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IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR
(1) OVERVIEW
1. Suriname possesses a wide range of natural endowments, and reflecting this, primary
industries have historically played a key role in its economic development. In particular, primary
products and simple manufactures, notably alumina, represent the bulk of its exports. Growth of the
economy as a whole has been slow (see Chapter I), and most sectors have shown little dynamism.
This is due in large part to unfavourable macroeconomic conditions, poor infrastructure and
regulation and, in the past, disruptions to the institutional framework and restrictive trade policy
measures. Economic dynamism is also likely to have been sapped by the dominant role of state-
owned enterprises, and the lack of competition in many sectors. Efforts are thus in progress to
modernize and liberalize the legal and institutional framework in most sectors. These efforts would
need to be reinforced for them to make the required contribution to Suriname's long-term
development strategy.
2. Bauxite mining continues to have a very profound influence on Suriname's economy,
principally because of its importance as a source of export earnings and government revenue. Bauxite
mined in Suriname is all refined domestically into alumina for export. The bauxite/alumina industry
makes an important contribution to total exports and fiscal revenue, and constitutes the largest source
of foreign exchange for the Central Bank. Gold and petroleum have also become significant
activities; gold largely in the informal sector, while a state-owned company holds a legal monopoly
on the extraction of petroleum and other hydrocarbons. Mining operators benefit from special fiscal
concessions additional to those available to producers in most other sectors. Revised mining
legislation, to provide greater legal security, offer an attractive fiscal climate, and protect the
environment, is to be submitted to the National Assembly in 2004.
3. Agriculture is significant particularly because of its contribution to employment, and to a
lesser extent in terms of exports. Rice and banana production has been closely related to the
preferential access to the European Union market; erosion of preferential margins for these products
could have a sizeable impact on the domestic economy. Gradual but significant steps have been taken
to liberalize domestic agricultural production in recent years. A tariff-based system is used to protect
domestic producers, since non-automatic import licensing was abandoned in 1999. Government
involvement in production has been reduced, although it remains large.
4. As in most countries, services is the largest sector of the economy both in terms of
employment and contribution to GDP. In practically all areas there is a need for significant upgrading
of infrastructure, better quality, and more competitive prices. A number of initiatives have been taken
to modernize and streamline regulations but progress has been uneven across activities. Suriname has
undertaken few international services commitments: under the GATS these concern only tourism and
travel services, transport, and telecommunications.
5. The Surinamese banking system is highly concentrated, and the Government holds equity in
six of the eight banks in operation. The cost of credit appears high: in 2002, the latest year for which
data are available, the spread between lending and borrowing rates was some 13%; these high costs
impose an important burden on the whole economy (see also Chapter I). The financial position of the
largest banks appears sound, but the smaller, wholly state-owned banks have performed poorly. In
practice, foreign participation in both banking and insurance is limited.
6. Telecommunications services are provided through a state-owned single supplier. The
duopoly foreseen in Suriname's GATS commitments was ended in 2002 due to problems related toSuriname WT/TPR/S/135
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interconnection conditions. Efforts are being made to modernize the telecommunications
infrastructure, and to adopt the institutional and legislative changes necessary for the gradual
liberalization of the sector. To this end, an independent Telecommunication Authority was created
and a new Telecommunication Act is under preparation. The new Act would establish a formal limit
on foreign participation in the provision of the basic infrastructure, while no such formal limit exists
currently. There are plans to licence a small number of operators in the near future and to ascertain
the scope for further liberalization in light of this experience. Supply of electrical energy is under the
monopoly of a state-owned enterprise; plans are in progress to secure a more efficient and reliable
supply.
7. Improving the efficiency and the physical infrastructure of Suriname's transport sector is seen
as vital to support private sector growth, and international cooperation efforts are targeting the
development of this sector. Key policy objectives in international air traffic are to make Suriname
accessible at reasonable fares while preserving the profitability of domestic firms. Airport
administration is in public hands but the Government is preparing legislation to create an independent
airport authority. Air transport services are reserved to firms substantially owned and effectively
controlled by Surinamese, although foreign suppliers may provide such services under international
agreements. The management of public ports is in government hands, but to support export growth
the authorities are seeking ways to increase the efficiency of port operations, notably through the
rehabilitation and institutional strengthening of the port of Paramaribo. The Government is in the
process of modernizing shipping legislation.
(2) AGRICULTURE ANDFOOD PROCESSING
(i) Features
8. Suriname possesses natural resource endowments of land, water, tropical forests, and fishing
for the development of agriculture-related activity. However, agriculture production and exports are
small and concentrated on few products. Some 90% of the country is covered with tropical rain
forests and 1.5 million ha are considered suitable for agriculture. In 1997, the total cultivated area
was estimated at 67,000 ha1, of which 57,000 were used for annual crops (mostly rice) and 10,000 for
permanent crops (bananas, plantains, coconut, citrus, and palm oil trees). In 1998, 49,350 ha of
irrigated land was used for cultivation of rice and 1,830 ha for the banana crop.2
9. Growth of the agriculture sector over the past few decades has been slow. Average annual
growth was reported at 1.6% for 1982-92 and 1.3% for 1992-02. In comparative terms, GDP average
annual growth for 1992-02 was higher (Chapter I(2)(i)). Agricultural production has evolved in the
context of unfavourable macroeconomic conditions and of restrictive trade policy measures that
included licences, export taxes, and export quota constraints. In addition, limited drainage and
irrigation infrastructure and support services (credit, marketing, land titling, research) have further
affected agricultural performance.
10. In 2002, employment in the sector accounted for just over 11% of Suriname's total
employment, while its contribution to GDP was just under 10% (ChapterI(2)(i)). Suriname's principal
agricultural products are summarized in Table IV.1.
1This area does not include land use for animal husbandry.
2FAO (2000) and AGRITRADE (2002).WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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Table IV.1
Agricultural production in Suriname, 1995-03
Annual average growth
Products 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1993- 98 1998-03
(Tonnes) (%)
Crops
Rice, paddy 242,000 220,000 213,000 188,400 180,300 163,700 191,370 157,000 193,000 -2.8 0.5
Bananas 49,700 49,500 45,200 37,600 54,700 48,700 43,140 43,000 43,000 -4.6 2.7
Oranges 15,000 14,000 11,900 11,200 10,300 10,000 10,200 10,300 10,300 -6.4 -1.7
Plantains 18,200 17,000 12,200 14,000 10,900 11,000 11,000 11,000 11,000 -5.4 -4.7
Coconuts 10,800 10,300 9,400 9,200 8,900 8,500 8,000 10,000 8,000 -4.9 -2.8
Watermelons 3,700 6,000 2,950 1,970 2,080 2,270 3,450 3,450 3,450 -23.0 11.9
Cassava 7,000 9,900 4,800 2,600 3,700 3,040 5,235 4,210 4,300 -12.3 10.6
Cucumbers 4,800 4,300 4,400 1,550 1,400 1,500 1,550 1,550 1,550 -21.2 0.0
Fresh vegetables 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 1.4 0.0
Livestock
Cow milk 18,000 18,000 14,000 13,000 13,000 8,000 8,500 8,500 8,500 -5.6 -8.1
Hen eggs 4,000 3,000 4,770 3,250 2,800 3,000 2,500 2,500 2,500 0.3 -5.1
Pig meat 920 800 1,100 1,060 1,000 1,170 1,280 1,435 1,450 -5.4 6.5
Beef and veal 1,800 1,600 2,030 2,110 2,200 2,000 1,890 1,890 2,000 -3.2 -1.1
Chicken meat 3,900 3,760 4,090 3,025 3,805 4,000 4,920 5,535 5,600 -16.4 13.1
Honey 86 86 86 86 86 86 86 86 86 1.0 0.0
Source: FAO (2003), FAOSTAT-Agriculture database [Online]. Available at: www.fao.org/waicent/portal/statistics-
en.asp.
11. Suriname’s main agricultural products and exports are rice and, far behind, bananas
(Table IV.2). Other exported products are small quantities and values of shrimp, fish, fresh fruit and
vegetables, roots and tubers, beverages, and fruit preparations. Suriname imports food products such
as poultry, maize, wheat, and refined sugar.
12. Production and exports of rice and bananas have been closely related to the opportunities
created and maintained under unilateral preferential access to the EU market. The majority of
Suriname's agricultural export products enjoy duty-free access to the United States either under MFN
or GSP treatment. Canada also provides duty-free access for different products from Suriname under
MFN and GSP treatment. The EU provides preferential access for bananas and grants MFN and GSP
duty-free treatment for other products.
13. Suriname protects domestic producers in the agriculture sector through tariffs. Suriname's
average applied tariff on agricultural products (WTO definition) is 18.6%, well above the 9.5%
average for non-agricultural products; tariffs can be as high as 50% for some agricultural items
including prepared foodstuffs, fats and oils, vegetable products, and live animals (Chapter III(2)(iii)).
14. Under Suriname’s WTO commitments, bound tariff levels for agricultural products were set
at a general rate of 20% (Chapter III(2)(iii)). In the context of this Review, the authorities noted that
they do not consider a rate of 20% high enough to develop the agriculture sector in the face of greater
international competition.
15. In 1999, Suriname dismantled the restrictive system of trade controls it used to ration foreign
exchange and protect domestic producers. Since then, Suriname uses import licensing to achieve
objectives such as public safety, protecting the health and life of persons, animals or plants, or the
environment (see Chapter III(2)(iv) and Chapter III(2)(vi)).Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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Table IV.2
Suriname’s major agricultural exports, 1995-02
Annual average
growth
Products 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1992-97 1997-02
Cereals
Rice, husked Value (US$ '000) 30,656 80,820 40,659 7,055 14,000 24,000 24,000 8,482 7.4% -26.9%
Volume (tonnes) 74,056 78,211 49,760 9,903 19,600 34,000 34,000 34,127 -7.5% -7.3%
Milled paddy rice Value (US$ '000) 6 3,209 44,040 34,735 18,000 17,950 14,360 1,595 82.3% -48.5%
Volume (tonnes) 13 2,513 55,809 48,375 25,000 25,000 20,000 4,299 58.0% -40.1%
Rice, broken Value (US$ '000) 2,264 182 4,687 3,460 3,200 1,056 2,460 910 82.4% -28.0%
Volume (metric) 5,260 120 4,818 3,234 4,300 1,420 3,300 4,560 25.5% -1.1%
Fruits
Bananas Value (US$ '000) 11,265 17,562 24,353 16,990 21,000 24,900 21,000 3,352 20.4% -32.7%
Volume (tonnes) 36,554 23,628 32,947 23,815 33,000 34,000 28,700 6,549 1.9% -27.6%
Oranges Value (US$ '000) 7 5 14 0 10 13 10 10 -1.4% -6.5%
Volume (tonnes) 4 10 21 0 20 26 20 20 -34.6% -1.0%
Mangoes Value (US$ '000) 20 137 267 210 20 11 3 2 67.9% -62.4%
Volume (tonnes) 50 170 373 348 50 23 6 1 44.1% -69.4%
Coconuts Value (US$ '000) 14 9 1 10 20 1 1 12 -63.1% 64.4%
Volume (tonnes) 36 12 1 20 50 1 1 21 -66.1% 83.8%
Fish
Fish food Value (US$ '000) 3,264 7,420 11,199 4,251 10,339 4,827 7,850 .. 35.1% -8.5%
Volume (tonnes) 3,761 4,071 7,078 2,799 4,397 4,431 3,251 .. 50.5% -17.7%a
.. Not available.
a Average growth is for 97-01.
Source: FAO (2003), FAOSTAT-Agriculture database [Online]. Available at: www.fao.org/waicent/portal/statistics-
en.asp.
16. Suriname has submitted notifications in the WTO concerning its import licensing procedures;
it has also notified that it provided no export subsidies between 1995 and 2001 (Table II.1). Suriname
has presented no notifications on domestic support to agricultural production. As a member of
CARICOM, Suriname has made several proposals in agriculture during the Doha Development
Agenda seeking, among other things, substantial cuts in bound tariffs for export products from
developing countries, maintenance of non-tariff measures for market access, and special and
differential treatment for small economies.3
17. Suriname has a system in place to deal with SPS issues (Chapter III(2)(ix)). The Ministry
of Health’s Bureau of Public Health has responsibility for food inspection in the country.
The Ministry of Agriculture has an Animal Husbandry Department, a Plant Protection and Quality
Control Division, and a Fisheries Department. Most of the existing SPS legislation is under review
(Chapter III(2)(ix)). The Plant Protection Division has been upgraded with the assistance of FAO but
the authorities note that more technical assistance is needed.
3WTO document G/AG/NG/W/100, 15 January 2001.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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(ii) Policy objectives for the sector
18. Several ministries take part in the management of agricultural trade issues including the
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries; the Ministry of Trade and Industry; and
the Ministry of Health.
19. Agriculture-related legislation includes the National Decree of 2 September 1960 Establishing
a Regulation Regarding the Export and Import of Hulled and Unhulled Rice and Rice Products; the
National Decree of 18 October 1964, Public Decree 1936, No 77 (last amended by Public Decree
1954, No 84 concerning cattle and fresh meat exports, which are prohibited without a written licence);
the National decree of January 25, 1967, relating to fertilizers for cultivated plants (exports are
prohibited without a written licence); the Fish Inspection Act of 16 November 2000 (primary
legislation governing hygiene requirements); the Fish Act of 1980 (primary legislation for the
registration of fishing vessels).
20. The government sector in Suriname traditionally accounted for a large share of agricultural
production, processing, and marketing. At present, there is a plan in place to privatize SURLAND
(bananas). SAIL (marine shrimp) and SEL (rice, cattle) are the remaining agricultural state-owned
enterprises not included in the privatization programme.
