Suriname Appeals to Diaspora Community

From Carlton Ambassador Hotel.

The diaspora plays an important role in Suriname’s ambitions for further economic development. At a seminar in The Hague on 7 February 2015, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Lackin appealed via skype to the diaspora community to contribute to the future development of his country: “Suriname needs you to strengthen its position in the Latin American region. Agriculture, infra, ICT, water management and tourism are priority sectors in which we want to invest your knowledge and expertise.”

The well-attended event, organized by the Government of Suriname in cooperation with IOM, was the launch of an appeal by Suriname to engage its worldwide diaspora community. The diaspora has the knowledge, expertise and the financial network Suriname effectively needs to strengthen the country’s development.

IOM’s Director General William Lacy Swing stressed diasporas become more important with their contributions to growth in skills and knowledge, trade and investment. “In this era of unprecedented mobility we should remove obstacles and foster fluidity between states. This encourages our transnational citizens to stay engaged in both home and host countries.”

To engage the diaspora community, the Embassy of Suriname in the Netherlands will match the availability of the diaspora community in the Netherlands with the needs identified in Suriname. A special website will be set up by the Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs.