Strengthening regional business strategies, exploring financial opportunities among aims of second IBC to be held in Suriname
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THE second edition of the International Business Conference (IBC) will be held in Suriname from February 4-6, 2025, at the Assuria Event Center.
This announcement was made during a press conference held on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone following the successful execution of IBC Guyana earlier this year.
Under the theme, “Unlocking the Potential of Suriname: A Path Towards Growth and Prosperity,” the conference will bring together government officials, industry leaders, and businesses from across the region.
The launch event was attended by the Ambassador of Guyana to Suriname, H.E. Virjanand Depoo; Vice Chair of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), Derrick Klaverweide; CEO of SGCC, Rahul Lildhar; CEO of the
Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), Amar Alakhramsing and the Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation Rishma N. Kuldipsingh.
A press release stated that supported by the Guyana Office for Investment and SITA, IBC Suriname 2025 comes at a pivotal time, building on Suriname’s recent Final Investment Decision (FID) announcement, which has opened up vast opportunities for economic growth.
With increasing momentum in sectors such as oil and gas, this conference is set to become a cornerstone for investors seeking to tap into Suriname’s burgeoning markets.
The release added that Derrick Klaverweide, Vice Chair of the SGCC, highlighted the importance of IBC 2025 as a key platform to strengthen regional business strategies, partnerships and explore financial opportunities.
He emphasised, “The IBC will commence a series of productive dialogues and
collaborations aimed at strengthening bilateral and cross-border trade. It will also highlight the economic growth between Suriname, Guyana and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Rahul Lildhar, CEO of SGCC, noted the rapid growth of the Chamber, which now boasts over 100 members.
According to the release, he stressed the SGCC’s commitment to delivering structured, value-driven events.
With 15 sessions planned, featuring over 100 speakers and 5,000 delegates, Suriname’s edition of the IBC will focus on critical topics such as compliance, tax policies, local content, and industry innovation — targeting business in Suriname, Guyana and beyond.
He stated, “The objectives remain the same, to boost business efficiency within the region, encourage international investment, showcase industry-leading practices, forge strategic partnerships and to support all sectors in capitalising on Suriname’s newfound growth momentum.”
Mr Lildhar added that the event is private sector led and industry focused and as such, a major key performance indicator is to ensure that business deals are actually signed at the conference.
According to the release, the SITA will play a central role in the event, with
CEO Amar Alakhramsing emphasising that IBC offers a unique opportunity for local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises to tap into international insights and build strong, interconnected business
ecosystems.
Ambassador Depoo reinforced the significance of Suriname-Guyana
collaboration in driving economic growth.
The release said that he urged the private sector to seize the opportunities
presented by joint efforts in sectors such as oil and gas, which are key to boosting the global standing of both nations. “Businesses on both sides must be willing to take calculated risks, innovate and pursue ventures that bring benefit[s] not only to their shareholder[s], but also Guyanese and Surinamese communities.”
He further emphasised the need for the removal of trade barriers, adding, “By reducing trade
barriers we can facilitate smooth flow of goods and services, opening new doors for business and driving economic growth in our private sectors.”
Attendees will benefit from dedicated B2B match-making opportunities, and the intuitive IBC app will once again enable participants to manage schedules, book meetings, and access event information seamlessly.
The conference is expected to be a transformative gathering, setting the stage for sustained economic partnerships and growth across multiple industries, the release added.