Private sector slams politicians over unfair competition

Entrepreneurs from the private sector recently made it clear that they are being opposed and discouraged by political exponents, including policy makers and even ministers.

The chairman of the Association of Surinamese Manufacturers (ASFA), Wilgo Bilkerdijk, explained that politicians and policy makers are always a few steps ahead due to the fact that they have access to all the facilities and confidential information that make it easy for them to do business. “It is in fact their duty to put the facilities and information at the disposal of the private sector,” said Bilkerdijk who accused the politicians of unfair competition. He also made it clear that no action is taken against these people. Bilkerdijk referred to the fact that a minister claimed huge pieces of land although it was a conflict of interest. “But this was not the first time that such a thing has happened. There are more similar cases where people with political connections or political positions misuse vital information to start their own business,” said Bilkerdijk who added that bonafide entrepreneurs are the ones taking huge risks while facing competition from powerful politicians. “This is very unsportsmanlike. If a policy maker wants to become an entrepreneur, he or she must vacate his or her post before entering the private sector,” said Bilkerdijk who was reelected as chairman of the ASFA. He added that “there is also ‘fierce’ fighting internally due to the interests that are at stake. I am nevertheless prepared to lead the organization for one more term in office.”