PARAMARIBO — A delegation from state mining company Grassalco has paid a working visit to Brabados in recent days to explore new sales markets, financing options and partnerships. This includes looking at the export of building materials and cooperation in the agricultural field.
The mission is part of the company’s plans to strengthen its regional position and develop new commercial opportunities for the company and Suriname. During the visit, discussions will be held with financial institutions and other potential partners.
An important part of the mission, Grassalco said, was a meeting with representatives of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). The discussions covered trade and project finance, investments, infrastructure development and regional trade. Possibilities for developing creditworthy projects that can support both the further growth of Grassalco and the economic development of Suriname were also discussed.
Grassalco presented its new plans to Afreximbank representatives during the discussions. The company hopes to gain access to financing options for projects it wants to implement in the coming years.
The delegation also held an introductory meeting with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Possibilities for future cooperation were discussed. Grassalco aims to develop closer relationships with regional and international financial institutions that can contribute to the financing of commercially viable projects of national importance.
Barbados interested in In-Vitro Plant knowledge
In addition to discussions about mining, building materials and financing, opportunities for cooperation in the agricultural field were also discussed during the visit.
The ministry responsible for the agricultural sector in Barbados has expressed interest in working with In-Vitro Plant, a subsidiary of Grassalco. Barbados is working on setting up a modern laboratory for in vitro propagation of plants and wants to make use of the knowledge and expertise of the Surinamese company.
In-Vitro Plant could provide technical support and guidance in setting up and making the laboratory operational. The intended collaboration should, among other things, help Barbados with the production and availability of high-quality and disease-free plant material.
The supply and development of agricultural products is also examined. The parties want to contribute to strengthening the agricultural sector and food security and at the same time create new opportunities for regional trade.
The aim is to give the collaboration a structural character. Possibilities for mutual trade in high-quality plant material and other agricultural products are also being investigated. Grassalco and the parties involved in Barbados want to record the agreements in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the short term.
After the mission, discussions will continue with partners in Barbados and the financial institutions involved. Grassalco ultimately wants to translate the opportunities identified during the visit into concrete trade, investment and financing agreements and long-term partnerships.
