The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) Inc. marked a significant milestone on March 1, celebrating its first anniversary at a grand event held at Cara Lodge Hotel in Georgetown. The event, commemorating one year since the Chamber’s official launch on February 25, 2024, gathered an impressive array of guests including government representatives, diplomats, public and private sector leaders, SGCC members, and media personnel.
The celebration featured speeches from key figures, including SGCC Chair Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Liselle Blankedal, Ambassador of Suriname to Guyana, and Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Finance. Each speaker reflected on the Chamber’s achievements over the past year and its role in shaping the future of bilateral trade between the two nations.
Chairman Dr. Vishnu Doerga highlighted the Chamber’s rapid development, noting that SGCC had successfully organised more than a dozen trade missions both regionally and internationally. These included major conferences such as the International Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo in Guyana, the Suriname Energy Oil and Gas Summit, and the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas. Dr. Doerga also celebrated SGCC’s role in hosting large private sector delegations, with over 100 companies embarking on trade missions between Suriname and Guyana.
“Our commitment to excellence is unwavering,” Dr. Doerga assured the audience. “We’re here to provide the support that is expected of us.”
Ambassador Liselle Blankedal echoed Dr. Doerga’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of unity in driving progress. “Growth is a continuous journey, and in unity, we will scale even greater heights. For as history has taught us – united we stand, divided we fall,” she said. She also acknowledged the steadfast support from both governments, noting, “A special note of gratitude is also owed to the governments of both Suriname and Guyana for their unwavering support from the very inception of this initiative.”
Ambassador Blankedal expressed confidence in the future, stating, “With resolute determination, we move forward – there is no turning back. The only direction is upward, and the future holds boundless opportunities.”
Dr. Ashni Singh reinforced the significance of the SGCC in shaping the economic landscape of the region. Reflecting on the impact of bilateral chambers of commerce, he noted, “I am very firm in my conviction that these bilateral chambers of commerce have done a fantastic job in promoting investment, business opportunities, and business relations … and the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce is by no means at all an exception in this regard.”
Dr. Singh also acknowledged the Chamber’s success in overcoming market challenges, adding, “[SGCC] has demonstrated the tremendous value that you add in helping Guyanese and Surinamese companies to overcome these challenges.” He reiterated his belief that Suriname represents a natural extension for Guyanese businesses seeking to expand, stating, “The most obvious place for you to look if you’re a Guyanese company, would be Suriname.”
Dr. Singh also took the opportunity to reflect on the longstanding bonds between the two nations, saying, “On behalf of my president and on behalf of the entire government of Guyana – I know that I say this too on behalf of all of the people of Guyana – that we value greatly the relationship with Suriname.”
The Minister concluded his address with a firm commitment to infrastructural cooperation, particularly the long-discussed bridge across the Corentyne River, saying, “I will say to you that the bridge across the Corentyne river will be built!”
Dr. Singh urged industry leaders to continue their efforts in fostering cross-border trade, stating, “We want every single Guyanese company to be doing business with Suriname and in Suriname, and we think the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce has an extremely important role to play in this regard.”
He added, “On behalf of President Ali and our entire government, please accept our warmest congratulations on achieving your first anniversary. We believe that it’s been an incredible one year. You’ve achieved a lot in your first year, but we believe that the best is yet to come.”
The evening underscored the transformative role SGCC has played in regional commerce and its potential to continue driving collaboration and innovation. As Dr. Singh reminded attendees, “This is the moment for boldness!” The shared sentiment throughout the event was clear: the path ahead is one of continued growth, where both nations will thrive through mutual respect, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to economic prosperity.
In closing, Dr. Singh’s remarks encapsulated the spirit of the evening, urging the Chamber to continue its excellent work in expanding business opportunities between Suriname and Guyana. The SGCC’s vision for the future remains steadfast, with the best yet to come.
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