• GDP: US$2.2 billion (2007).
• Main exports: Aluminium, gold, crude oil, wood and wood products, and rice.
• Main imports: Capital equipment, petroleum, iron and steel products, agricultural products and consumer goods.
• Main trade partners: USA, Norway, The Netherlands, Canada and Trinidad & Tobago.

The most important industry is mining, especially alumina, oil and gold. There are also thought to be substantial reserves of other metal ores. The manufacturing industry is dominated by of cigarettes, drinks and chemicals.

Agricultural products include rice, citrus fruits, sugar and bananas, although this part of the economy is suffering. Shrimp fishing is both important and lucrative. Livestock breeding and, most controversially, logging in Surinam's vast jungle interior are also big earners.

Inflation was at 9.5% in 2005, and growth was 5.1% in 2007.

Foreign aid, especially from The Netherlands (the former colonial power), has been essential to the economy but political disagreements have meant that it has not always been forthcoming. Surinam became a full member of the Caribbean trading bloc CARICOM in 1995. Economic policy has become more austere to tackle monetary difficulties under the supervision of international bodies.

A suit is expected for business. All appointments should be honoured, though punctuality may be difficult owing to unpredictable transport.

Office hours: Mon-Thurs 0700-1500, Fri 0700-1430.

Surinam Chamber of Commerce and Industry
PO Box 149, Dr J C de Mirandastraat 10, Paramaribo, Surinam
Tel: 473 527.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Information on Conferences/Conventions)
Lim A Postraat 25, Paramaribo, Surinam
Tel: 471 209.