Suriname’s growing economy has created an increase in production and export levels, and for this purpose the Association of Surinamese Manufacturers (ASFA) has created its own quality mark.
Founded in 1980, ASFA is the most representative producers association in Suriname. With more than 125 members, ASFA is committed to boosting production in Suriname and fostering the development of the country through the creation of a stable environment for entrepreneurs.
Representing almost 90% of Suriname’s GDP, ASFA members include the State Council, the Social Economic Council, the Business Forum, the Tripartite Overlap, representatives in Banks and Steering Committees, among others.
With its efforts placed on production and manufacturing, ASFA’s interest in promoting Surinamese exports has grown, and it feels that enhancing the country’s image to the international community is vital. For this purpose, ASFA created a quality standard branding for the country – ‘Made in Suriname’.
“We think that ASFA’s role is to add a positive image. The ‘Made in Suriname’ quality mark is not just something that ASFA gives, it’s an official quality mark registered with the Bureau of Standards here, also registered with the Caribbean Standards Organization, and ultimately we will be registered internationally with ISO,” explains
Rahid Doekhie, President of ASFA.
Suriname is now competing in the Caricom region, where it aims to become the leading producer, and plans to further conquer the American market .
“The U.S. has a very important economic role, looking at raw materials, and of course our Surinamese dollar is closely related to the U.S. dollar,” adds Mr. Doekhie.
Investment laws have been revitalized to create a safe economic environment. “Investors can invest here and easily get their revenues out without limitations. That is very important – it’s almost impossible to develop an economy without FDI.”
Encouraging ASFA and working towards achieving its objectives of driving financial influx into the country is the Suriname Business Forum (SBF) which acts as a public-private dialogue platform.
“We work together to strengthen the ties between the stakeholders with the goal of getting better policies and improving the business climate,” explains Siglien Burleson, former President of SBF. She feels directing the country towards productivity increase must be a participative and integrated process.
SBF is strengthening the country’s legal framework and enhancing competitiveness in its national strategy plan. “We have identified six focus areas among which we are attracting direct investment and developing new economic growth sectors,” says Ms. Burleson. These sectors include the agricultural, tourism and forestry industries.
On a national level, other more immediate objectives detailed in the Plan of Action 2011-2015 include raising the country’s GDP by 10% per year, increasing employment by 20% annually, and exports by 25%.
Internationally, it aims to promote and improve the image of its country and make it a more appealing destination for international investments. The country also aims to become an important food source for the whole Caricom region.
According to Ms. Burleson, Suriname is a country of opportunities with an excellent relationship with the United States – which is not exploited to its full potential. Regarding its relationship with the U.S., she hopes that “both economic departments of both countries will grow together.”
Optimistic and eager to further develop this relationship, Ms. Burleson adds: “I think it is a very positive relationship and, if you look at the cultural side, we share a lot in the sense that you will find a very American style of aspiration here.”
0 COMMENTS