Local content requires a clear national vision
“There are various angles from which we can look at local content,” says Steven Debipersad, chairman of the Association of Economists in Suriname. It is important that we have a national vision. I understand that the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation was already working on this. The reason it is important to have a national approach is that it allows you to think together with the public sector, the private sector, and all other stakeholders about what local content means for Suriname and what its benefits might be. From that moment on, you can set out a timeline and divide tasks between the government and other parties. Until then, we will continue to trudge through the mud, because we are talking about all sorts of things without a clear direction.
On the eve of the major oil and gas developments, there is also much talk about local content: the Surinamese society that must contribute by providing services to the oil companies. This is a good prospect that can generate revenue, but it must be properly mapped out so that entrepreneurs and employees are also protected. After all, there must be guidelines for how companies do business with the population of the country in which they operate, in a way that involves the local community and takes the environment into account. Many companies are already doing this, but the government must do so as well. enforce. As a country, we must protect ourselves against all companies that will soon come to Suriname from abroad. Much is demanded of local companies, whereas this happens to a lesser extent with foreign companies.
Debipersad: In a small society like Suriname, it is important that the government keeps this clearly in mind; otherwise, we will miss out on time and money. I have heard positive signals from the business community that developments are underway in this area. Now, the Directorate of Entrepreneurship must guide companies through this process. Other discussions may follow afterwards, such as: do we need a law? Should there be a policy? But as long as we do not know what local content means for Suriname and what is considered local, it is difficult to move forward. For instance, the late former President Chandrikapersad Santokhi called a company local when it is registered with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKF). However, many Surinamese, both entrepreneurs and employees, thought: no, that is not quite right. After all, TotalEnergies is also registered with the KKF, but it remains a foreign company. Therefore, there must be more than just registration with the KKF. Everyone coming to Suriname Anyone arriving is required to register, but that does not automatically make you a Surinamer.
According to Debipersad, we run the risk of unemployment remaining high if we do not pay sufficient attention to the issue. There is much work to be done, and it is not a matter that can be resolved within a few days. Thorough study and preparation are required for this.
“We are at a level we have wanted to reach for years. Investors are eager to come to Suriname. Companies are competing for opportunities in our small country. But we must hedge our bets well so that we are not robbed of the benefits that these developments can bring.”