21. In addition to its direct intervention in agricultural production, the Ministry of Agriculture
plays the central role of formulating sector policies and for making recommendations on the trade of
agricultural products. For state-owned enterprises, the Ministry of Finance and the National Planning
Office oversee investment, borrowing, and subsidies.
22. In past decades, price controls were used widely as policy instruments to control inflation and
to protect consumers. This usually created unfavourable conditions including leaving prices below
cost of production, disrupting private agricultural production, and creating financial losses for state-
owned firms. In 1993-94 the Government lifted farm-gate and retail control prices on sugar, meat,
palm oil, and other products. Price and mark-up controls are in force for some agricultural goods
(Chapter III(4)(ii)).
23. The MOP 2001-2005 contained important goals for the revitalization of agriculture, including
modernizing the agri-industrial sector, improving production of traditional exports, and expanding
non-traditional production. The policy orientation defined in the Government's Agricultural Policy
2000-2005 included measures for the removal of subsidies to state-owned firms, privatization,
incentives for export and domestic food production and improvement of physical infrastructure.
24. The recognition of constraints on the performance of the agriculture sector led to the adoption
in 1998 of a Trade Policy Reform Programme, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank,
aimed at improving incentives for agriculture, institutional reform, and private sector investment.
One of the principal goals was to promote agricultural exports as a key element of non-mineral
industry growth. Suriname's entry into CARICOM provided another important context for changes in
the administration of tariffs and trade.
25. The approval in 2003 of the Law on the Movement of Goods removed most trade restrictions
applied on agricultural products including requirements to obtain shipment licences for all exports and
imports other than those on an agreed negative list (Chapter III(2)(vi)).
26. Other goals of reform measures included improving efficient allocation and use of land and
water. However, insufficient funds for infrastructure, research, security of land tenure, and services to
indigenous peoples in the interior areas remain important constraints. The pricing of public issuedSuriname WT/TPR/S/135
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agricultural leases has been noted as another constraint to agricultural development. Public land
leases were issued in the past at low prices and typically resulted in under-utilization of arable land.
Inflation also played a role in reducing the real price of rental of land. No further information is
available concerning land leases or land rental prices.
27. Efforts to improve the policy environment for agriculture are to be supplemented by a
programme to upgrade infrastructure. Suriname and the Netherlands have been working on
rehabilitating irrigation and drainage infrastructure in north-western Suriname, the main area for rice
cultivation. To guarantee proper management of infrastructure related to water projects, water boards
have been proposed and legislation has been prepared with cooperation from the Dutch water board
districts.
28. Suriname excludes large areas from exploitation for environmental purposes. Environmental
management capacity, and resources to manage agriculture and forest logging expansion are very
limited. International organizations are supporting sectoral ministries on issues such as legislation
and review of the procedures for determining and collecting royalties and concession fees.
29. Additional needs have been identified in management of toxic agricultural chemicals,
review/update of legislation and regulations on trade, handling, storage, and application of agri-
chemical inputs; implementation of approved regulations (e.g. pesticides); handling of products;
alternative environment friendly inputs; alternative treatment and controls for weeds, pests, and
diseases.
(iii) Key subsectors4
(a) Rice
30. The Government of Suriname participates in various activities related to rice production.
Since the 1960s, it has assisted producers in establishing farming operations and mechanization
under the Foundation for the Development of Mechanized Agriculture (SML-Wageningen). The
SML provides facilities for processing, marketing, and supply of inputs. As of 2000, although the
Government controlled the largest farms and exports of rice, private farmers accounted for most of the
harvest.
31. The private/public sector initiative Suriname Rice Institute (RIS) was established to replace
the state-owned Suriname Rice Export Corporation (SUREXCO5). Exports of rice and rice products
are subject to inspection fees (Chapter III(3)(ii)).
32. In the past, measures such as retention schemes, minimum export prices, export taxes and
other fees were used widely to control rice prices. Recent reform measures eliminated the setting of
minimum prices for rice exports and mandatory retention quotas for the domestic market. As at early
2004, only local margins are set by the Government in the rice sector to determine the maximum
mark-up (Chapter III(4)(ii)).
4FAO (2000), and AGRITRADE (2002).
5SUREXCO was established in 1986 to be the sole exporter of rice.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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33. Suriname is one of the principal ACP rice exporters to the EU and the majority of Surinamese
rice exports go to EU markets. It benefits from preferences established in Declaration XXII of the
Cotonou Agreement as well as the provisions on Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) that
establish the level of processing needed before duty-free shipment to the EU. With the support of the
EU, a programme for CARICOM countries has been set up to help improve the competitiveness of
rice.
34. The EU's preferential access conditions for Suriname’s rice exports have changed
considerably over time. In addition to the quotas established under the Cotonou Agreement,
provisions were made for the importation of 35,000 tonnes of rice into the EU via OCTs. Using the
Netherlands Antilles as an avenue to take advantage of this provision, data for Suriname reflect that in
1995 and 1996 rice exports were fuelled by this favourable access to the EU market. The introduction
of safeguard measures by the EU on rice exported via the OCT route and a decline in rice prices in
major markets, among other factors, curtailed the growth in the sector.
35. Rice exports from Suriname have declined in recent years as downward price trends
created unfavourable conditions for export earnings (Table IV.3). With the exception of specialty
rice, EU market prices have been below intervention price levels, and earnings from exports to the
EU declined even more dramatically than the volume of rice exported, despite a two-thirds reduction
in the levy charged on direct exports.
36. The introduction of EU's Everything But Arms initiative for least-developed countries, and its
potential impact on trade of rice, which would eventually lead to duty-free access for LDC rice from
2007, is creating further uncertainty for rice exports from Suriname.
Table IV.3
Rice exports from Suriname, 1995-00
DestinationShare (%)
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 1990-95 1996-00
United States Value (US$ '000) 1,088 0 0 0 0 6 0.8 0.0
Volume (tonnes) 2,413 0 0 0 0 22 1.5 0.0
EU Value (US$ '000) 2,531 2,273 15,593 12,661 8,610 8,315 68.4 45.7
Volume (tonnes) 5,889 5,367 52,508 44,440 53,975 35,266 54.4 52.0
Aruba Value (US$ '000) 273 206 0 0 1,041 57 0.2 1.3
Volume (tonnes) 700 559 0 0 5,728 401 0.4 1.8
Netherland Antilles Value (US$ '000) 23,669 30,811 9,965 3,649 0 1,103 23.5 43.8
Volume (tonnes) 57,392 80,232 35,167 11,239 0 5,158 35.5 35.8
Rest of world Value (US$ '000) 5,360 1,081 1,408 1,861 3,557 1,676 7.1 9.2
Volume (tonnes) 12,923 2,966 4,565 5,832 18,122 6,930 8.2 10.4
Total Value (US$ '000) 32,921 34,371 26,966 18,171 13,208 11,158 100 100
Volume (tonnes) 79,316 89,124 92,240 61,512 77,825 47,778 100 100
Source: UN-COMTRADE.
(b) Bananas
37. Bananas were Suriname's second largest export by value in 2001. Low yields and high
production costs compared with Latin American producers have been recognized as competitive
problems for Suriname's banana industry. The industry is also small, which makes it difficult to
achieve economies of scale and to invest to upgrade harvesting systems. The authorities reported that
in 2002-03 there was no production of bananas in Suriname. They also indicate that theSuriname WT/TPR/S/135
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banana industry is in a process of rehabilitation and privatization with technical and financial support
of the EU.
38. Suriname's banana production and exports increased slightly in recent years but are
concentrated entirely in the EU market where it has enjoyed preferential access (Tables IV.4
and IV.5). Over the past few years, however, negotiations for reciprocal trade between ACP countries
and the EU has created uncertainty about the preferential access conditions and Suriname's ability to
compete with other world suppliers.
Table IV.4
Production of bananas in Suriname, 1992-01
Production 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Bananas area harvested (ha) 2,131 2,170 2,250 2,150 2,190 2,150 2,125 2,143 2,180 2,180
Bananas yield (hg/haa) 234,097 218,862 211,111 231,163 226,027 210,233 176,941 255,250 223,394 197,890
Bananas production (tonnes) 49,886 47,493 47,500 49,700 49,500 45,200 37,600 54,700 48,700 43,140
a Hectograms per hectare.
Source: FAO (2003), FAOSTAT-Agriculture database [Online]. Available at: www.fao.org/waicent/portal/statistics-
en.asp.
39. Production of bananas in Suriname is dominated by state-owned firms. SURLAND is a joint-
stock banana company that produces over 90% of total production in two farms in Nickerie and
Saramacca districts; its product is destined to U.K. markets. SURLAND’s supply arrangements are
based on fixed-term contracts at an annually negotiated minimum price, which also ensures
transportation to the UK. In the past, inputs needed for production have been typically incorporated
into banana supply contracts, to resolve foreign exchange shortages.
40. Production averaged 38,000 tonnes in the period 1979-81, 48,000 tonnes in 1989-91 and
43,000 tonnes in 2001. Banana exports represented 11.7% of Suriname’s total agricultural exports in
1979-81, 26.1% in 1989-91 and 32.3% in 2001.
41. Suriname exports bananas through the EU's tariff-quota scheme, due to be replaced on
1 January 2006 by a tariff-only system. As an African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) country, Suriname
may export bananas duty-free within a quota C of 857,700 tonnes, provided to all ACP countries on a
first-come first serve basis. Under this quota, Suriname has an allocation of 38,000 tonnes.6
Table IV.5
World imports of bananas from Suriname, 1993-02
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1993-96 1996-99 1999-02
US Volume (tonnes) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 .. .. ..
Value (US$ '000) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 .. .. ..
EU Volume (tonnes) 28,000 32,739 32,473 27,473 30,066 22,455 40,101 34,712 29,174 6,000 -0.6% 13.4% -46.9%
Value (US$ '000) 21,253 26,314 27,902 22,226 24,163 17,855 28,506 28,099 17,904 3,391 1.5% 8.6% -50.8%
RW Volume (tonnes) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 .. .. ..
Value (US$ '000) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 .. .. ..
Total Volume (tonnes) 28,000 32,739 32,473 27,473 30,066 22,455 40,101 34,712 29,174 6,000 -0.6% 13.4% -46.9%
Value (US$ '000) 21,253 26,314 27,902 22,226 24,163 17,855 28,506 28,099 17,904 3,391 1.5% 8.6% -50.8%
.. Not available.
Source: UN-COMTRADE.
6EU regulations 404/93 and 896/2001.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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(c) Fisheries and crustaceans7
42. The fisheries (including crustaceans) sector is characterized by its small economic size
(Table IV.6). The industry is geographically divided into industrial (offshore), coastal, brackish-water
and freshwater fisheries, and aquaculture. Industrial fishing activities take place at depths greater than
18 meters and are considered capital intensive. They include the shrimp-trawling (most of fishery
output since the 1960s), finfish trawls, snapper and seabob trawls. The industrial processors also
produce smoked and salted products. Exports go to the EU, the United States, Japan, Jamaica,
Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados (Table IV.7). Shrimps are exported mainly to Japan (90%) and
the rest is exported to Europe and the United States. The authorities report that they are decreasing
the number of shrimp and other fishing licences due to serious problems of over-fishing and
decreasing production.
Table IV.6
Fish production in Suriname, 1993-01
(tonnes)
Average annual
growth (%)
Products 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 1991-96 1996-01
Crustaceans 63 236 1,005 2,450 2,023 4,255 6,350 7,015 7,783 31 26
Crabs, sea-spiders 4 5 5 6 10 10 10 20 25 43 33
Shrimps, prawns 59 231 1,000 2,444 2,013 4,245 6,340 6,995 7,758 31 26
Freshwater diadrom 190 139 141 151 201 201 250 330 254 -16 11
Tilapias 0 1 1 1 1 1 50 130 54 .. 122
Other 190 138 140 150 200 200 200 200 200 -16 6
Marine fishes, n.e.s. 9,250 14,091 11,855 10,400 11,777 11,845 9,800 10,500 11,300 10 2
Demers 0 0 100 560 1,020 1,070 1,450 1,180 1,090 .. 14
Other 9,250 14,091 11,755 9,840 10,757 10,775 8,350 9,320 10,210 9 1
Total fishery production 9,503 14,466 13,001 13,001 14,001 16,301 16,400 17,845 19,337 12 8
.. Not available.
Source: UN-COMTRADE.
Table IV.7
Imports (c.i.f.) of fish from Suriname by destination, 1993-02
Average annual
growth (%)
Destinations 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1992-97 1997-02
EU Value ($ '000) 3,599 6,367 9,686 10,972 6,537 9,644 16,482 12,852 16,888 16,979 41 21
Volume (tonnes) 970 1,241 1,442 1,495 583 2,056 3,652 3,117 4,680 5,601 8 57
Japan Value ($ '000) 17,490 22,969 25,477 37,480 30,755 21,263 22,270 20,712 18,638 18,506 10 -10
Volume (tonnes) 1,114 1,436 1,427 2,014 1,691 1,336 1,372 1,202 1,038 1,175 4 -7
US Value ($ '000) 4,505 6,331 6,751 6,472 13,037 12,691 11,550 20,364 18,268 19,341 20 8
Volume (tonnes) 1,443 1,796 2,017 1,745 3,104 3,155 2,855 4,505 3,898 4,359 17 7
RoW Value ($ '000) 877 2,507 2,304 4,689 7,064 8,393 8,555 9,197 2,829 8,278 .. 3
Volume (tonnes) 35 745 612 3,531 2,252 2,866 3,004 3,393 722 3,840 .. 11
World Value ($ '000) 26,470 38,174 44,218 59,613 57,394 51,991 58,857 63,125 56,624 63,105 17 2
Volume (tonnes) 3,562 5,217 5,498 8,784 7,630 9,412 10,883 12,216 10,339 14,974 19 14
.. Not available.
Source: UN-COMTRADE.
7Data and information for this section are drawn from: FAO (2000), and AGRITRADE (2002).Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
Page 65
43. The Fish Law of 1980 and Decree on Marine Fishery (Decree C-14), operational since
1 January 1981, is the primary legislation setting out the procedures for the registration of fishing
vessels. The Fish Inspection Act of 16 November 2000 is the primary legislation governing hygiene
requirements.
44. SAIL was the first shrimp processing plant, established in 1956, and was taken over by the
Government in 1984. A second company, SUJAFI8(Suriname Japan Fisheries Limited), was created
in 1973. The proclamation of the 200 miles EEZ by the countries of the region (1975-77) did not
significantly change the number of trawlers; they were approximately 130.
45. There is no fishing gear factory in Suriname. Sea fishing vessels are built abroad; only the
hull of artisan boats (Guyana types) is built in Suriname. Limited capacity is reported in Suriname for
maintenance, repair facilities, and supply of parts.
46. The shrimp is processed at SAIL9plants, which receive about 60% of the total shrimp
landings. The company buys head-off shrimp for processing and marketing. SUJAFI provides
services (processing and packing) to fishing companies who then market their processed products.
Only a small amount of the shrimp is sold locally. Seabob is processed by an associated company of
SAIL and by Guiana Seafoods, peeled shrimp are mainly exported to the United States.
47. The two state-owned companies, SAIL and CEVIHAS (Central fishing harbour and ice
factory-refrigeration facility)10, are the most important firms in the fisheries and crustaceans industry
in Suriname; they provide landing, loading, and unloading services. In addition to management
problems and lack of investment to modernize infrastructure and production conditions, the lack of
export financing and export insurance guarantees, and legislation on export quality and standards to
respond to foreign quality requirements have been noted as additional obstacles constraining export
capacity. According to the authorities, most of the fish and shrimp processing plants were certified by
the EU in 2003, which has enabled Suriname to export to the EU market.
48. In the 1990s, CEVIHAS expanded service activities including a shipbuilding yard in
cooperation with the Government of Belgium.
49. As noted, there are concerns that shrimp catches may have reached their maximum due to
over-fishing. Illegal fishing and trans-shipment at sea are regarded as problems. The main prospects
for increased production are in pelagic fish stocks; fishing of finfish is reported as fully exploited.
The authorities indicate that Suriname has two shrimp aquaculture locations that meet international
standards.
50. In 2003, 72 trawlers were in operation for shrimp, 27 for seabob, 14 for finfish (demersals),
4 for pelagics. There were also 55 snapper hand-liners. Snapper hook-and-line boats operating in
offshore waters were not registered until 1982; in 1985 an agreement was signed to permit a
maximum of 100 a year to operate in Suriname's waters. This maximum was exceeded in 1997.
51. Suriname has an extensive-fresh waterway network. Freshwater fish contribute an important
part of the diet of the population of the interior, where it is often the only source of animal protein.
Consumers traditionally prefer freshwater swamp fish. The most wanted and expensive fish in
Suriname, an armoured catfish (Hoplosternum littorale), is reportedly disappearing from accessible
places. There is a small drifting gillnet fishery in the estuaries and lower part of the main river, and a
8A joint venture between Suriname and Japanese entrepreneurs.
9SAIL also provides services for fishing gear, parts, and fuel.
10CEVIHAS is a state-owned firm but operates as a private company.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
Page 66
seine fishery for freshwater Sciaenidae. Smaller gillnets are set in the brackish-water lagoons.
Juveniles of marine species make up the bulk of the catch.
52. A water reservoir, van Blommenstein Lake, is exploited for Cichla ocellaris. According to
FAO, Suriname in general is very suitable for aquaculture, but it is still of minor importance due to
the lack of technical and financial resources. The aquaculture section of the Department of Fisheries
provides some services especially for small-scale farmers.
53. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Fisheries Department inspect exports of fish products.
The authorities noted that in 2002 a regulation was approved to adapt Suriname's law to
EU regulations on HACCP and GMP.
(d) Sugar
54. Although data on sugar production and exports are not reliable, indications are that no sugar
production exists in Suriname. Suriname has become a net importer of refined sugar, and
liberalization of sugar markets at the sub-regional level is allowing producers such as Guyana and
Trinidad and Tobago to become suppliers in the regional markets. During 1999-00, the principal
sources of sugar imports into Suriname were the Netherlands (43.3%), Guyana (21.2%), Guatemala
(8.2%), Trinidad and Tobago (7%), Colombia (5.6%), the United States (2.6%), and Brazil (2.2%).11
(e) Citrus
55. Citrus production is through one state-owned company, located in the Commewijne district.
The Government has provided support through loans to maintain operations. Declining production is
due to falling demand from the EU market, where supply from other world producers has increased.
The small production is mainly composed of oranges and grapefruits.
(3) FORESTRY
56. Approximately 90% of Suriname's surface is covered by forest (14.8 million hectares). The
accessible productive forest (the Forest Belt) of approximately 4.5 million hectares extends some
100 km south from the coastal zone. The net productive area covers 2.5 million hectares. Suriname
maintains 12 protected areas (including the Central Suriname Nature Reserve), which together cover
2 million hectares or 13% of the land surface. While the rate of deforestation in Suriname has been
relatively low, the recent expansion of small-scale gold mining has had negative environmental
consequences.
57. The contribution of the timber industry to the economy of Suriname has been small. Annual
production of wood since 1982 has varied between 100,000 and 250,000 cubic metres.12The forestry
sector accounts for 2.5% of Suriname's GDP,13and employment in the sector represents 5% of the
total labour force.14The rate of utilization of Suriname's timber resources is very low (10% to 15% of
11Calculations are based on HS Chapter 17 (sugar and sugar confectionary). UN-Comtrade.
12Van Dijck (2001), pp. 275 -299,p.285. The period 2000-2002 witnessed a decline in total wood
production from 177,250 cubic metres in 2000 to 154,123 cubic metres in 2002. Stichting Planbureau Suriname
(2003), p. 38.
13International Tropical Timber Council (2003), p. 2. According to the Surinamese authorities, this
study has not yet been formally considered by the ITTO Council.
14Stichting Planbureau Suriname (2003), p. 40.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
Page 67
potential), suggesting substantial scope for expanding production and exports in this sector.15
58. Exports of wood from Suriname declined between 1997 and 2001 from approximately 40,000
tonnes to 15,000 tonnes, but increased in 2002 to almost 35,000 tonnes.16Most wood exported from
Suriname is unprocessed roundwood. According to a World Bank study, the value of forestry exports
from Suriname was US$6 million in 199517, and a more recent study reports that the average annual
value of total exports of logs and sawn wood during 1998-02 was US$4 million.18However, because
of the prevalence of smuggling, the actual value of exports might be some 35% higher than the
reported figures. According to the MOP 2001-2005, the forestry sector accounted for 0.8% of
Suriname's average annual export revenues during 1990-00.19With the growth of Asian investment in
the forestry sector, an increasing proportion of exports of wood from Suriname since the mid 1990s
has been destined for Asian markets; these markets accounted for 60% of exports of wood from
Suriname in 2000.20
59. The Forest Management Law 1992 enables the Government to award three types of forest
concession to nationals or foreigners with a legally incorporated company in Suriname:
(i) short-term concessions, valid for 1 to 5 years for areas not exceeding 5,000 hectares,
which are reserved for small local contractors;
(ii) medium-term concessions, valid for 5 to 10 years for areas not exceeding 50,000
hectares, which can be granted only to applicants that own sawmills; and
(iii) long-term concessions, valid for 10 to 20 years, for areas not exceeding 150,000
hectares, which are available only to integrated timber firms.
60. Concessions for areas over 150,000 hectares can be awarded only by decision of the National
Assembly. In practice, forest concessions have been awarded upon request rather than by auction,
and some observers consider that the process of awarding the concessions has been arbitrary and has
lacked transparency.21The Government considers that transparency and objectivity have increased
considerably since the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB) became
operational in 1999 and assumed the task of processing applications for concessions through a
specially created Concessions Committee. However, this view has been contested by representatives
of the private sector, including the Surinamese Chamber of Commerce.
61. In 1998, the World Bank estimated that 2.5 million hectares of forest were leased out through
241 concessions and cutting permits. Most of these concession are small-scale. The low utilization
rate of forest concessions has been a problem for forest management authorities: large-size
concessions represent 50% of the total area covered by concessions, but some 75% (37% of the total
area under concessions) is either idle or does not comply with applicable norms and regulations of
use.22
62. As a result of civil unrest in the interior, economic difficulties, and lack of resources and
15International Tropical Timber Council (2003), p.13.
16Suriname Planning Office (2003), p. 40.
17World Bank (1998), p.8.
18International Tropical Timber Council (2003), p. 2.
19Government of Suriname (2001), p. 41.
20Government of Suriname (2001), p. 184.
21International Tropical Timber Council (2003), p.24.
22International Tropical Timber Council (2003), p. 27 and Annexes IV and V.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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weak internal organization of the Surinamese Forest Service (LBB), the quality of tropical forestry
management in Suriname declined significantly during the 1980s.23A study by the World Bank in
1998 observed: "[t]he inability of the Government to enforce property rights and other laws in most
of the interior severely limits its ability to encourage efficient harvesting or extraction of natural
resources".24
63. Observers have expressed the view that, although the Forest Management Law of 1992 in
principle provides a basis for sound forestry management, the Law has not been applied effectively.25
Since the mid 1990s, the Government has taken various initiatives aimed at strengthening its
institutional capacity for sustainable forestry management. This has included the creation, in 1998, of
the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB) as a first step towards the
establishment of a modern forest management authority.
64. According to the MOP 2001-2005, the forestry sector has the potential to become one of the
most important sectors for Suriname's economic development.26The objective of the Government's
policy, as stated in the MOP 2001-2005, is to achieve a sustainable rational utilization of Suriname's
forests so as to contribute significantly to the country's social-economic development, while at the
same time preserving the tropical rain forest. The specific steps to be taken in order to attain this
objective include: improving the efficiency of the regulation of the forestry sector, notably in the area
of concessions policy, through the Foundation for Forest Management and Control; the development
of a National Forest Policy; the introduction of a new type of forest levy; the reduction of the
involvement of the Government in the production process; the improvement and expansion of the
transport infrastructure; improvements in education and training of manpower; and stimulating
awareness among Surinamese producers of the increasing importance of certifying their production
methods as sustainable.27
65. The Government adopted the National Forest Policy in July 2003, and is in the process of
developing a Strategic Action Plan to implement this policy (as at April 2004). The Government has
also submitted to the National Assembly draft legislation amending the Forest Management Law 1992
to enable the forest management agency to collect a management fee; draft legislation for the
establishment of a new forest management authority is under discussion and expected to be submitted
to the National Assembly in the first half of 2004. Furthermore, steps have been taken to revoke
unused and insufficiently used large concessions and to develop training programmes. The process of
reducing the Government’s involvement, through the privatization of the one state-owned enterprise,
has not yet been completed.
66. Forest concessions are subject to various types of charges; the Government collects export
taxes on forest products (roundwood), but earns little revenue from concessions as such.28To address
this, technical assistance has been provided, inter alia , by the International Tropical Timber
Organization (of which Suriname became a member in October 1998), the FAO, and the Dutch
Government. The export of wood is also subject to licensing (Chapter III(3)(iii)).
23See e.g., Haden (1999), p. 8; and International Tropical Timber Council (2003), p.14.
24World Bank (1998), p.40.
25Haden (1999), p.7.
26Government of Suriname (2001), p. 184.
27Government of Suriname (2001), pp. 184-186.
28"Forest charges in Suriname have not, historically, been set at sufficiently high levels to allow a
proper capture of the economic rent of its forest resources by the Government" International Tropical Timber
Council (2003), p.32.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
Page 69
(4) MINING ANDMINERAL PROCESSING
(i) Regulatory framework
67. Article 41 of Suriname's Constitution of 1987 states that: "Natural riches and resources are
the property of the nation and shall be used to promote economic, social and cultural development".
The principal laws governing the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in Suriname are
the Mining Decree 1986, which is general in scope, and laws that apply to particular sectors, notably
the Bauxite Ordinance 1919, and the Petroleum Law 1990.
68. In addition, mineral agreements concluded between the Government and individual
enterprises often contain specific terms and conditions. These agreements are typically concluded
when it is considered necessary to establish a legal regime that goes beyond the provisions of the
relevant laws, for example for the duration and surface of a mineral concession, taxation, and
protection of the environment. To enter into a mineral agreement that departs from existing laws, the
Government must obtain authorization from the National Assembly.
69. The Mining Decree 198629, was intended to adapt Suriname's mining legislation to changing
international views on the management of natural resources as expressed, inter alia , in the
United Nations Resolution on Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources and the 1982 Law of
the Sea Convention. The Decree establishes a legal separation between ownership of land and
ownership of mineral resources in situ; vests the ownership of all minerals in the territory of
Suriname in the State; and provides for the exercise by the State of certain exclusive rights regarding
the economic zone and the continental shelf. The Decree enunciates certain general objectives and
requirements relating to the conduct of mining activities, including a preference for the recruitment of
Surinamese personnel and the use of products and services produced by companies established in
Suriname if such products and services can be obtained at no less favourable terms than similar
products and services from other sources.
70. The Mining Decree regulates the procedures for granting various types of mining rights, their
scope and duration, and the obligations of mineral rights holders. The Decree distinguishes between
five different mining titles:
(i) reconnaissance rights for up to 200,000 hectares for a maximum of three years;
(ii) exploration rights for up to 40,000 hectares for a maximum of seven years;
(iii) exploitation rights for up to 10,000 hectares for a period of 25 years, which can be
extended on terms to be agreed between the parties;
(iv) small mining rights for alluvial or shallow mining for up to 200 hectares for a period
of two years, which can be extended by periods of two years; and
(v) rights to exploit building materials for up to 400 hectares for a period of five years,
which can be extended by periods of five years.
