Text and image Edwien Bodjie
PARAMARIBO — “It is more than a magazine or an app. It is a hub where companies, policymakers and investors can find and strengthen each other.” Bryen Wouden said this on Wednesday evening during the launch of ‘Surinaamse Gids Exclusief’, a new business platform that consists of a magazine, website and mobile application. It should contribute to better visibility, cooperation and economic growth in Suriname.
The initiative focuses on bringing together companies, government agencies and other actors, both nationally and internationally. “This is not just the introduction of a platform, but the result of ten years of work, trial and error and continuing to believe in an idea,” says Wouden.
“Those who are visible have an advantage. Those who are connected continue to grow”
Bryen Wouden
According to him, the platform is based on a long process of perseverance. “It all started with a bright dream: to create a platform that makes information accessible to all levels of society, both nationally and internationally,” he outlined the past ten years.
Platform link between sectors
He indicated that the launch was also intended to bring different groups together. “We want to bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors and strategic partners. That’s where collaboration starts,” says Wouden. The launch in Ballroom Prince attracted representatives from business, government and various social sectors.
The platform must grow into an ecosystem in which information, innovation and entrepreneurship come together. The initiator pointed out the growing importance of visibility and communication in a competitive world. “Those who are visible have an advantage. Those who are connected continue to grow.”
Wouden called on those present to actively use the platform and further expand it. “This platform belongs to all of us. Use it, build with it and grow with it,” he said. According to him, the initiative can contribute to a stronger positioning of Suriname on the international map.
Visibility and growth
Among those present were ministers, diplomatic representatives and entrepreneurs. Minister Raymond Landveld of Transport, Communications and Tourism indicated that Suriname is in a phase in which the country itself wants to give direction to developments. According to him, ‘Surinamese Gids Exclusief’ can play a role in that process. “In modern society, data and information are the basis for progress. Access to reliable information builds trust and opens the door for investment and cooperation,” the minister said. He sees the platform as a means to make economic opportunities more visible.
Landveld pointed out that connection is a key point in his ministry’s policy. This is not just about infrastructure, but also about strengthening networks between people, companies and institutions. “We want to build a Suriname that is connected to itself and to the world.”
The minister pointed out that visibility is becoming increasingly important in a world in which countries compete with each other. “Suriname must be and remain recognisable, accessible and attractive. By better presenting our products and services, we can strengthen our economic position.”
According to colleague Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation, the platform not only offers opportunities for Surinamese entrepreneurs, but also for foreign partners and investors. It can also contribute to Suriname’s international profile.
First step
The launch of ‘Surinamese Gids Exclusief’ takes place at a time when cooperation between the public and private sectors is becoming increasingly important. The platform responds to this by bringing different parties together and giving them access to relevant information and networks, Wouden indicated.
A first step has been taken with the first edition of the magazine and the associated digital applications. The coming period must show to what extent the platform actually contributes to more cooperation, investments and economic development. “This is not an end point, but a beginning. A beginning of new forms of cooperation and new opportunities for Suriname,” Wouden concluded.
