PARAMARIBO – Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation emphasized on Tuesday at the opening of the Caribbean Energy Week that energy in itself does not guarantee prosperity, but can serve as a driver of broad economic development.
According to the minister, the oil and gas sector should not be seen as an end goal, but as a starting point for further growth. He sketched a vision of the future in which this sector forms the basis for economic diversification, more entrepreneurship and the development of new industries.
“We measure the success of the sector not only in barrels of oil produced, but mainly in the companies that are created, the skills that are developed and the sustainable partnerships we build,” said Bouva.
The three-day event at Royal Torarica serves as a crucial platform where government leaders and top business officials come together to discuss the Caribbean’s rapid rise as an energy hub.
Crossroads
According to the minister, Suriname is currently at a historical tipping point thanks to significant offshore discoveries. However, the minister clearly stated that the presence of energy sources alone does not guarantee prosperity; it must act as the catalyst for much broader economic renewal. In his view, the oil and gas sector is the driving force behind diversification and new entrepreneurship.
The Surinamese government’s strategy relies heavily on forging strong alliances. The minister clarified that the role of diplomacy has fundamentally changed. “Diplomacy is no longer exclusively political, but also economic: connecting opportunities with investments, ideas with capital and ambition with partners,” he indicated. The key point here is that the exploitation of natural resources must add direct value to local society, with Surinamese companies growing side by side with international partners.
Steps Suriname
To facilitate this process, the minister pointed out the concrete steps the government has taken to optimize the investment climate. With a modernized investment law, the strengthening of SITA and a targeted local content policy, Suriname wants to provide a stable and attractive basis for innovation and trade.
Minister Bouva called for regional cooperation and a focus on human capital. He emphasized that while energy drives the machine, actual progress comes from vision and collaboration. “By combining the wealth under the waters with the talent of its people and the power of cooperation, Suriname can move towards a sustainable and inclusive future together with the region. Let’s seize this moment. Let’s build the partnerships. Let’s create opportunities. And together we let Suriname shine,” the minister concluded.-.
