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.
H.E. Minister Melvin Bouva together with certified Export Advisers and representatives of SITA, IDB, NOB, and BIS following the certification ceremony.
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/cost-share-grant/