71. The Decree provides that mining rights for radioactive minerals and hydrocarbons can be
obtained only by state enterprises. Mining rights for bauxite can be obtained by state-owned and
private enterprises, and mining rights for other mineral resources and building materials can
be obtained by state-owned enterprises, private enterprises, and natural persons. Exploration and
29Mining Decree 1986.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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exploitation rights with respect to bauxite, radioactive minerals, and hydrocarbons are granted by
resolution whereas prospecting rights for any mineral and exploration and exploitation rights for small
mining and building materials are granted by ministerial decision.
72. The Mining Decree enables the Minister of Finance to grant, upon request, exemptions from
import duties on equipment and materials used in mining activities. The Minister may also, upon
request, grant companies the right to write off pre-production expenditures in the first five years of
commercial production.
73. One of several policy initiatives announced by the Government in the MOP 2001-2005 is the
revision of the Mining Decree 1986 in order to attain an orderly expansion of the mining sector. The
aim of the revision is, on the one hand, to attract investment to the sector by providing greater legal
security to domestic and foreign investors and offering them a reasonable fiscal climate, and, on the
other, to enable the Government to apply more stringent environmental protection requirements.30
The Government announced in October 2003 that the revision of the Mining Decree was in its final
stage and that a draft revised Decree would be submitted to the National Assembly in 2004.31The
authorities indicated in connection with this Review that the revised Mining Decree will incorporate
the most important provisions usually contained in mineral agreements.
74. The granting of exploration and exploitation rights for bauxite is governed by the Mining
Decree 1986 and the Bauxite Ordinance of 1919, a consolidated version of which was published in
1953.32In addition, bauxite mining rights have typically been the subject of agreements concluded
between the Government and the bauxite companies. A prominent example are the joint-venture
agreements concluded with Alcoa in connection with the Brokopondo project in the late 1950s. More
recently, in July 2003, the National Assembly authorized the conclusion of a Memorandum of
Understanding concerning the exploration of bauxite in west Suriname.
75. The application of the Mining Decree 1986 to hydrocarbons is subject to the Petroleum
Law 1990. This Law allows the competent body to deviate from the requirements of the Mining
Decree 1986 with regard to the application for mineral rights with respect to hydrocarbons and the
duration and the size of the area for which rights are granted. The Law allows state enterprises to
enter into contracts with third parties for the prospecting, exploration, and exploitation of petroleum,
subject to approval by the Government. The bulk of the Petroleum Law consists of provisions on the
content of petroleum agreements. These include requirements to limit employment of foreign
nationals strictly to functions for which there are no experienced and qualified Surinamese nationals
available, and to give preference to domestic goods and services if these are available at no less
favourable terms. Amendments to the Petroleum Law 1990 in October 2001 provide for fiscal
stabilization, whereby the rate of income tax payable by a contractor is the rate applicable on the date
of the entry into force of the petroleum agreement, and extend to sub-contractors most of the
advantages that the Petroleum Law makes available to contractors.
76. State enterprises and contractors enjoy certain benefits, such as an exemption from import and
export duties33, and the right to engage in foreign currency transactions, including, in the case of
contractors, the right of free repatriation of profits and capital. One state enterprise has been
established within the meaning of the Petroleum Law, the State Oil Company, which was founded in
30Government of Suriname (2001), pp. 158-159.
31Government of Suriname (2003b), p. 49.
32It is expected that the Bauxite Ordinance 1919 will be revoked following the entry into force of the
revised Mining Decree 1986.
33This exemption applies in respect of goods and equipment that are used in petroleum activities only
and are subsequently exported from Suriname or become the property of a state enterprise.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
Page 71
1980 and to which the Government accorded onshore oil concessions in 1981 and offshore
concessions in 1993 and 1999.
77. Several Government agencies are involved in the implementation of mining policy in
Suriname. The Geological and Mineral Service (GMD), which is part of the Ministry of Natural
Resources, performs a broad range of functions, including collecting data on mineral resources;
assisting in the implementation of the Mining Decree; and providing information to applicants
for mineral rights. The Government intends to transform the GMD into a Minerals Institute that
would be more independent and have far-reaching powers to grant, renew, and withdraw mining
rights. A special institute, the Bauxite Institute of Suriname, has the task of, inter alia , conducting
research and analysis; providing policy advice; coordinating Government activities; and assisting in
the enforcement of applicable laws. A state mining company, Grassalco was founded in 1971 as the
main vehicle for the Government's participation in mining activities. It would appear that Grassalco'
current role is limited to the gold mining sector.
78. The MOP 2001-2005 states that, because of the significant contribution of the mining sector
to Suriname's economy, the Government's policy is aimed at achieving an orderly expansion of the
bauxite, gold, and oil sectors as well as the development of copper and other metals, and sand and
other minerals.34
(ii) Main products
(a) Bauxite
79. Even though the share of bauxite mining in Suriname's GDP has declined considerably since
the 1970s35the sector continues to have a very profound influence on Suriname's economy, especially
because of its importance as a source of export earnings and Government revenue. Thus the bauxite
sector represents approximately 65% of the total value of exports from Suriname, and, in the context
of this Review, the authorities have estimated that the bauxite sector presently contributes about 12%
to total fiscal revenue.36The expansion of this sector is, thus, a key element in the Government's
economic development strategy.
80. The share of the bauxite industry in total employment is relatively small compared with its
contribution to export earnings, government revenue and GDP. It employs, directly, 1,424 workers,
less than 2.5% of the labour force.
81. Trade policy measures affecting the bauxite industry include a statistical fee, which is levied
on the f.o.b. value of bauxite exports at a rate of 2%, instead of the 0.5% applied to other exports.
A statistical fee is also imposed at the rate of 2% on the c.i.f. value of bauxite companies' imports; the
general rate is 0.5%. Under an agreement between the Government and the two bauxite companies,
the companies must transfer a part of their export earnings to the Central Bank of Suriname to cover
taxes and local operating costs; these transfers constitute the largest source of foreign exchange for
34Government of Suriname (2001), p. 158.
35One author observes that "[b]auxite mining and processing was by far the largest sector in the
Suriname economy when measured according to its contribution to GDP in the post second World War period
up to independence, generating normally between 30 and 33 per cent of GDP..." but that "[b]y the end of the
20thcentury the bauxite sector generated only about 15 per cent of GDP. Van Dijck (2001b), p. 282. According
to the IMF data in Table I.1, the share of mining and quarrying in Suriname's GDP ranged from 7-9 % in the
period 1998-2002.
36As noted in Chapter I, an unofficial estimate indicates that in the 1990s the taxes on profits realized
by the bauxite companies accounted, on average, for 30% of the Government's direct tax revenues.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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the Central Bank.37
82. Bauxite mining in Suriname started in 1917. In the late 1940s and 1950s large-scale
investments were made in new mining and processing facilities and in related infrastructure. The
Brokopondo project agreed in the late 1950s between the Surinamese Government and Alcoa
involved the construction of a dam in the Suriname river, a hydropower plant at Afobaka, an artificial
lake, an alumina refining facility, an aluminium smelter at Paranam, and a road between Afobaka and
Paranam.38Production of bauxite reached 5 million tonnes in 1966 and peaked at 7 million tonnes in
1973.39At the same time, the Brokopondo project caused a shift from exports of unprocessed bauxite
to exports of alumina and aluminium.
83. The level of bauxite production in Suriname in recent years has been significantly lower than
during the 1970s, due to various economic factors including the emergence of other bauxite-
producing countries. Production fell from 4.9 million tonnes in 1980 to 3.3 million tonnes in 1990.40
Since the mid 1990s, bauxite production has fluctuated around 3.7 million tonnes per year, with a very
significant increase in 2001, followed by a decline in 2002 (see Table IV.8).41
Table IV.8
Bauxite production, 1996-03
('000 tonnes)
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Bauxite
Production 3,703 3,877 3,889 3,715 3,610 4,394 4,002 4,215
Alumina
Production 1,645 1,726 1,771 1,853 1,906 1,893 1,903 2,005
Exports 1,608 1,647 1,725 1,858 1,869 1,909 1,886 2,041
Aluminium
Production 29.0 28.0 27.5 6.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Exports 27.0 28.0 27.5 6.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Suriname's market share
in world total (%)
Bauxite production 3.0 3.1 3.2 2.9 2.6 3.2 2.8 2.9
Alumina production 4.0 4.0 3.9 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.8 3.8
Aluminium production 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Source: IMF (2003c), Suriname: Selected Issues and Statistical Appendix and Bauxite Institute Suriname.
84. In 2003, Suriname accounted for 2.9% of world bauxite production and 3.8% of world
alumina production. Bauxite mined in Suriname is all refined domestically into alumina, virtually all
of which is exported, mainly to the United States and Norway. The volume of production and exports
of alumina has fluctuated around 1.9 million tonnes in recent years.
37Martin (2001), pp. 43-90, pp. 46-47.
38The Government considers that changed domestic and international circumstances warrant a review
of the Brokopondo Agreement (Government of Suriname (2001), p. 160). The authorities indicated in the
context of this Review that the duration of this agreement and issues relating to environmental protection merit
particular attention in this regard.
39Van Dijck (2001), pp.275-299, p.281.
40UNCTAD (2003), p.107.
41IMF (2003c), Table 6.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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85. In volume terms, exports of alumina increased by 7.1% in 1999 but only by 0.6% and 2.2% in
2000 and 2001, and declined by 1.2% in 2002. The unit value of alumina exports increased from
1999 to 2000 but fell significantly in 2001 and 2002. As a consequence of the relatively modest
increase in the volume of exports, combined with the substantial decline in unit values, the value of
exports of alumina declined from US$341.9 million in 2000 to US$289.9 million in 2002. However,
increases in both volume and unit value raised the value of alumina exports to US$335.8 million in
2003. Production of aluminium declined by 3.4% and 1.8% in 1997 and 1998 and ceased completely
in 1999.
86. The Government has adopted a policy of supporting the expansion of the mining sector within
a framework of sustainable social-economic development of all natural resources in Suriname. As
part of this policy, it has defined two major objectives for bauxite: to ensure the continuity of the
existing alumina refinery at Paranam and the expansion of its capacity based on existing mining rights
in central and east Suriname; and to support the accelerated establishment of an integrated aluminium
industry in west Suriname on the basis of identified bauxite reserves and the available hydropower
potential in the area.42The Government has also indicated its intention to investigate the feasibility of
a substantial increase of energy generation from the Brokopondo Lake with a view to the possible
construction of a new aluminium smelter in the area south of the Lake.43The Government aims to
enhance the participation of domestic enterprises in the development of the bauxite sector, to expand
capacity for local processing of bauxite, and to increase exports of alumina and aluminium.
87. Bauxite production and refinery are under a joint-venture agreement between Alcoa Inc and
BHP Billiton Maatschapij Suriname.44In October 2002, Alcoa Inc and BHP Billiton extended their
joint-venture agreement on mining and refining in east Suriname beyond 2006. New mines will be
brought into development that will guarantee the supply of bauxite ore for the Paranam refinery until
at least 2032. They entered into a joint-venture agreement in August 2003, to increase the production
capacity of the Paranam refinery by 250,000 tonnes, to 2.2 million tonnes by July 2005.
88. The 2002 agreement between Alcoa and BHP Billiton also envisages cooperation on the
exploration of mining and refining opportunities in the Bakhuys Mountains in west Suriname. In
January 2003, the Government concluded a Memorandum of Understanding jointly with Alcoa and
BHP Billiton on the exploration of bauxite mining opportunities in this area. In addition, the
Government in January 2003 concluded an MOU separately with Alcoa on the feasibility of building
an aluminium smelting plant and a hydroelectric dam in this area. According to the IMF, the potential
size of the west Suriname bauxite project "is projected to be in the order of US$2.5 billion".45
(b) Crude oil
89. Crude oil has recently become the most important segment after bauxite in Suriname's mining
sector.46Production is concentrated at the Tambaredjo, in the Sarammaca district near Paramaribo,
which is estimated to contain proven reserves of 171 million barrels. The State Oil Company is a
state-owned company that holds a legal monopoly on the extraction of oil and other hydrocarbons.
Annual production of crude oil rose from 3.6 million to 5 million barrels between 1996 and 2001 but
fell to 4.5 million barrels in 2002, and to 4.3 million barrels in 2003.47
42Government of Suriname (2001), pp.159-160.
43Government of Suriname (2001), pp. 42 and 160.
44Billiton was acquired by Royal Dutch/Shell in 1980 and merged with the Australian BHP in 2001.
45IMF (2003b), p.15.
46Government of Suriname (2001), p. 160.
47Economist Intelligence Unit (2003), p. 18; Sczesniak (2002), p. 8; and De Ware Tijd , 2 JanuaryWT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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90. The value of exports of crude oil and refined products rose from US$44.3 million in 1998 to
US$103.1 million in 2001.48Despite falling volumes, high oil prices increased the value of sales to
US$115 million and before-tax profit to US$50 million in 2003. In 1997, the State Oil Company
opened a refinery with a capacity of 10,500 b/d. In 2002, 60% of total production of crude petroleum
was processed in this refinery; 22% was sold to the bauxite-alumina industry and the rest was
exported to CARICOM countries, notably Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago.49
91. The MOP 2001-2005 underlines the strategic importance of the oil industry and sets forth the
following objectives: to increase production in the Tambaredjo field from 12,400 b/d to 20,000 b/d;
to exploit new oil reserves in the Wayambofield; to explore and exploit potential offshore deposits;
to intensify oil exploration in other parts of Suriname; to increase refining capacity; and to enhance
Suriname's market position in the Caribbean region as regards crude oil and refined oil products.50
92. In the last few years, several foreign oil companies have entered into exploration and
production-sharing agreements with the State Oil Company, especially with regard to offshore
activities, but these agreements have not yet resulted in commercial exploitation. In December 2003,
Staatsolie announced the signature of a 30-year offshore exploration and production agreement with a
Spanish oil company, Repsol-YPF, relating to a block located at 100 km off the coast.
