The Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM) held its first CARICHAM BRICs+ Conference in Paramaribo, Suriname on February 27th and 28th, 2020. This Conference was hosted by the Suriname Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank.
CARICHAM is a network of 20 national Chambers of Commerce in the Caribbean with the aim to advocate and enhance membership value; to reduce the risk of disasters; share knowledge and best practices; and to enhance transportation, trade facilitation, and promotion among network countries.
This gathering of over one hundred representatives of Surinamese businesses, Chambers of CARICHAM, BRIC Representatives and Development Banks provided a fitting collaborative space for learning and sharing among attendees, as well as establishing trading relationships with businesses from Suriname.
CARICHAM members and representatives from Brazil, India, China, Indonesia and South Africa presented on opportunities for doing business with their respective countries, whilst Development Banks informed of access to
finance and opportunities for CARICHAM Members. Furthermore, at the Conference, CARICHAM Members explored opportunities for advancing regional integration and trade.
President of the Suriname Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Jayant A. Padarath informed that his Chamber initiated this Conference due to the challenges realized within the region, specifically that of logistics and connectivity. He further noted that this Conference presents an opportunity to enhance the relationship between Suriname and the Caribbean.
Chairperson of CARICHAM and Executive Director of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), Ms. Lizra Fabien highlighted that this conference was geared at boosting the relationship and understanding between countries and partners in order to enhance trade and integration. Ms. Fabien noted that from this conference, new relationships and trading opportunities were realized with Suriname businesses and among other attendees. She further noted that CARICHAM seeks to enhance collaboration to identify non-traditional solutions to economic growth.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism in Suriname, the Honorable Stephen Tsang at the opening ceremony noted that this conference is a valuable opportunity to enhance regional integration and trade as well as to strengthen the relationship with BRICS+ countries. He mentioned that Suriname aims to be a strategic hub for Latin America and the Caribbean. He noted that this is an exciting time in the Caribbean region and that the conference has been held at an opportune moment. He further noted that the oil and gas development in Guyana and Suriname has created many opportunities for investments and emphasized the need for the Caribbean to work together to make this a success for all.
Edward Ravalie, Owner of Protection One Inc. and a member of DAIC remarked “The recent conference in Suriname was very successful. I represented DAIC as part of a delegation which comprised of Chambers of Commerce from the Caribbean. At this Conference, I presented on Doing Business in Dominica and it was a great privilege to represent my Chamber as a member at this regional event, in addition to receiving an opportunity to expand my network and business opportunities. The theme, Doing Business in the Caribbean was well embraced. Participants were really interested in learning about each Country and the business opportunities that exist. The conference was a success in my opinion and it met its intended target. We do hope to benefit from the relationships established very soon.”
CARICHAM expresses gratitude to all who made this first Conference a success. CARICHAM also continues to be committed to advancing regional integration and trade, as well as seeks opportunities to collaborate with regional and international stakeholders to achieve this pursuit.
The members of CARICHAM are Chambers of Commerce & Industry from the following countries: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Sint Maarten, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago.
