PARAMARIBO, WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is seeking a strategic partnership with Suriname in the emerging offshore oil and gas industry, with Deputy Prime Minister Charles Cooper offering the island’s decades of experience in oil storage and refining to support Suriname’s rapidly developing energy sector.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Cooper and Surinamese President Jennifer Simons at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo while the Curaçao delegation attended the Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit (SEOGS).
Suriname is preparing for what is expected to be a transformative period in its economy following a series of major offshore oil discoveries. Several international energy companies are moving forward with development plans that could make Suriname one of the newest oil-producing nations in the region.
During the meeting, President Simons stressed the importance of knowledge sharing and capacity building as Suriname develops its oil and gas sector. She specifically highlighted opportunities for cooperation in legislation and regulation, maritime safety and environmental protection.
Cooper said Curaçao is well positioned to support those efforts because of its long history in the petroleum industry.
“Suriname has a promising future in oil,” Cooper said. “Curaçao has extensive experience in processing and storing petroleum products. We discussed with the president the possibility of forming teams from both countries to further explore areas of cooperation.”
The Curaçao minister noted that the island’s expertise could prove valuable as Suriname builds the institutions, regulations and infrastructure needed to support its expanding energy industry.
The discussions come at a time when Caribbean governments are increasingly exploring ways to collaborate on energy development, logistics and regional economic growth. Curaçao’s strategic location, deep-water port facilities and experience in petroleum operations could complement Suriname’s growing role as an offshore oil producer.
President Simons also emphasized that developments emerging from the offshore oil and gas sector will have implications beyond the energy industry itself, influencing regional economic growth and long-term energy security.
Officials from both countries indicated that the next step could involve the creation of joint working groups to identify concrete projects and opportunities for collaboration.
If realized, such cooperation could strengthen economic ties between Curaçao and Suriname while positioning both countries to benefit from one of the most significant energy developments currently taking place in the Caribbean region.