(c) Gold
93. Since the early 1990s there has been a substantial expansion of gold mining in the interior of
Suriname, which to a large extent takes place in small-scale projects in the informal sector. While
formal recorded production of gold in 2000 and 2001 was 300 kg, the Government believed
that unrecorded gold production by small-scale operations could be 30,000 kg.51In 2001, the
Government estimated that some 25,000 persons were employed in informal gold mining of whom
15, 000 were Brazilians.52Although the informal character of the sector makes it difficult to measure
its size accurately, it has been estimated that during 1997-01 gold production in the informal sector
represented nearly 15% of GDP.
94. The largely informal character of this sector also explains why the Government has received
hardly any tax income or foreign exchange from gold although gold exports are estimated at as much
as US$200-300 million per year. Thus, a key objective of Government policy is to bring about a more
orderly regulation of this sector. The Government has indicated its intention to restrict the scope for
small-scale mining; designate areas reserved for medium-scale mining operations and for economic
activities by inhabitants of the interior; prohibit the import of mercury; and reduce the scope for
speculation with mining rights.53In addition, a major objective of recent Government policy has been
to expand gold production in the formal sector through exploration and exploitation agreements with
international mining companies.
95. The most important recent development concerns the Gold Rosebel Property, located
approximately 80 kilometres south of Paramaribo. Construction of a mine was started in 2003 and
commercial production began in April 2004. Projections are for annual average production of
2004, "Hoge wereldmarkt prijs levert Staatsolie recordomzet 2003".
48Economist Intelligence Unit (2003), p. 38.
49Economist Intelligence Unit (2003), p. 18.
50Government of Suriname (2001), pp. 9 and 160-161.
51Szesniak (2002).
52Government of Suriname (2001), p. 157.
53Government of Suriname (2001), pp.161-162.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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220,000 ounces of gold over nine years.54The Government anticipates that 600-700 persons will be
employed during the production stage of this project.55The project is also expected to make a
significant fiscal contribution. Under the mineral agreement concluded for the project: Rosebel will
pay income tax at the currently applicable rate (36% at present) or 45%, whichever is the lesser,
during the first 25 years of exploitation; and a royalty of 2% of gold production and an extra royalty
of 0.25% if the price of gold exceeds US$425 per troy ounce. Under the terms of the (amended)
mineral agreement for the project, the operator enjoys certain benefits including fiscal advantages;
exemption of import duties on equipment; guarantees regarding the unrestricted right to export gold,
to repatriate capital and profits, to convert local currency in foreign currency at market rates, and to
hire expatriate employees and contractors; and international arbitration of disputes arising in
connection with this project.
96. A number of restrictions apply to the sale of, and trade in gold.56Producers of gold may sell
only to authorized gold buyers: the Central Bank of Suriname and Grassalco. Locally produced gold
must be surrendered to the Foreign Exchange Control Commission (FEC) by sale to the Central Bank.
Dealings between residents in gold bars and other forms of unworked gold are prohibited. Residents
other than the monetary authorities, producers of gold, and authorized industrial and dental users are
not allowed to hold or acquire gold in any form other than nuggets, jewellery, or coins, at home or
abroad, without special permission. Imports and exports of gold in any form other than jewellery
require exchange licences issued by the FEC. Licences are not normally granted, except for imports
and exports of coins by authorized banks and for imports and exports by or on behalf of the monetary
authorities, producers of gold, and industrial users.
(5) OTHER MANUFACTURING
97. Food-processing, alumina production, and lumber and wood processing constitute the bulk of
manufacturing activity in Suriname (sections (2), (4), and (3)). The remaining industries produce
items such as detergent, and brooms and brushes. With the exception of alumina production and
some food-processing activities, particularly those involving shrimp and fish, most manufacturing
activity in Suriname is aimed at supplying the local market.
98. The economic weight of manufacturing in Suriname has declined steadily since the country's
entry into CARICOM. From 12% in 1996, the share of manufacturing in GDP fell to 5.7% in 2002.
The share of manufacturing in total employment has also fallen, from 11.4% in 1996 to 8.9% in 2002.
Some 7,481 people were employed in manufacturing in 2002, down from 9,843 in 1996.57
99. Tariff protection for the non-agricultural sector, defined in accordance with the WTO, is only
half of the protection enjoyed by the agricultural sector. The average applied MFN tariff rates in
these two sectors are, respectively 9.5% and 18.6%. Some manufactured product categories are
subject to tariffs above Suriname's average MFN applied tariff rate of 11.1%, however, including
footwear and headgear, and miscellaneous manufactured articles, for which the average applied rate is
close to 16% in both cases.
(6) ELECTRICITY
100. The Government's main policy objectives with regard to energy are to secure a more efficient
and reliable supply and to reduce Suriname's dependency on imported oil by developing its domestic
54Cambior (2003).
55Government of Suriname (2003b), p. 18.
56IMF, (2003a), pp. 917-918.
57General Bureau of Statistics.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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sources of energy.58A Master Plan for the energy sector aims at intensifying oil exploration and
exploitation; local processing of crude oil; further developing hydropower potential; developing
non-conventional sources of energy; greater efficiency of energy use; and improving of the energy
supply to the interior.59
101. The most important source of electricity is the hydropower plant at the Afobaka dam on the
Van Blommestein Lake, owned by one of the bauxite companies, Suralco. In the period 1998-02, this
plant accounted for 85.2% of Suriname's electricity production.60Under agreements concluded in the
late 1950s in connection with the Brokopondo project, Suralco uses the electricity in its own bauxite
production activities but also sells a portion to the Government. While historically most of the
electricity generated at this plant was used by Suralco, since the closure of the aluminium smelter at
Paranam in 1999 the share supplied to the Government has grown significantly.61The second most
important source of electricity are two power generators operated by the state-owned electricity
company (EBS), which represented some 10% of total electricity production in 1998-02.62
Approximately 5% of Suriname's electricity production is through power generators operated by the
Ministry of Natural Resources.63
102. The production of electricity in Suriname declined substantially between 1998 and 2001, from
1,559 million kWh to 1,234 million kWh, followed by an increase to 1,349 million kWh in 2002.64
There is no international trade in electricity between Suriname and third countries.
103. The supply of electrical energy to the general public is the monopoly of the EBS under a
concession agreement dating from 1972.65The rates charged by the EBS require the approval of the
Ministry of Natural Resources, which also appoints the general managers and members of the board
of the EBS. While the EBS operates two power generating plants, in Paramaribo and Nieuw Nickerie,
it purchases 85 % of the energy it supplies from Suralco's hydroelectric plant.
104. A project to expand the distribution and transmission network of the EBS is being carried out
by a consortium of six (Surinamese, Dutch, and German) firms. In addition, with financial assistance
from China, a new transmission line is being built between the Afobaka hydroelectric power station
and Paramaribo. In connection with the planned exploitation and exploration of bauxite in the
Bakhuys Mountains in west Suriname, consideration is being given to the economic feasibility of a
new hydropower plant in that region.
58Government of Suriname (2001), p. 209.
59Government of Suriname (2001), pp. 209-210.
60Stichting Planbureau Suriname (2003), p. 63.
61In 1998, Suralco used 918 million kWh and supplied 293 million kWh to the Government. In
contrast, in 2002 Suralco used 552 million kWh and supplied 586 million kWh to the Government. Stichting
Planbureau Suriname, (2003), p.62.
62Stichting Planbureau Suriname (2003), p. 63.
63Stichting Planbureau Suriname (2003), p.63.
64Stichting Planbureau Suriname (2003), p.63. The decline in production in 1999-2001 was due to the
closure of the aluminium smelter at Paranam and to the resulting increase in electricity supply by Suralco to the
Government, which in turn caused a reduction of production by EBS.
65Other than Suralco's use and sale of electricity.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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(7) SERVICES
(i) Features
105. According to the General Bureau of Statistics of Suriname, the services sector, excluding
public administration, education, health, and social work, represents about half of GDP.66
106. Suriname has undertaken few international commitments with respect to services, except in
the framework of CARICOM. In several key sectors the legal and regulatory framework is based on
legislation dating back before independence. The need for modern and more efficient regulation has
thus been a central theme of recent policy statements and initiatives, but the progress has been
somewhat uneven across sectors. Concrete steps have been taken towards deregulation, but in
relatively few sectors. An important challenge for Suriname in many service sectors is the need for a
significant upgrading of infrastructure and facilities.
(ii) Commitments under international agreements
(a) GATS
107. Suriname has made specific commitments under the GATS in three sectors: tourism and
travel services; transport services; and communications services (Table IV.9).67The commitments in
the tourism and travel services pertain to hotels and restaurants and travel agencies and tour operators;
transport services commitments concern aircraft repair and maintenance services, the selling and
marketing of air transport services, and computer reservation system services. In communications
services, Suriname has made commitments on telecommunications. Suriname's commitments in these
three sectors mostly involve the supply of services through modes 1 to 3; pursuant to a horizontal
limitation, the movement of natural persons is unbound, except for measures concerning senior
managerial personnel and technical experts not available in the local labour market. Suriname has not
submitted any MFN exemptions.
Table IV.9
Summary of Suriname's commitments under the GATSa
Market access National treatment
Modes of supply:
Cross-border supply 1 1
Consumption abroad 2 2
Commercial presence 3 3
Presence of natural persons 4 4
Commitments (■full;◨partial;□no commitment; – not appearing in Schedule)
Horizontal limitationb−−−−−−−−
Commitments in specific sectors−−−−−−−−
1. Services to companies−−−−−−−−
2. Communications services − − − − − − − − 
A. Postal services − − − − − − − − 
Table IV.9 (cont'd)
66The services sector comprises: construction, wholesale and retail trade, hotels and restaurants,
transport and communication, financial intermediation, real estate and business activities, and personal services.
67WTO document GATS/SC/80, 15 April 1994, and Suppl.1, 27 January 1998.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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Market access National treatment
Modes of supply:
Cross-border supply 1 1
Consumption abroad 2 2
Commercial presence 3 3
Presence of natural persons 4 4
B. Courier services (CPC 7152) − − − − − − − − 
C. Telecommunication services
Public voice telephone services, fixed network
infrastructure services and fixed satellite services◨◨◨□■■■□
For public use and non-public use on leased lines
(packet-switched data transmission services, circuit-
switched data transmission services and internet and
internet access services)◨ ■ ◨ □ ■ ■ ■ □ 
Non-public voice telephone services ◨ ■ ◨ □ ■ ■ ■ □ 
Public use: mobile services, cellular /mobile telephone
services and personal communications services◨ ■ ◨ □ ■ ■ ■ □ 
Public use: mobile data services, paging services
trunked radio systems services■■■□■ ■ ■ □ 
3. Construction services − − − − − − − − 
4. Distribution services − − − − − − − − 
5. Education services − − − − − − − − 
6. Services related to the environment − − − − − − − − 
7. Financial services − − − − − − − − 
8. Social and health services − − − − − − − − 
9. Tourism and travel services
A. Hotels and restaurants ■■■□■■■□
B. Travel agencies and tour operators ■■■□■■■□
10. Leisure and sports services − − − − − − − − 
11. Transport services − − − − − − − − 
A. Maritime transport services − − − − − − − − 
B. Internal waterways transport − − − − − − − − 
C. Air transport services
Aircraft repair and maintenance services ■■■□■■■□
Selling and marketing of air transport services ■■■□■■■□
D. Space − − − − − − − − 
E. Rail transport services − − − − − − − − 
F. Road transport services − − − − − − − − 
G. Pipeline transport − − − − − − − − 
H. Services auxiliary to all modes of transport − − − − − − − − 
I. Other transport services − − − − − − − − 
12. Other services − − − − − − − − 
a The only authentic source of information on these commitments is Suriname's Schedule of Specific Commitments contained in
documents GATS/SC/80 and GATS/SC/80/Suppl.1.
b Applicable only to services included in Suriname's Schedule of Commitments.
Source: WTO Secretariat.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
Page 79
(b) CARICOM Treaty
108. In the context of the CARICOM programme for the establishment of the single market,
Suriname has made commitments regarding the removal of measures of a general or specific nature
affecting trade in services. These included a commitment that the requirement to obtain a work
permit would be eliminated with respect to nationals of CARICOM countries parties to the revised
Treaty of Chaguaramas. Suriname effectively removed this requirement in May 2003.
(iii) Financial services
109. According to data provided by the Suriname General Bureau of Statistics, financial services
accounted for some 8.5% of Suriname's 2002 GDP. The sector comprises 7 commercial banks,
1 development bank, 27 credit unions, 7 finance companies, 21 foreign exchange bureaux,
12 insurance companies, 31 pension funds, 6 provident funds, and 1 trust company. In 2000, banks
accounted for 68% of the financial sector's total assets, followed by pension funds with some 24%,
and insurance companies with slightly over 6%.68
110. In accordance with the Bank Law of 1956 and the Banking and Credit Institutions
Supervision Law of 1968, the entity responsible for regulating and supervising the Surinamese
financial system is the Central Bank.
111. Suriname made no commitments on financial services under the GATS and did not take part
in the post-Uruguay Round negotiations on financial services.
