VSB: “THE HELM MUST BE SHIFTED”

The Surinamese Business Communicy Association (VSB) pointed out that the government must change its policy this year as this is in the nation’s best interest. The association explained that 2017 was a very difficult year for entrepreneurship. Several companies either went out of business or had to opt for lay-offs. Many companies that managed to stay afloat last year fear that they will not survive this year. The VSB pointed out that policy makers have very little to no knowledge about the circumstances of the Surinamese business community. The local business community mainly consists of micro, small and medium sized companies that are joined by a few groups of companies and big companies that are mainly multinationals. Such an economy needs measures that support entrepreneurship so that all companies can conduct specific economic activities aimed at making a contribution to the growth of the nation’s economy and sustainable development. The VSB made it clear that the effects of the contraction of the economy in 2016 were still noticeable in 2017. “The government’s policy did not sufficiently resulted in the recovery of the faith in the economy and boosting economic activity. The last two years have proven that the issue of diversification of the economy must be handled in a professional manner. It is therefore crucial to establish a crisis council and to facilitate the Social Economic Council so that they can give their input for the development of Suriname.

The VSB also wants an lnvestment - and Trade Promotion Agency to be established in order to safeguard the importance of local and foreign investments.