which aligns with the Local Content Agenda. The diverse audience included key buyers (“anchor firms”) from sectors such as O&G, construction/infrastructure, hospitality/tourism, logistics, ICT, and manufacturing/food, as well as registered and potential MSME suppliers across these same sectors, public sector representatives, and strategic partners.

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INDIVIDUAL EXPERT CONSULTANTTO IDENTIFY THREE (3) INVESTMENT PROJECTS READY TO OFFER (IPROs) IN THE ECO-TOURISM AND LEISURE SECTOR OF SURINAME

Kripa Sewgobind — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:10:39 +0000

INDIVIDUAL EXPERT CONSULTANT TO IDENTIFY THREE (3) INVESTMENT PROJECTS READY TO OFFER (IPROs) IN THE ECO-TOURISM AND LEISURE SECTOR OF SURINAME

Institution: The Inter-American Development Bank
Country: The Republic of Suriname
Project: Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program
Sector: Trade & Investment
Loan No.: 4801/OC-SU
Reference No.: SU-L1056-P00090-4.4.1.1
Open to: All Interested Individual Candidates / All Sources
Position: Individual Expert Consultant to Identify Three (3) Investment Projects Ready To Offer (IPROs) in the Eco-Tourism and Leisure Sector of Suriname
Contract duration: 70–80 person days over 12 weeks
Deadline: December 17, 2025

The Republic of Suriname has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank toward the cost of the Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program (FIEPP), project no. SU-L1056. This program is implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation (the Executing Agency), through an established Program Executing Unit (PEU). The Executing Agency invites all suitable and qualified candidates to apply for the position of Individual Expert Consultant to Identify Three (3) Investment Projects Ready To Offer (IPROs) in the Eco-Tourism and Leisure Sector of Suriname. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out by the Inter-American Development Bank.
BASIC FUNCTION OF CONSULTANCY:
The Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA) intends to catalyze private investment by preparing three (3) Investment Projects Ready to Offer (IPROs) that are market justified, environmentally and socially responsible, climate resilient, and structured for rapid progression to feasibility and financing.
The assignment will integrate Suriname’s reform agenda around: (i) global image building & connectivity; (ii) regulatory reform (data collection under a Tourism Development Act, flexible lease/concession frameworks, heritage incentives); and (iii) ecosystem development (workforce partnerships and a Sustainable Tourism Certification pathway). Priority screening geographies include Bigi Pan, Upper Suriname, Galibi, Coastal Albina, North Commewijne, and flagship nature/heritage assets (e.g., Brownsberg, CSNR, Paramaribo UNESCO core/buffer areas), subject to stakeholder validation and E&S screening.

The overall objective of the Consultancy is to identify and package three high potential eco-tourism IPROs that are commercially viable, environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, climate resilient, and ready for investor promotion.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Advanced degree in tourism development, business/finance, environmental management, economics, planning, or related field.
• 10+ years relevant experience, including at least 5 years leading ecotourism investment identification or resort/lodge development in emerging markets; Amazon/Caribbean experience is an advantage.
• Demonstrated capability in investment screening, financial modelling, and packaging projects for private investors/Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).
• Strong knowledge of E&S safeguards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards), biodiversity management, and participatory governance models, including FPIC process.
• Familiarity with spatial screening tools and climate-resilient design principles; use of open-source mapping tools is encouraged.
• Experience advising on tourism sector reform and ecosystem conservation (e.g., tourism data systems, certification schemes such as CST or equivalent, workforce programs with industry bodies like SHATA).
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and ability to obtain preliminary buy-in from communities, authorities, and private operators.
• Fluency in English required; Dutch and/or Sranan Tongo are assets.

The full Terms of Reference can be accessed through the following link:
https://sita.sr/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TOR-IPRO-Eco-Tourism-IDB-08-Dec-2025.pdf

Applications for the consultancy must be submitted via e-mail by sending a Curriculum Vitae and Cover letter in English no later than December 17, 2025, before 15:00 hours Suriname Time (SRT) to the e-mail address fiepp-bids@sita.sr.

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CEO Roundtable Fortifies Suriname-Netherlands Economic Partnership, Igniting New Trade and Investment Avenues

SITA Admin — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:40:30 +0000

CEO Roundtable Fortifies Suriname-Netherlands Economic Partnership, Igniting New Trade and Investment Avenues

PARAMARIBO, Suriname – A pivotal CEO Roundtable and exposition took place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Assuria Hermitage High-Rise, significantly advancing social and economic cooperation between Suriname and the Netherlands. The high-level event brought together prominent business leaders from both nations, alongside ministers, and was graced by the presence of President Jennifer Simons, King Willem-Alexander, and Queen Máxima, powerfully underscoring the commitment to an intensive bilateral dialogue. The Suriname Investment & Trade Agency (SITA) proudly participated in this crucial forum, facilitating discussions aimed at enhancing Suriname’s attractiveness for international trade and investment.

