WILLEMSTAD - From June 4 to June 7, 2024, Minister of Economic Development Ruisandro Cijntje is in Suriname leading a trade mission comprising over 18 companies from various service sectors that facilitate activities in the fields of energy, oil, and gas. Minister Cijntje is a special guest of Suriname's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin.
Minister Cijntje began his mission in Suriname with a courtesy visit to Minister Ramdin, where they extensively discussed cooperation, business, and improving logistics between the countries to stimulate more trade. Additionally, Minister Cijntje attended the official opening of the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit, where Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi provided a comprehensive overview of Suriname's vision for offshore oil extraction and the prosperity it promises for the country's future.
The sectors represented by the Curaçao delegation at SEOGS include financial services, logistics, tourism, petroleum, and government services. Cinex and the Curaçao Tourist Board facilitated the business program. Curaçao is well-positioned to provide financial services with over 80 years of experience. Curaçao has a history of more than 100 years in oil refining, extensive storage capacity, experience in petroleum logistics, strength in tourism, and the vision to benefit from prosperity by increasing the export of services, job opportunities, and foreign exchange along with all countries in our region.
The Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (SEOGS) is an event that encompasses various conferences and workshops, along with an exhibition featuring companies from around the region that provide products and services. Curaçao has a representative booth at the exhibition.
During SEOGS, Minister Cijntje also participated in the Ministerial Round Table, where he elaborated alongside Minister Ramdin and Minister Vaughn Miller of the Bahamas on how to create value through energy at a regional level. Minister Ramdin emphasized that Suriname wants the entire region to benefit from the development that Guyana and Suriname have brought to the area. Minister Cijntje highlighted the importance of collaboration for the Caribbean to function as a unified region, advocating for less competition and more integration.
The Minister of Economic Development will also meet with the Director of Staatsolie, as well as various dignitaries from international organizations and companies. On Thursday afternoon, there will be an important meeting with representatives from Guyana and Curaçao to discuss opportunities arising from Guyana's booming development for Curaçaoan companies. CINEX will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chambers of Commerce of Suriname and Guyana to facilitate business.
The program in Suriname will continue until Friday, June 7, 2024. On Friday, Minister Cijntje will return to Curaçao.