Heart for The Hague in Suriname, Day 1
In conversation with ministers and mayor (DC) of Paramaribo
Hart voor Den Haag believes that ties with Suriname should be strengthened. To map out the economic opportunities, a delegation led by Richard de Mos went on a fact-finding mission.
On Monday, despite a heavy heart regarding the disaster in The Hague, the first talks were held with, among others, the Dutch ambassador, the mayor (DC) of Paramaribo, the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"With the Dutch Ambassador to Suriname (Mr. Walter Oostelbos), who knows the situation here very well, we talked about the enormous potential of Suriname, the possibilities but also the practical obstacles to doing business here. About success stories, but also about sometimes incomprehensible bottlenecks, the political situation and the importance of paying particular attention to entrepreneurship at the micro level (SMEs), something we also emphatically want," says Hart voor Den Haag delegation leader Richard de Mos.
Inspiring
The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr. Albert Ramdin) of Suriname outlined, in an inspiring conversation, what measures have been taken in recent years, what challenges still lie ahead and how they are being tackled. Various concrete issues and opportunities were also discussed that we can respond to from the city of The Hague. De Mos: "The minister is so confident about the future of the country. He warned, albeit with a small wink, not to wait too long to set up trade relations: 'Otherwise you will be too late!'"
Twin cities Paramaribo
An important conversation also took place with the mayor (DC, district commissioner) Ricardo Bhola of Paramaribo. "An inspired man who stands for his city and fights for 'visible' improvement in buildings, greenery, roads. A conversation about the accessibility of the city, better waste processing and a center that should be more vibrant. Recognizable topics where I feel very much in my element. We are far from finished talking and perhaps we will have some news at the end of this week," says De Mos.
Finally, part of the delegation was received at the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Suriname. A good conversation followed about obstacles that entrepreneurs, including from the Netherlands, encounter when they become active in Suriname, and how work is being done to facilitate administrative hassle at many different counters. "Recognizable problems. Conversely, we talked about our idea to set up The Hague as a natural landing place for entrepreneurs from Suriname, who want to bring their products to the Netherlands. As a city with so many residents with a Surinamese background, we should give those entrepreneurs an extra welcome and facilitate them. I want to make a case for that in the future."
Photo: Surinamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Albert Ramdin with Richard de Mos
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