Suriname is taking important steps to diversify its economy and strengthen export growth beyond the extractive sectors. Through the Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, the Government of Suriname aims to increase foreign direct investment and promote exports in non-extractive industries and services. At the centre of this effort is the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), the national trade and investment promotion agency responsible for attracting investment, supporting exporters and building stronger links between local and international companies.
We are proud to support SITA in this next phase. Our role focuses on strengthening the Trade Department’s capacity, improving export support services and helping SITA become an even more effective partner for Surinamese businesses that want to enter new markets or expand their international presence.
Building stronger export support services
Globally Cool’s Joost is currently in Suriname, working closely with SITA’s team to support daily operations, provide mentoring and help translate strategic ambitions into practical business processes. A key focus is to support the Trade Department in setting priorities for research, analysis and client support. By strengthening the use of market intelligence, digital tools and economic analysis, SITA will be better equipped to provide companies with relevant, data-driven guidance. This is essential for helping exporters make informed decisions, identify promising markets and respond to international demand more effectively.
Connecting strategy with implementation
Beyond internal capacity building, the project supports several export promotion initiatives linked to SITA’s wider mandate. These include the Trade Fairs programme for 2026, support for embassies in promoting trade and investment opportunities, the extension of the Barometer research programme, the implementation of the SITA export help desk in collaboration with ITC and input for the export content of SITA’s new website.
Agriculture is an important focus within Suriname’s broader export development efforts. This was clearly visible during the Agriculture Fair 2026, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. The event took place from 1 to 3 May at the KKF, the Kamer van Koophandel en Fabrieken, in Paramaribo. By bringing together agricultural businesses, sector stakeholders and support organisations, the fair showcased Suriname’s agricultural diversity and highlighted opportunities for new commercial connections.
Joost visited the fair as part of his work in Suriname. The visit provided valuable first-hand insight into the ambitions of local agricultural businesses, the potential of Surinamese products and the practical support companies need to move towards export readiness. These insights will help inform our support to SITA, particularly in relation to sector cluster development, trade fair preparation, market intelligence and export services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Improving collaboration across the trade ecosystem
Export growth depends on more than company ambition alone. It also requires effective cooperation between public and private stakeholders. The project will therefore support the development of a collaboration framework between SITA’s Trade Department and organisations such as EZOTI, Customs, the Ports Authority, certification bodies and other relevant partners.
This collaboration can help address practical barriers to exporting, improve trade efficiency and create a stronger environment for companies in sectors such as agriculture, wood and ICT. The project will also support cluster development in these sectors, helping businesses strengthen value chains and explore opportunities for inter-company collaboration.
Measuring progress and raising visibility
To ensure that progress is measurable, we will help SITA manage and track key performance indicators linked to the Trade Department, market intelligence activities and the IDB results framework. This will support evidence-based decision-making and help demonstrate the results of SITA’s export development work. At the same time, the project will help raise the profile of SITA’s export development activities. Clear communication about services, results and opportunities will make it easier for businesses to understand how SITA can support them on their export journey.
From planning to practical implementation
Over the coming months, Onno and Alfons will join the work in-country to deepen the support to SITA, strengthen export services and contribute to the long-term development of Suriname’s trade promotion capacity. By combining strategic advice with hands-on mentoring, we aim to help SITA build a more dynamic, efficient and impactful Trade Department. The result: stronger export support services, better market access for Surinamese companies and a more diversified economy.
Want to know how Globally Cool can help your organisation strengthen export promotion, market intelligence or trade development? Get in touch with our team.