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Suriname Appeals to Diaspora for Development Support

Netherlands - The diaspora plays an important role in Suriname’s ambitions for further economic development, according Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Lackin.

Speaking at a seminar in The Hague on 7th February, he told members of Suriname’s diaspora: “Suriname needs you to strengthen its position in the Latin American region. Agriculture, infrastructure, information technology, communications, water management and tourism are priority sectors in which we want to invest your knowledge and expertise.” 

The event, organized by the Government of Suriname in cooperation with IOM, was the launch of an appeal by Suriname to engage its worldwide diaspora community.

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

This initiative follows the completion of a Migration Profile for Suriname and will be managed through the establishment of a Diaspora Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and support liaison staff stationed in The Hague.

A mapping exercise will be used to determine how many persons, organizations and associations constitute the diaspora worldwide and in particular in the Netherlands, France, Belgium and the Caribbean; who and where they are and what repertoire of skills they possess to develop a directory of available skills. Further information will be gathered on their expectations and interest in supporting the development of Suriname, particularly in the fishery, agriculture, technological and construction sectors. 

The information gathered from the mapping and assessment will be used to develop a diaspora strategy/road map. An online database will also be established and members of the Suriname diaspora will be encouraged to register via social media.

For further information, please contact

Martin Wyss

IOM Netherlands

Email: mwyss1@iom.int

Tel.  +31623292114