The CEO Roundtable focused on critical themes designed to bolster the economic landscape, including strengthening economic cooperation, improving the investment climate, fostering talent development, building labor capacity, and accelerating the transition to a sustainable economy. The gathering provided an invaluable platform for direct and concrete discussions among companies, policymakers, and institutional partners from both countries, identifying tangible opportunities for collaboration.

President Simons, who addressed the concluding segment of the event, emphasized the strategic importance of the Suriname-Netherlands partnership for investors and businesses looking at the region:
“In the cooperation between the Netherlands and Suriname, our business communities have always maintained strong contact. Suriname stands at a new juncture, presenting numerous fresh opportunities and significant interest from global players. Our shared language, legal commonalities, and historical ties logically position the Netherlands as a key partner in this journey,” stated the Surinamese head of state.

President Simons further underscored Suriname’s commitment to economic diversification and the strategic importance of local content, crucial factors for investors seeking long-term growth. “Our oil and gas developments are set to provide the financing backbone for building a resilient Surinamese economy. While we are a small nation, the 15 million inhabitants of CARICOM offer a substantial market for our products. We must collectively explore avenues to enhance Surinamese product access to the Netherlands and define the necessary standards for market entry.” The President also reaffirmed Suriname’s dedication to improving the ease of doing business, retaining local talent, and strengthening the business community across both continents. “I believe the business community on both sides of the ocean can contribute immensely. I am pleased with what you have discussed and that we can move forward based on that.”

Following the formal discussions, numerous meetings took place between Surinamese and Dutch companies, with SITA representatives actively engaging with potential partners. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima personally conversed with various participants, exploring joint opportunities and ongoing initiatives in trade, investment, and sustainable development. Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation stated that the primary objective of the meeting was to reinforce the position of the private sector within the state visit. “Surinamese and Dutch companies had the unique opportunity to exchange ideas with each other, and with the President and ministers present, on their activities, mutual relations, cooperation possibilities, challenges, and opportunities.”

The invaluable insights gathered from the business community have been presented to President Simons and relevant policymakers, forming the basis for future strategic development. Furthermore, the private sector itself is committed to translating these discussions into action. The event successfully fostered an environment conducive to continued collaboration between the Association of Surinamese Businesses (VSB) and the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous bilateral economic future, ripe with trade and investment prospects for both nations. SITA is ready to facilitate and eagerly looks forward to supporting new investors in the non-extractive sectors, helping to diversify and strengthen Suriname’s economic landscape.

Source: Communicatie Dienst Suriname – CDS

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Suriname Delivered a Strong Presence at IBC Guyana 2025, Reinforcing Regional Economic Diversification for Both Guyana & Suriname.

SITA Admin — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:44:08 +0000

Suriname Delivered a Strong Presence at IBC Guyana 2025, Reinforcing Regional Economic Diversification for Both Guyana & Suriname.

Georgetown, Guyana – Suriname successfully concluded its participation in the International Business Conference (IBC) 2025 in Georgetown, Guyana (October 14–16). The mission, spearheaded by a high-level government delegation and the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), centered on positioning the nation as a stable, strategic partner for sustainable trade and investment within the CARICOM region.

Suriname’s presence at the conference significantly amplified its visibility, providing a crucial platform to promote the country’s long-term economic strategy and facilitate direct business connections.

Suriname Sets National Vision for Sustainable Growth

Suriname’s strategic vision for inclusive and sustainable development was prominently championed by its high-level delegation:

Ministerial Representation: The delegation featured both H.E. Minister Andrew Baasaron of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) and H.E. Minister Bouva of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade & Cooperation, who participated on behalf of President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons.
Keynote and Policy Focus: Minister Bouva delivered a pivotal address, underscoring the deep historical and cultural ties with Guyana and the shared ambition for durable prosperity, energy security, and inclusive development. Crucially, the Minister stressed that while the oil and gas sector is a recent development, it must be viewed as only one component of a broader national strategy focused on economic diversification and innovation.
High-Level Dialogue: Both Minister Baasaron and Minister Bouva participated in the executive panel discussion, “Regional Powerhouses in Action – Guyana & Regional Partners Shared Vision for Growth,” which presented a unified regional view on aligning policies across infrastructure, trade, and investment to drive sustainable growth.
Endorsing SITA’s Role: Minister Bouva explicitly welcomed foreign investors and partners, directing them to utilize SITA as the central point of contact for all investment and cooperation initiatives, formally affirming the agency’s key facilitation role.

Investment Facilitation Yields Opportunities

Working in alignment with the national policy framework, the SITA delegation focused on securing direct commercial and trade opportunities for Suriname.

Trade and Partnerships: Productive discussions were initiated with the EU Caribbean Commission and Caribbean Export, building pathways for joint initiatives and enhancing Surinamese businesses’ access to regional and international markets.
Surinamese Businesses Engaged: The SITA-facilitated Suriname Pavilion provided a crucial platform for participating local companies, such as RCFA and Trust Bank Amanah, to engage directly with potential partners, successfully fostering new business and regional expansion connections.

Forward Outlook for Suriname

“The strong performance at IBC, with our high-level political backing and concrete commercial interest, sets an excellent trajectory for Suriname,” noted a SITA representative. “The clear articulation of our national strategy by the Ministerial delegation, emphasizing diversification and stability”.

SITA is now prioritizing immediate, tailored follow-up with all high-interest contacts. The goal is to swiftly convert this interest into tangible results for Suriname by facilitating fact-finding missions and site visits for potential investors, thereby accelerating investment in the non-extractive sectors critical to the nation’s long-term economic stability.

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Suriname Powers Its Export Future: SITA and BIS Launch New Support Programs for SMEs

SITA Admin — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:01:39 +0000

Suriname Powers It's Export Future: SITA and BIS Launch New Support Programs for SMEs

Paramaribo, 30 October 2025 — Suriname today took a major
step toward building a more diversified and export-driven economy as the
Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA) and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, International Business and Cooperation (BIS) celebrated the
certification of a new cohort of export advisers and launched two flagship
programs to support Surinamese exporters.The event, held at the Courtyard Marriott in Paramaribo,
brought together government officials, business leaders, development partners,
and representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the
National Development Bank (NOB).

Building Export Capability: From Training to Trade

In his keynote address, Minister Melvin W.J. Bouva congratulated the 15 newly accredited Export Advisers, trained under SITA’s Export Initiation Program (EIP) to help companies design and execute world-class export marketing plans. The Minister also presented certificates to these advisers and recognized the 20 companies that benefited from Phase I of the program, each receiving a SITA-certified Export Marketing Plan developed free of charge under the guidance of international experts.

“Export promotion is not just an economic initiative; it is a nation-building strategy,” Minister Bouva said. “Our entrepreneurs are creative and resilient what they need is structured support to turn potential into performance.”

From Plans to Performance: Launch of the Export Cost-Share Grant

The event also marked the official launch of the Export Marketing Cost-Share Grant Program, financed by the IDB and implemented by SITA in partnership with NOB. The program provides grants of up to 90% to help companies with approved export plans carry out essential market-entry activities such as trade fair participation, product certification, marketing campaigns, and buyer outreach.
“This is not a handout but a partnership,” said Mr. Amar Alakhramsing, CEO of SITA. “We are helping companies move from plans to performance — turning strategies into sales.”
The program is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in non-extractive sectors and prioritizes first-time exporters and women-owned businesses.

EIP Phase II: New Opportunities for Export Growth

During the ceremony, SITA’s Director of Export Promotion, Mr. Raoul Tjon-Jaw-Chong, announced the start of EIP Phase II, which allows companies to apply for a coaching grant covering up to 85% of the cost of developing a new export marketing plan with a certified Export Adviser.

This next phase aims to double the number of export-ready firms in Suriname by 2026, deepening private-sector competitiveness and connecting Surinamese products to new markets across CARICOM, the Americas, and Europe.

Celebrating Success and Partnership

The ceremony featured testimonials from Surinamese companies including Suriname Pig Farms, Chepito Healing Oil, and Food Space Facility, who shared their export achievements and lessons learned through the EIP. Representatives from the IDB and NOB praised the program as a model of public–private partnership and institutional collaboration.

About SITA

The Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), established in 2021, leads national efforts to attract investment, promote exports, and strengthen business linkages. Through programs such as the Export Initiation Program and the Export Marketing Cost-Share Grant, SITA helps Surinamese SMEs expand beyond domestic markets and drive sustainable, non-extractive, and diversified economic growth.

Companies Interested in learning more about EIP Phase II or the Export Marketing Cost-Share Grant Program should visit > sita.sr/costsharegrant/

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES | EXTENDED DEADLINE

Kripa Sewgobind — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:26:48 +0000

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES - Implement a Virtual One-Stop-Shop (OSS)

Institution: The Inter-American Development Bank
Country: The Republic of Suriname
Project: Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program
Sector: Trade & Investment
Abstract: Expressions of Interest for contracting a firm to Implement a Virtual One-Stop-Shop (OSS) for Investment Facilitation in Suriname
Loan No.: 4801/OC-SU
Contract / Bid no.: SU-L1056-P00092
Deadline: November 7, 2025
Extended Deadline: November 10, 2025

