Ghana and Suriname have expressed a mutual interest in strengthening their trade relations. This intent was pronounced by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Suriname, Fidelia Graand-Galon, during a pivotal meeting with officials from the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) on February 22, 2024. The discussions were centered on pinpointing potential business ventures for both countries and crafting strategies to boost economic expansion.
Ambassador Graand-Galon emphasized the critical need for direct sea and air connections between Africa and Suriname, suggesting that such routes would pave the way for smoother access to various opportunities, thereby enhancing the trade relationship between the two regions.
Echoing the ambassador’s sentiments, the CEO of the GSA, Kwasi Baffour Sarpong, welcomed the meeting as a golden opportunity for Ghanaian shippers to venture into new markets. He highlighted the pivotal role of information exchange in capitalizing on these emerging opportunities, stressing the importance of shippers being well-informed and ready to act.
Additionally, Mr. Sarpong reiterated GSA’s eagerness to work hand in hand with the Surinamese Embassy, proposing the exchange of valuable data for the mutual benefit of both parties. Through shared knowledge and resources, the goal is to improve trade facilitation and foster a thriving business environment.
The discussions concluded with a mutual agreement to continue exploring cooperative avenues, focusing on improving connectivity, encouraging trade diversification, and ensuring the mutual prosperity of Ghana and Suriname.
Both nations share the ambition of deepening their trade connections to support economic growth and collective well-being. With Suriname’s rich natural resources and strategic position on the northeastern coast of South America, and Ghana’s dynamic economy and robust trade sector in West Africa, the two countries are poised to leverage their respective advantages. This collaboration aims at enriching their bilateral trade relations, marking a significant step towards achieving shared economic goals.