(a) Banking services
Structure and performance
112. The Government holds equity in six of the eight banks operating in Suriname. Government
participation ranges from 10% to 100% (Table IV.10). Only one bank, RBTT Bank (Suriname) N.V.,
is majority-owned by foreign capital. It operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of RBTT Financial
Holdings Limited, an international bank whose activity is concentrated in Trinidad and Tobago and
some other Caribbean countries. In 2000, RBTT Bank established in Suriname by acquiring the
Surinamese branch of ABN-AMRO, a large international Dutch Bank. ABN-AMRO also owned part
of De Surinaamsche Bank until 2001, when it sold its interest to Suriname's largest insurance
company.
113. The wholly state-owned banks - Landbouw Bank, Surinaamse Volkscredietbank (VCB), and
Surinaamse Postpaarbank - were established to provide financial services to disadvantaged segments
of society and to some of the sectors considered by the Government as important for the country's
overall development. The focus of the Landbouw Bank is on loans to the agricultural, fisheries, and
forestry sectors, whereas the VCB and the Postpaarbank offer loans to low-income households. The
VCB also offers financial services to smaller enterprises and manages funds for housing lending on
behalf of the Government. According to the IMF, these three banks have received funding from the
Surinamese and Dutch governments for special lending programmes.69The Government also owns
the Nationale Ontwikkelingsbank, a first-tier development bank established with the purpose of
funding the development of national industries that contribute to the social and economic
development of Suriname.
68IMF (2003c).
69IMF (2003c).WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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114. The Surinamese banking system is highly concentrated. The three largest banks - De
Surinaamsche Bank, RBTT Bank, and Hakrinbank - account for some 80% of the total assets and
deposits of the banking system (Table IV.10). As at December 2000, the total assets of the banking
system amounted to some Sf 667 billion (approximately US$500 million at the 2000 official Central
Bank exchange rate).
115. Since 1998, the credit portfolio of the banking sector has expanded at an annual average rate
of around 30% in current Surinamese guilders (Table IV.11). This expansion has taken place against
the backdrop of significant changes in the distribution of bank credit across sectors. The share of
agriculture and fisheries in total stock of bank credit, which in 1998 amounted to around 23%, had
dropped to 8.8% by 2002. The share of manufacturing in total bank credit declined from 9.4% to
3.3% between 1998 and 2002.
116. According to the IMF, the financial position of the three largest banks appears to be relatively
sound, as reflected by their capital adequacy ratios, which have systematically exceeded Basle
minimum guidelines, and their positive return on assets.70In sharp contrast, the wholly state-owned
banks have performed poorly. They have had negative capital adequacy ratios, negative return on
assets, and non-performing loan ratios averaging 30% during 2000, 2001, and 2002.71Reportedly, the
poor performance of these banks appears to be due "primarily to the combination of past political
intervention and weak management, [a combination that] has resulted in unsound credit decisions, a
failure to develop effective and efficient financial technologies for their target markets, as well as
weak collection efforts".72In this context, the Ministry of Finance has requested the Inter-American
Development Bank to assist Suriname in developing a strategy for the reform of the state banks.
Table IV.10
Structure of the banking system, 2002
(per cent)
Total assets Total deposits State ownership
De Surinaamsche Bank 42.8 43.9 10
Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago 26.0 26.2 0
Hakrinbank 15.9 16.6 51
Finabank 0.8 0.8 0
Surinaamse Postpaarbank 3.6 3.5 100
Surinaamse Volkscredietbank 6.5 5.1 100
Landbouw Bank 3.6 3.2 100
Nationale Ontwikkelingsbank 0.8 0.7 99.6
Source: Central Bank of Suriname, Supervision Department.
Table IV.11
Distribution of bank credit by sector, 1998-02a
(Million Surinamese guilders)
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Total 99,797.9 130,063.5 156,028.6 241,662.7 271,189.5
Agriculture 18,533.1 28,603.8 19,921.7 33,357.6 20,382.4
Fisheries 4,476.2 5,147.4 3,154.7 6,663.8 6,545.1
Forestry 1,694.8 2,402.7 1,545.1 518.9 178.8
Mining 3,048.1 2,122.8 1,428.2 925.8 1,026.7
Table IV.11 (cont'd)
70IMF (2003c).
71IMF (2003c).
72Inter-American Development Bank (2003).Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Manufacturing 9,338.8 9,136.8 8,894.9 8,111.6 9,139.3
Construction 2,007.9 2,613.2 2,767.1 3,118.3 3,788.8
Utilities 1,251.4 1,412.6 35.2 120.4 163.4
Commerce 23,574.7 30,708.2 28,918.2 41,027.3 45,654.5
Transport and communications 4,259.5 5,345.5 3,991.7 4,093.4 3,955.9
Services 4,999.8 5,676.0 4,761.8 7,305.2 9,152.7
Housing construction 11,758.3 14,490.9 13,669.2 22,874.6 23,512.7
Other 14,855.3 22,403.6 66,940.2 113,545.8 147,689.2
a Figures include investments of the commercial banks. According to the authorities, the large increase in the share of "other"
sectors reflects increased investment by banks in treasury bills.
Source: Central Bank of Suriname.
117. Weighted average interest rates on loans fell slightly over the 1998-02 period, from 25.7% to
21.3%, while those on deposits declined significantly, from 15.7% to 8.4%. The spread between
lending and borrowing rates (almost 13 percentage points in 2002) remains high, however, having
increased each year since 1998 except in 2001.
Legislative framework
118. The Bank Law of 1956 and the Banking and Credit Institutions Supervision Law, are the
main laws governing Suriname's banking sector. The Banking and Credit Institution Supervision Law
applies to credit institutions, including banks and insurance companies, and credit unions. Neither
law draws a distinction between nationally owned and foreign credit institutions. The authorities
indicate that a draft law on supervision of the financial sector has been prepared but not yet adopted.
119. To start operations in Suriname, banks need to obtain a certificate of no objection from the
Central Bank. The Central Bank will refuse to issue such a certificate when it believes that doing so
would be "contrary to a sound banking and credit system or to a sound banking policy".73Notice of
the Central Bank's refusal must be given to the bank requesting a certificate of no objection within
30 days. The bank then has another 30 days to appeal the decision of the Central Bank before the
President of Suriname. The President must reach a decision within two months. According to the
authorities, the criteria followed to determine whether to grant a certificate of no objection are
published and cover prudential considerations.
120. In addition to the certificate of no objection by the Central Bank, a bank must obtain a licence
from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (Chapter III(4)(i)). Banking licences must be renewed every
three years.
121. There are no legal restrictions concerning the number of nationally owned or foreign credit
institutions, including banks, that can operate in Suriname. In the context of this Review, the
authorities indicate that Suriname does not apply de facto restrictions on the number of banks; and
that Surinamese resident persons or firms (banks, domestic corporations and households) are allowed
to borrow cross-border from foreign banks or to make cross-border deposits with foreign banks, but
require the permission of the Foreign Exchange Commission to do so.
122. There are no legal ceilings concerning the participation of foreign equity in new or existing
credit institutions, including banks. Banks and other credit institutions licensed to operate in
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Suriname are prohibited from "having a lasting participation in other credit institutions or credit
unions, or [taking over] such institutions or unions", unless they obtain a certificate of no objection for
this purpose from the Central Bank.74Credit institutions, including banks, must also obtain such a
certificate to "merge with other enterprises or institutions".75
123. Branches, agencies or permanent representations of banks and other credit institutions
established abroad are allowed to establish in Suriname if the foreign bank or other credit institution
has a legal form that is acceptable to the Central Bank.
124. Non-residents wishing to incorporate a bank under Surinamese law must also obtain a permit
from the Foreign Exchange Commission.
125. Article 7 of the Supervision Law authorizes the Central Bank to formulate prudential
guidelines. As at April 2004, the Central Bank had issued five new regulations regarding capital
adequacy, classifications of loans and provisioning, large exposures, insider lending, and fixed assets
investments (Table IV.12). According to the IMF, these regulations will enable Suriname to comply
with several of the requirements contained in the Basel Committee's Core Principles for Effective
Banking Supervision.76No distinction is drawn in the regulations between foreign and domestic
banks.
Table IV.12
Banking prudential regulation, April 2004
Main provisionsFrequency of
reporting requirement
to the Central Bank Relevant regulation
Capital adequacy
The minimum capital requirement for banks, to commence operations, to be
met by the end of 2004 is primary, unimpaired paid-up capital of
Sf 4.5 billion; in addition, all banks have to maintain a risk-weighted
capital ratio of 8% or such higher level determined by the Central Bank
The following scale has been introduced to calculate the risk-weighted
capital ratio: 0% for cash and equivalent riskless items; 20% for assets
with little risk and a high degree of liquidity; 50% for assets with a
moderate degree of risk and having more credit and liquidity risk; 100%
for the remaining assets typically found in the portfolio of a bankMonthly The Banking and
Credit System
Supervision Act
(Capital Adequacy)
Regulation
Classification of loans
Banks must adopt a loans policy approved by their Board and establish a
review system to identify risk and ensure the adequacy of its allowance for
loans losses
Non-performing loans are defined as loans in respect of which any payment
of principal or interest is in arrears for 90 days or more; the regulations
specify minimum standards for the accounting treatment to be applied to
non-performing and renegotiated loans and minimum provisioning
requirements for non-performing loansQuarterly The Banking and
Credit System
Supervision Act
(Classification of
Loans and
Provisioning)
Regulations
Large exposures
The maximum exposure limit to any single person is fixed at 25% of a
bank's capital
A bank's deposits of a bank with other banks, corporations, and financial
institutions must be aggregated and the total cannot exceed, for each
institution, 100% of a bank's capital unless the institution has received an
"investment" grade from a major rating agency
A bank's large exposures (i.e. loans or deposits of a bank to or with any
person or common enterprise that equals or exceeds 10% of the bank's
capital) cannot exceed, in the aggregate, 600% of its capitalMonthly The Financial
Institutions (Large
Exposures)
Regulations
Table IV.12 (cont'd)
74Article 5.2 of the Law Concerning the Supervision of the Banking and Credit Institutions.
75Article 5.2 of the Law Concerning the Supervision of the Banking and Credit Institutions.
76IMF (2003c).Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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Main provisionsFrequency of
reporting requirement
to the Central Bank Relevant regulation
Insider lending
Aggregate lending to a single insider or the insider's related interest is
limited to 25% of the bank's capital; the aggregate of all loans to all
insiders and their related interests cannot exceed 100% of the bank's capitalQuarterly The Financial
Institutions (Insider
Lending) Regulations
Fixed assets investment
Direct or indirect investments by banks in fixed assets are limited to 100%
of their "adjusted" capitalBi-annually The Financial
Institutions (fixed
Assets Investment)
Regulations
Source: WTO Secretariat, based on information provided by the Surinamese authorities.
126. The prudential regulations specify a range of administrative sanctions that may be imposed by
the Central Bank on banks that fail to comply with the regulations. These include prohibition from
engaging in further foreign exchange activities of any kind; prohibition from declaring and paying
dividends; prohibition from establishing new branches or facilities; prohibition from engaging in
new services or activities or from expanding existing ones; suspension of access to the Central Bank's
credit facilities; suspension of lending, investment, and credit extension operations; prohibition from
acquiring additional fixed assets; prohibition from accepting further deposit liabilities; and
prohibition from paying discretionary compensation schemes to directors or managers. However, no
provisions allow the Central Bank to close a bank by withdrawing its certificate of no objection.
When a bank is unable to meet its liabilities, the only action the Central Bank can take is to apply to
the District Court for the declaration of a moratorium for the bank.
127. No bank deposit insurance scheme exists in Suriname.
128. Suriname is a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force. In 1996, the Central
Bank issued Guidelines for the Prevention of Money Laundering. According to the 2000-2001
Annual Report of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, however, these Guidelines are not
mandatory and have resulted in only one suspicious transaction being reported by a Surinamese bank
between 1996 and 2000-01.
(b) Insurance services
129. There are ten active insurance companies in Suriname. The Government holds a 40% interest
in one of these companies. Only one insurance company is majority-owned by foreign capital, Clico
Life and General Insurance Co. (South America) Ltd, part of the CL Financial Group of Trinidad and
Tobago. The authorities note that it is established in Suriname as a branch.
130. Total assets of insurance companies amounted to Sf 58 billion in 2000, or slightly over 7% of
total financial system assets. The insurance sector is highly concentrated: the insurance holding
company Assuria N.V. accounts for almost half of all insurance companies' assets.
131. The sector is governed by the Bank Law of 1956 and the Banking and Credit Institution
Supervision Law, under which insurance companies are considered as "credit institutions". Insurance
companies are subject to Central Bank supervision.
132. To operate in Suriname, nationally-owned and foreign-owned insurance companies need to
obtain a certificate of no objection from the Central Bank and a licence from the Ministry of Trade
and Industry (Chapter III(4)(i)). In 1994, the Central Bank issued criteria to be taken into account in
determining whether to grant a certificate of no objection.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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133. The authorities indicate that Suriname maintains no limits on foreign equity participation in
new or existing insurance companies.
134. In general, insurance companies must establish in Suriname as limited liability companies
formed under Surinamese law. However, the authorities indicate that, in the case of life insurance,
branches of foreign companies are allowed if the legal form of the parent company fits the
Surinamese legal system. Factors taken into account by the Central Bank in this regard include the
company's statutes and the structure of its Board of Directors.
135. There are no laws prohibiting Surinamese residents from acquiring insurance policies outside
Suriname. Similarly, the laws governing the insurance sector do not explicitly prohibit the sale of
insurance policies by foreign-based companies to Surinamese residents.
136. The Central Bank has issued prudential regulations for the insurance sector, including
solvency norms and rules governing the areas in which insurance companies can invest their assets.
No legal restrictions are in place concerning the number of nationally-owned or foreign insurance
companies that can operate in Suriname. The authorities indicate that there are no de facto
restrictions.