The Republic of Suriname, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation, has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program (FIEPP, project no. SU-L1056), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), commissioned a feasibility study to develop a blueprint for a virtual One-Stop-Shop (OSS). The OSS will digitally integrate and streamline investment facilitation services, improving transparency, efficiency, and user experience.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the following objectives:
To implement the virtual or hybrid physical / virtual One-Stop-Shop (OSS) platform for investment facilitation in Suriname. This includes operationalizing the platform and its associated services based on the approved feasibility study, ensuring effective integration with relevant government agencies, robust stakeholder engagement, and sustainable capacity development.
The duration of these Services is twelve (12) months.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) does not have a specific format or template, but should include:
i. a properly signed Letter of Interest (LOI) from the firm to participate in the assignment;
ii. profile of the firm (including evidence of the requisite expertise and skills);
iii. list of similar assignments executed during the last five (5) years;
iv.proof of legal status of the firm.

Short lists shall comprise firms with a wide geographic spread not fewer than five (5) and not more than eight (8) eligible firms (GN-2350-15).

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-15 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality- and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Consultant Policies.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 09.00 to 15.00 hours Suriname Time (SRT).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in written form by email to the address fiepp-bids@sita.sr by Extended Deadline: November 10, 2025 before 15.00 hours SRT.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation
Attn: Ms. Melissa Chin, Program Manager
Program Execution Unit
Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program

Address: Suriname Investment & Trade Agency (SITA)
Brokopondolaan #97, Corner Mr. Jagernath Lachmonstraat,
Paramaribo, Suriname

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Suriname and Morocco Sign Joint Declaration to Bolster Bilateral Ties, Opening Avenues for Trade and Investment Growth

SITA Admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:15:35 +0000

Suriname and Morocco Sign Joint Declaration to Bolster Bilateral Ties, Opening Avenues for Trade and Investment Growth

On Monday, September 22, 2025, Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation of Suriname held a bilateral meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Minister Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting culminated in the signing of a Joint Declaration outlining concrete steps to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, signaling new opportunities for trade development and investment promotion for both nations.

Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the current state of relations and the positive momentum achieved since the initial cooperation roadmaps were signed in 2017 and 2021. They further discussed the significant potential for deepening this relationship across various sectors.

A central outcome of the discussions was the preparation of a new Cooperation Roadmap between Suriname and Morocco for the period 2025-2028, slated for signing by the end of 2025. This comprehensive roadmap is designed to foster collaboration in key areas, presenting attractive prospects for the investment and business community:

Economy and Trade: The renewed focus on economic and trade cooperation is expected to create new avenues for bilateral trade, streamline investment processes, and enhance market access for products and services from both Suriname and Morocco. This provides a clear invitation for businesses seeking to expand into new, strategically located markets.
Agriculture: Significant opportunities exist for collaboration in the agricultural sector, including knowledge transfer, technological exchange, and investment in agricultural production and processing. Morocco’s commitment to specify an increased volume of fertilizer by the end of 2025 directly benefits Surinamese agriculture, potentially boosting yields and export capabilities.
Tourism: Cooperation in tourism development opens doors for investments in hospitality, ecotourism, and the creation of joint tourism packages, enhancing the appeal of both Suriname and Morocco as desirable travel destinations.
Solar Energy: In line with global sustainability goals, the partnership in solar energy offers promising investment prospects in renewable energy projects, contributing to energy security and green economic growth for both countries.
Capacity Building: Through international training and expertise sharing, the human capital in both nations will be strengthened, fostering a more attractive and skilled environment for local and international investments.

Morocco’s Commitment and Strategic Market Access

Morocco has affirmed its commitment by pledging to allocate the necessary financial resources for the implementation of these initiatives and will specify the exact increased amount of technical assistance, including a larger volume of fertilizer, by the end of 2025. This tangible investment underscores a mutual commitment to a robust and productive partnership.

Minister Bouva acknowledged the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for South-South cooperation, rooted in mutual respect, solidarity, and pragmatism. He highlighted Morocco’s strategic position as a “gateway to Africa” for Surinamese businesses and investors looking to expand their reach across the African continent. Conversely, Suriname, with its strategic location in the Caribbean, offers a valuable entry point for Moroccan investments and trade into the broader Caribbean and South American markets, facilitated through concrete socio-economic projects.

The previously extended support from Morocco, including capacity-building through international training programs, financial assistance, scholarships, and the donation of phosphate rock, demonstrates the solid foundation upon which this enhanced partnership is built.

Furthermore, both ministers agreed to continue political consultations on multilateral platforms, aligning their positions in international and regional forums. This collaborative diplomatic approach fosters a stable and predictable environment, crucial for long-term trade and investment. The joint commitment to promoting cooperation between African and Caribbean nations positions Suriname and Morocco as pivotal players in an expanding network of South-South economic diplomacy.

These developments create an inviting landscape for international traders and investors to capitalize on the growing economic integration and the strategic geographical advantages offered by both Suriname and Morocco.

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