On Monday, September 22, 2025, Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation of Suriname held a bilateral meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Minister Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting culminated in the signing of a Joint Declaration outlining concrete steps to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, signaling new opportunities for trade development and investment promotion for both nations.
Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the current state of relations and the positive momentum achieved since the initial cooperation roadmaps were signed in 2017 and 2021. They further discussed the significant potential for deepening this relationship across various sectors.
A central outcome of the discussions was the preparation of a new Cooperation Roadmap between Suriname and Morocco for the period 2025-2028, slated for signing by the end of 2025. This comprehensive roadmap is designed to foster collaboration in key areas, presenting attractive prospects for the investment and business community:
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Economy and Trade: The renewed focus on economic and trade cooperation is expected to create new avenues for bilateral trade, streamline investment processes, and enhance market access for products and services from both Suriname and Morocco. This provides a clear invitation for businesses seeking to expand into new, strategically located markets.
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Agriculture: Significant opportunities exist for collaboration in the agricultural sector, including knowledge transfer, technological exchange, and investment in agricultural production and processing. Morocco’s commitment to specify an increased volume of fertilizer by the end of 2025 directly benefits Surinamese agriculture, potentially boosting yields and export capabilities.
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Tourism: Cooperation in tourism development opens doors for investments in hospitality, ecotourism, and the creation of joint tourism packages, enhancing the appeal of both Suriname and Morocco as desirable travel destinations.
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Solar Energy: In line with global sustainability goals, the partnership in solar energy offers promising investment prospects in renewable energy projects, contributing to energy security and green economic growth for both countries.
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Capacity Building: Through international training and expertise sharing, the human capital in both nations will be strengthened, fostering a more attractive and skilled environment for local and international investments.
Morocco’s Commitment and Strategic Market Access
Morocco has affirmed its commitment by pledging to allocate the necessary financial resources for the implementation of these initiatives and will specify the exact increased amount of technical assistance, including a larger volume of fertilizer, by the end of 2025. This tangible investment underscores a mutual commitment to a robust and productive partnership.
Minister Bouva acknowledged the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for South-South cooperation, rooted in mutual respect, solidarity, and pragmatism. He highlighted Morocco’s strategic position as a “gateway to Africa” for Surinamese businesses and investors looking to expand their reach across the African continent. Conversely, Suriname, with its strategic location in the Caribbean, offers a valuable entry point for Moroccan investments and trade into the broader Caribbean and South American markets, facilitated through concrete socio-economic projects.
The previously extended support from Morocco, including capacity-building through international training programs, financial assistance, scholarships, and the donation of phosphate rock, demonstrates the solid foundation upon which this enhanced partnership is built.
Furthermore, both ministers agreed to continue political consultations on multilateral platforms, aligning their positions in international and regional forums. This collaborative diplomatic approach fosters a stable and predictable environment, crucial for long-term trade and investment. The joint commitment to promoting cooperation between African and Caribbean nations positions Suriname and Morocco as pivotal players in an expanding network of South-South economic diplomacy.
These developments create an inviting landscape for international traders and investors to capitalize on the growing economic integration and the strategic geographical advantages offered by both Suriname and Morocco.