(iv) Telecommunications
137. According to data provided by the authorities in connection with this Review, there were
79,815 main telephone connections in Suriname (16.8 per 100 inhabitants) in 2003, and 168,552
cellular mobile subscribers (35.4 per 100 inhabitants).77There were 100 internet hosts and 24,000
internet users in 2003.
138. The legal and regulatory regime governing the telecommunications sector is contained in the
Telegraph and Telephone Act 1945 along with various resolutions and decrees implementing and
modifying that Act. The Government considers the existing regime no longer adequate in light of
recent technological developments and the general trend toward liberalization of the
telecommunications sector. Thus its present policy aims to: modernize the telecommunications
infrastructure and expand its capacity and geographical scope; and adopt the institutional and
legislative changes necessary for the gradual liberalization of the sector. In this connection, the
Government has stressed the importance of the development of the telecommunications sector to the
attainment of other policy objectives, including the educative, administrative, and social development
of the Surinamese society, promotion of the private sector, and promotion of foreign investment.78
139. Steps taken since the late 1990s have involved: (i) initiating a process of liberalization;
(ii) creating an independent Telecommunication Authority; (iii) changing the function and legal
status of the former state monopoly Telesur; and (iv) preparing a new Telecommunication Act.
140. Until 1998, the state-owned enterprise Telesur had the legal monopoly on the supply of
telecommunication infrastructure services in Suriname. The Government has since adopted a gradual
liberalization approach whereby it intends to licence initially a small number of operators and to
ascertain the scope for further liberalization in light of the experience gained. To establish a duopoly,
as foreseen in Suriname's GATS commitments, the Government licensed a second supplier in 1998,
77Wireless local loop is used in Suriname for fixed radio access and multi gain wireless connections. In
2003, there were approximately 3,613 subscribers.
78See, e.g. Government of Suriname (2001), pp. 204-205, the policy statement of the Suriname
Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism [Online]. Available at: http://www.mintct.sr/
notacomm.htm), and the explanatory memorandum accompanying the draft of the new Telecommunication Act.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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the privately owned International Communication and Management Services (ICMS). However, this
duopoly did not work well due to problems between Telesur and ICMS concerning the conditions of
interconnection between their networks, especially the tariff payable by ICSM to Telesur, and in
October 2002 the government revoked ICMS's licence. Thus, Telesur is presently the sole supplier of
telecommunication services in Suriname.79Table IV.13 shows Telesur's prices for fixed and mobile
services.
Table IV.13
Telesur's charges for fixed and mobile services, 2004
Fixed services: national calls
Time period Tariff
06.00-17.00 hours US$ 0.035 per minute
17.00-22.00 hours US$ 0.035 per 2 minutes
22.00-06.00 hours US$ 0.035 per 3 minutes
Fixed services: international calls
Destination Tariff (per minute)
The Netherlands US$ 0.33
Americas and Europe (including French Guyana) US$ 0.44
Other destinations US$ 0.71
Mobile services: national calls
Service Tariff (per minute)
TDMA US$ 0.20
GSM US$ 0.25
Mobile services: international calls
Destination Tariff (per minute)
Guyana US$ 0.65
Americas and Europe (including French Guyana) US$ 0.44
Other destinations US$ 0.80
Source : Surinamese authorities.
141. In connection with the licensing of an additional operator in 1998 to compete with Telesur,
the Government decided to transfer the regulatory functions previously exercised by Telesur to
the new Telecommunication Authority Suriname (TAS). Pending the adoption of a new
Telecommunication Act, the TAS was established on a provisional basis in March 1998.80Chapter II
of the draft new Telecommunication Act establishes the TAS on a definitive basis.81Apart from
providing advice on telecommunication matters to the responsible Minister, promoting the
introduction of new technologies and services, and representing Suriname in relevant international
organizations, the TAS is to fulfil regulatory and supervisory functions including with respect to
interconnection, the establishment of rules on (modifications of) tariffs by concession holders, and
the licensing of suppliers of telecommunication services.82The draft Act accords the TAS a more
independent status vis-a-vis the Government than under the resolution of March 1998. Thus the
Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism will exercise a general supervisory role with
respect to the TAS, but will have no authority to give directions to the TAS concerning individual
applications for licences.83
79This applies to both fixed line telephone services and mobile telephone services.
80State Decision of 26 March 1998.
81The draft Act was submitted to the Surinamese National Assembly in August 2003 and is expected
to be adopted in 2004.
82Thus, for example, Articles 11 and 12 of the draft Act, inter alia , provide that interconnection
agreements must be based on a model agreement to be determined by the TAS; require concession holders to
provide interconnection in accordance with criteria of non-discrimination, transparency, and cost-oriented
pricing; and enable the TAS to intervene if it considers that an interconnection agreement does not meet these
criteria.
83Under the draft Act, the President has the authority to appoint and dismiss the Managing Director ofWT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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142. Chapter III of the draft Telecommunication Act regulates the granting of concessions for the
construction, maintenance, and exploitation of telecommunications infrastructure, on the one hand,
and of licences for the provision of telecommunication services, on the other. The draft Act
introduces a foreign ownership restriction in that telecommunication infrastructure concessions can be
granted only to legal entities that have been created under Surinamese law and of which at least 60%
of the shares is owned by Surinamese nationals or by legal entities of which at least 60% is owned by
Surinamese nationals. The basic criterion for deciding on the granting of such concessions is whether
the concession promotes an efficient supply of telecommunication services in the general social and
economic interest. The explanatory memorandum states that the Government considers that, in light
of this criterion, two concessionaires will be sufficient at this time. The Government reiterated its
intention to grant concessions to additional operators in its annual policy speech of 2003.84In the
context of this Review, the authorities indicated that the two additional concessions will pertain to
networks for mobile phone services.
143. Whereas infrastructure concessions will be granted by the President, who in this respect is
advised by the TAS, licences for the provision of telecommunication services will be granted by the
TAS. The draft Act provides that such licences are required for the supply of regulated and non-
regulated services by entities other than the holders of infrastructure concessions. While the TAS
may attach conditions to the granting of a licence for regulated services, a licence for the provision of
a non-regulated service cannot be subjected to conditions and is, therefore, more in the nature of a
registration requirement.
144. The draft Telecommunication Act allows the Government to continue to prohibit call-back
services.
145. Closely related to the new Telecommunication Act, the Government is preparing legislation
that would entail the transformation of Telesur from a sui generis legal person into a limited liability
company, to reflect the future transfer of Telesur's regulatory functions to the TAS.85
146. Suriname's policy of phased liberalization and concomitant modernization of its regulatory
framework in the telecommunications sector is reflected in the specific commitments it undertook in
the framework of the GATS.86Since Suriname made these commitments on an autonomous basis,
following the conclusion of the post-Uruguay Round negotiations on telecommunications, they are
not annexed to the Fourth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services.
Suriname's market access commitment concerning mode 3 permits the provision of public
voice telephone services, fixed network infrastructure services, and fixed satellite services, by
a duopoly for a period of five years ending on 1 January 2003, subject to a foreign equity
limit of 40%. Before the expiry of this period the Government will determine the
circumstances under which additional operators can be licensed. The supply of the same
services through modes 1 and 2 is subject to use of the facilities of the duopoly operators.
Suriname has scheduled no restrictions or conditions on national treatment with respect to the
supply of these services through modes 1, 2 or 3. By way of Additional Commitment,
Suriname has committed to the regulatory disciplines contained in the reference paper and has
the TAS. The Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism will have the right to appoint and dismiss the
Deputy-Director. Other personnel of the TAS can be appointed and dismissed by the Managing Director.
84Government of Suriname (2003b), p. 93.
85Currently Telesur continues to exercise certain regulatory functions based on the Telegraph and
Telephone Act 1945, such as managing the spectrum and setting technical and quality standards.
86Suriname's commitments with respect to telecommunication services are contained in WTO
document GATS/SC/80/Suppl.1, 27 January 1998.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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indicated the establishment of a new regulatory authority and the submission to the National
Assembly of new draft legislation on telecommunications.
For public use and non-public use on leased lines (packet-switched data transmission services,
circuit-switched data transmission services and internet and internet access services):
Suriname committed to maintain no restrictions on market access through modes 1, 2 or 3
other than that facilities of the duopoly operators must be used. There are no conditions
or restrictions on national treatment through modes 1, 2 and 3. There are currently two
competitive suppliers of internet and internet access services in Suriname.
Suriname committed to maintain no restrictions on market access for non-public voice
telephone services through modes 1, 2 or 3 other than that facilities of the duopoly operators
must be used. There are no conditions on restrictions on national treatment. Under the
existing legislation, only concession holders may provide non-public voice telephone
services.
Public use: mobile services, cellular/mobile telephone services and personal communications
services. As regards modes 1 and 3, licences are granted for a period of five years. Before
the expiry of the period the Government will determine the circumstances under which
additional licences will be granted. A foreign ownership limitation of 40% applies on
commercial presence. No conditions or restrictions exist with regard to national treatment in
modes 1, 2 or 3. No mobile licences have been granted to date.
The supply of public use mobile data services, paging services, and trunked radio systems
services through modes 1, 2 or 3 is not limited by conditions or restrictions with regard to
market access or national treatment.
(v) Transport
(a) General
147. Government of Suriname policy statements and studies by international organizations have
stressed the need to improve the efficiency and the physical infrastructure of Suriname's transport
sector as a key component of a strategy aimed at supporting private sector development in a context of
growing regional and global integration.87The transport sector is the focal area for current
development cooperation between Suriname and the European Union. The Country Strategy Paper
agreed between Suriname and the European Commission in August 2002 as the basis for this
cooperation succinctly states: "The transport sector faces the constraints of restrictive policies,
inefficient operations and poorly maintained facilities (ports, airport and roads) and therefore acts as a
constraint for trade."88One of the projects envisaged in the strategy paper is an assessment of
Suriname's transport needs and priorities through a comprehensive national transport study. This
study has recently been completed.
148. Suriname's transport policy aims, inter alia , to achieve closer integration in the Caribbean
region and in South America.
87E.g., Government of Suriname (2001), p. 199.
88Republic of Suriname-European Community (2001), p. 18; World Bank (1998), pp. 27-29.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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(b) Road transport
149. The road network in Suriname is relatively extensive and consists of 4,400 km of road; some
1,200 km are primary roads, which are mainly interregional. The main roads are the east-west
corridor between Albina and Nieuw Nickerie and the north-south corridor between Paramaribo and
Brokopondo. Suriname's road network is connected with Guyana and French Guiana through ferries
across the Corantijne River in the west and the Marowijne River in the east. The Government has
indicated that it attaches importance to improving road connections with Brazil.89It should also be
noted in this connection that in the framework of the Initiative for the Integration of the Regional
Infrastructure of South America, consideration is being given to the feasibility of a project involving
new transportation linkages between Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil.
150. The Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism is in charge of formulating and
implementing road transport policy, while responsibility for construction and maintenance of roads
and bridges rests with the Ministry of Public Works. By the early 1990s, it was evident that the
quality of the road network had seriously deteriorated, and several road rehabilitation projects were
undertaken as part of an Urgency Infrastructure Programme and a subsequent Infrastructure
Rehabilitation Programme. According to a World Bank Report published in 1998, 80% of roads in
Suriname were in need of repair or rehabilitation, and actual road maintenance expenditures were only
one tenth of the US$18 million estimated to be necessary for the proper maintenance of roads and
bridges.90
151. To facilitate the funding and management of road maintenance, the Government in 1995
established a Road Authority91and a Road Fund as part of an infrastructure policy based on
the principle of "the user pays". Nevertheless, in 2001, one study opined that "The road infrastructure
in Suriname is characterised by a gradually deteriorating network with a few rehabilitation
programmes underway but generally insufficient maintenance activity on primary and secondary
roads".92A Chinese contractor recently completed a 270 km road rehabilitation project in
Paramaribo, and the Ministry of Public Works completed a 100 km national project. In 2003, the
Government announced the start of two new road rehabilitation projects to be carried out by domestic
and foreign contractors.93One of the main causes of the poor condition of Suriname's road network
appears to be the lack of regulation against the transportation of heavy loads by road.
152. Regular bus services are provided by a state-owned national transport enterprise (NVB) and
by a number of private operators;94the NVB mainly services areas that are not profitable for private
bus owners. The conditions for the granting of licences to private bus service providers have been
defined in a Ministerial decree of February 2002. The law on bus transport services (1962), pursuant
to which this decree was passed, states that only Surinamese nationals can obtain a permit for the
provision of bus services. In accordance with Suriname's commitments under the CARICOM
programme for the removal of restrictions on the right of establishment and trade in services, this law
is in the process of being amended so as to extend the right to provide bus services to nationals of
CARICOM countries.
89E.g., Government of Suriname (2003), p. 29.
90World Bank (1998), p.28.
91Some 1,500 km of road fall under the responsibility of the Road Authority.
92Republic of Suriname-European Community (2001), Annex, p. 26.
93E.g., Government of Suriname (2003), p. 26-27.
94According to the MOP 2001-2005, 1,150 licences had been issued to private bus operators services
on 64 routes.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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(c) Air transport
153. International air transport services are provided by a state-owned enterprise, Surinam Airways
(SLM) from the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, 45 km south of Paramaribo.95The
Government owns 98% of the shares in SLM, with the remaining 2% owned by the National Bureau
of Planning, which is a foundation. The SLM's only monopoly right for the supply of air transport
services is on the mid-atlantic route (Paramaribo-Amsterdam), which the Government intends to
liberalize by 2006. The SLM has no monopoly rights in cargo handling and passenger handling
services. There are regular air service links with Curacao, Port of Spain, and Belem (Brazil); the
routes to Amsterdam, Georgetown, Cayenne, and Barbados are serviced by other air lines for the
SLM on the basis of cooperation agreements. There is an indirect link with Miami via Curcacao.96
154. According to statistics provided by the Surinamese authorities, there were 1,038 aircraft
departures in 2003 compared to 966 in 2002. The number of departing passengers carried by air
increased from 98,498 in 1997 to 142,751 in 2003 and arriving passengers rose from 95,441 to
142,473 in the same period.
155. The Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism is responsible for formulating and
implementing of air transport policy. The principal policy objectives, as stated in the Ministry's
policy plan 2001-2005, are: to modernize and strengthen the regulatory framework, especially with a
view to improving safety control; to review Suriname's existing aviation agreements with third
countries and conclude such agreements with other countries; and to improve the air transport
infrastructure.
156. Suriname's aviation statute is the Aviation Law 1935, as amended, along with more detailed
rules promulgated for its implementation. Apart from the creation of a Civil Aviation Authority
Suriname (CASAS) in 1997, the most important recent development in the regulatory framework for
the sector was the adoption of a new law on the safety and security of civil aviation in March 2002.97
This new law deals mainly with matters addressed in the annexes to the ICAO Convention,
particularly on personnel licensing, aircraft nationality and registration, operations of aircraft,
airworthiness of aircraft, aerodromes, environmental protection, security, and the safe transport of
dangerous goods by air. It envisages the adoption of more detailed rules on some of these issues and
requires that such rules be in conformity with the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
Implementation of the law on the safety and security of civil aviation is entrusted to the Ministry of
Transport, Communication and Tourism and the CASAS. Article 20 of this law requires an airline to
possess a valid economic licence or a licence that is required by virtue of an international agreement
in order to take part in any commercial aviation activity in, to or from Suriname. Without prejudice to
any international agreement to which Suriname is a party, no economic licence will be granted to an
airline unless it has its main seat in Suriname, and is substantially owned and effectively controlled by
Surinamese enterprises or nationals. Nationals of CARICOM countries are treated as nationals of
Suriname.
95A second airport, Zorg en Hoop, is used mainly for domestic air transport.
96Direct flights to the United States by aircraft registered in Suriname were suspended in 1996 on
safety grounds. It is expected that such direct flights to the United States will resume in the near future
following the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's decision in 2003 to certify Suriname as complying with
international aviation safety standards.
97This law supersedes the Aviation Law 1935 in certain respects but other aspects of transport policy
not addressed in this law continue to be governed by the Aviation Law 1935.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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157. Cabotage rights can only be exercised where this is permitted by an international air transport
agreement between Suriname and one or more third countries. To date no such agreement permits
this.
158. The Government is preparing draft legislation that would change the status of the airport
administration into an independent airport authority (as at March 2004).98Steps are also being taken
to transform the aviation service at the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism into an
independent legal entity.
159. With regard to international aviation agreements, the Government aims to end Suriname's
relatively isolated position and to use air transport as a means to promote trade and tourism. While a
key objective is to make Suriname accessible at reasonable fares, the Government also wants to
preserve the profitability of domestic firms.99Suriname has thus adopted a policy of gradual
liberalization.
160. Bilateral aviation agreements are in force between Suriname and the following countries:
Aruba; Barbados; Belgium; Brazil; Colombia; Cuba; Grenada; the Netherlands; the Netherlands
Antilles; Panama; Trinidad and Tobago; the United States; and Venezuela. A Memorandum of
Understanding has been concluded with Guyana, pending the conclusion of a formal aviation
agreement. The Government has indicated its interest in concluding aviation agreements with a large
number of other countries and in renegotiating some existing agreements.100
161. In April 2004, Suriname and the Netherlands reached agreement on a revision of their
bilateral aviation agreement that will end the monopoly of the SLM-KLM joint venture on the
Amsterdam-Paramaribo route in May 2006; when each country will have the right to designate three
airlines that will be authorized to provide regular service on this route. It has also been agreed to
increase the number of charter flights in the period until May 2006.101
162. The Surinamese Government advocates an "open skies" approach to the liberalization of air
traffic in the Caribbean region, through the conclusion of cooperative arrangements between the
various air carriers operating in this region.102Suriname has signed, but not yet ratified, the
Multilateral Agreement Concerning the Operation of Air Services within the Caribbean Community,
and also participates in the development of a common aviation policy by the Association of Caribbean
States.
163. The programme submitted by Suriname for the removal of restrictions on the right of
establishment and on trade in services pursuant to the revised CARICOM Treaty contains
commitments to remove, by the end of 2003, measures reserving passenger and cargo handling and
cabotage services for Surinamese citizens.
98Government of Suriname (2001), p.198; Government of Suriname (2003), p.93.
99Government of Suriname (2001), p.198.
100The MOP 2001-2005 lists: Antigua and Barbuda; Dominican Republic; Guyana; Haiti; Jamaica;
St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; United States; Angola, Congo; Gambia; Kenya; Nigeria; Sierra
Leone; South Africa; Germany; United Kingdom; France (including French Guiana and the French Antilles);
Spain; China; India; Indonesia; and Saudi Arabia.
101Consumers in Suriname and the Netherlands have repeatedly expressed concerns regarding the fares
charged on the Amsterdam-Paramaribo route. A complaint was lodged with the Dutch competition law
authority in 1998, which concluded in October 2001 that the airfares, while very high, did not result from an
abuse of a dominant position.
102Government of Suriname (2001), p. 201; Government of Suriname (2003b), p. 28.Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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164. Suriname has undertaken unqualified market access and national treatment commitments
under the GATS in respect of the supply, through modes 1 to 3, of aircraft repair and maintenance
services, the selling and marketing of air transport services, and computer reservation system
services.103
165. The improvement of airport facilities is an important policy objective. Projects are under
way, or have been completed, to modernize the departure and arrival facilities at the Johan Adolph
Pengel International Airport and to construct a new air traffic control tower.104With the assistance of
the Inter-American Development Bank, the Government is implementing a project to improve airport
security.
(d) Maritime transport
166. Sea transport is the principal mode of transport used for goods to and from Suriname. There
are port facilities in Paramaribo, Paranam, Moengo, and Nieuw Nickerie. The facilities at Paramaribo
and Nieuw Nickerie are accessible to ocean-going vessels. The port facility Nieuwe Haven in
Paramaribo is the most important and handles approximately 600 vessels per year. According to
statistics of the N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname, container throughput, expressed in TEU (20-foot
equivalent unit), rose from 18,414 in 1999 to 25,772 in 2003. The shallow waterway means that ships
cannot be loaded to full capacity.
167. The size of Suriname's merchant fleet was 2,058 gross registered tons and 3,200 deadweight
tons as of April 2004. There are no Surinamese ships operating in international trade.
168. Direct maritime connections exist between Suriname and Belgium, France, the United
Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the
Netherlands Antilles.
169. The state-owned Surinamese Shipping Company, (SMS) is active in tourism, provides cargo
and passenger transport services on Suriname's rivers, and operates various ferry services, including
on the border river with Guyana. The SMS is expected to start operating another ferry service on the
river between Suriname and French Guiana. It aims to realize a regular liner service between Europe
and the Caribbean.
170. The Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) was created in 1998 when the Department of
Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism was transformed into an
independent entity with a sui generis legal status. The MAS provides pilotage services, conducts
periodic hydrographical surveys in the rivers that provide access to the ports of Suriname; is
responsible for fairway marking; and ensures enforcement of regulations pertaining to shipping and
maritime affairs, and carries out registration, inspection and supervision of all vessels operating in the
Surinamese waterways.
171. Key elements of Suriname's existing shipping legislation date as far back as the 1930s. For
example, with regard to the registration and nationality of vessels, the relevant provisions are laid
down in a decision originally adopted in 1933, as amended in 1964, and in a Ships Registry
Regulation promulgated in 1944. Thus the Government regards this legislation as being antiquated
and in part unworkable.105The MAS and the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism are
presently preparing legislation to bring Suriname's legislation into conformity with the obligations of
103WTO document GATS/SC/80, 15 April 1994.
104Government of Suriname (2003a), p. 92.
105Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism (2003).WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
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Suriname under the conventions on maritime safety and marine pollution concluded under the
auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).106
172. The programme submitted by Suriname in the framework of CARICOM for the removal of
restrictions on the right of establishment and on trade in services lists certain measures in the maritime
transport sector that restrict opportunities for foreign participation: only Surinamese ships can be
registered under the Ships Registry Regulation 1944; the law on public transport on waterways
(1936) only permits persons of Surinamese nationality to obtain a licence for the transportation of
persons and goods by water; only Surinamese nationals may provide cabotage services; and
Surinamese nationality is a requirement for the pilotage examination, and only state or public bodies
can provide pilotage services.
173. Responsibility for all government ports in Suriname is in the hands of the Ministry of
Transport, Communication and Tourism. Rules on the construction of port facilities are contained in
the Port Law 1981. The Government's role in port management is performed by a public enterprise
founded in 1971, the N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname. The Government considers that the legal regime is
incomplete and is taking steps to prepare new legislation regarding the management of port facilities
in Suriname. It has also signalled its interest in studying the feasibility of establishing a port
authority.107There are several privately owned port terminals in Suriname, e.g. in Moengo and
Paranam in the bauxite sector.
174. A major objective of the Government is to increase the efficiency of port operations in view
of the projected increase of exports. A key project to be implemented with financial assistance from
the European Union is the rehabilitation, upgrading, modernization, and institutional strengthening of
the port of Paramaribo. A second project involves the electronic data exchange between the MAS, the
N.V. Havenbeheer, and the customs administration. Another objective is to renovate the port of
Nieuw Nickerie. The Government also aims to expand the commercial and industrial function of the
port of Paramaribo, inter alia , through the creation of export-processing and free-trade zones.108
(vi) Tourism
175. According to data provided by the Surinamese authorities in the context of this Review, the
number of tourists visiting Suriname has increased considerably in recent years. The number of non-
resident arrivals at the international airport increased from 54,585 in 1998 to 82,298 in 2003. In the
period June 2003 to February 2004, 90,000 tourists visited Suriname according to the same
government data. One of the Government's objectives in the tourism sector for the period 2001-2005
is to attain a 50% annual increase in the number of tourists visiting Suriname. It is important to note
in this regard that the majority of the non-resident arrivals are persons visiting their relatives; the
objective of a 50% increase pertains to the much smaller proportion of non-residents visiting
Suriname because of its attractions.
176. Income from tourism is estimated to have been US$130 million in 2003. Approximately
6,000 persons are employed directly in the tourism sector and another 6,000 persons indirectly.
106International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the
Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78) and International Convention for the safety of Life at Sea.
In drafting this legislation, the authorities have referred to the model legislation developed by the IMO for the
English speaking Carribean countries. The IMO model law is based on the common law system and needs to be
adapted to Suriname's legal system.
107Government of Suriname (2003a), p. 95.
108Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism (2003).Suriname WT/TPR/S/135
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177. The Government considers that there is significant potential to enhance the economic
contribution of the tourism sector by capitalizing on Suriname's mainly pristine rain forest and its
cultural diversity.109It thus aims to promote the sustainable development of tourism while at the same
time protecting the local environment and the interests of the indigenous population.110In its policy
statement for 2001-05, the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism lists what it views as
being the main factors impeding the development of tourism in Suriname: the limited accessibility of
Suriname, resulting from high airfares as well as visa requirements and registration procedures;
Suriname's negative image as a holiday destination; the lack of quality norms for accommodation and
infrastructure; the lack of highly qualified personnel; the limited participation of the private sector;
the absence of an efficient transport network; the lack of a good telecommunication system in the
interior; and the lack of an adequate regulatory framework for the tourism industry.
178. Accordingly, the Ministry announced various measures to address these obstacles.
Implementation of the second phase of an Integral Tourism Development Programme involves
projects relating to the improvement of the legal and institutional framework, tourism product
development and marketing support, and human resource development.111A new tourism law is
under consideration whereby the existing Suriname Tourism Foundation will be transformed into a
Tourism Authority, which will have the legal competence to grant or revoke licences to tour
operators.112The operation of this Authority is expected significantly to improve the quality of
tourism accommodation, infrastructure, and services. The authority will have the ability to generate
its own revenue through the levying of a passenger fee on all tourists visiting Suriname.
179. Other recent developments highlighted by the authorities in the preparation of this Review
include the liberalization of air traffic; a certain relaxation of visa and registration requirements; the
gradually improving image of Suriname as a holiday destination, as evidenced by the growing number
of travel agents and tour operators who include Suriname in the tours they offer; the increase in hotel
capacity; the implementation of various manpower training programmes; the growing involvement
of the private sector in tourism development; and the improvement in the collection of tourism
statistics. Although no precise data are available, foreign participation in Suriname's tourist industry
appears to have grown recently.
180. The programme that Suriname submitted in 2000 for the removal of restrictions on right of
establishment and trade in services pursuant to the revised CARICOM Treaty contains no reference to
tourism and travel services.
181. Suriname has made specific commitments with regard to tourism and travel services in the
framework of the GATS. These provide for unqualified market access and national treatment for the
supply of services, through modes 1 to 3, in the subsectors hotels and restaurants and travel agencies
and tour operators.113
109Suriname has created a Central Suriname Nature Reserve of 1.6 million hectares, which was
designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
110E.g., Government of Suriname (2001), p. 194.
111The first phase of this programme, which is financed by the European Union, was undertaken from
1996 through 1998. In addition to the European Union, the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the OAS are
involved in the development of Suriname's tourism industry.
112The Suriname Tourism Foundation was created in 1996 to provide information on Suriname's
tourism industry, to organize training activities for workers in the tourism industry, and to actively promote
Suriname as a tourist destination.
113WTO document GATS/SC/80, 15 April 1994.WT/TPR/S/135 Trade Policy Review
Page 94
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