…warns of threat to Guyana-Suriname trade
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh has described Suriname’s decision to impose fees for the use of the Corentyne River as “most unfortunate and most regrettable,” warning that the move could stymie trade and undermine long-standing economic relations between the two countries, even as Guyana moves to address the issue through diplomatic channels.
Speaking with this publication on the issue on Sunday, the finance minister stressed that the imposition of such fees runs counter to the interests of both countries, warning that any action that restricts movement along the Corentyne River risks slowing trade and weakening the economic relationship between Guyana and Suriname. He maintained that the development is “not in anybody’s interest,” noting that both nations stand to benefit far more from deeper cooperation than from measures that could hinder commercial activity.
President Dr Irfaan Ali recently disclosed that charges imposed by Suriname for the use of the Corentyne River were affecting Guyanese operators, particularly in the timber and quarry sectors. The Head of State questioned the fairness of the arrangement, pointing to the long-standing access enjoyed by Surinamese businesses operating in Guyana, and stressed the importance of ensuring that cross-border trade remains predictable and equitable.
The president reiterated that Guyana’s vision for relations with Suriname is rooted in deeper economic integration, describing the two countries as a natural extension of each other’s economic space.
Seamless cross-border trade
Meanwhile, Minister Singh explained that the goal is to allow seamless cross-border trade, where businesspeople can move goods and services freely, pointing to scenarios where farmers can transport produce to markets across the river, and contractors can source building materials from either country depending on cost and availability, as part of a broader push to strengthen regional cooperation and expand opportunities for both populations.
Against that backdrop, the finance minister pointed out that Guyana has been actively pursuing closer economic ties with Suriname, including discussions on the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River to facilitate the movement of goods and people. He noted that such initiatives are intended to unlock economic opportunities and deepen regional integration, making the imposition of new charges particularly disappointing as they run counter to the very objective of fostering seamless cross-border trade.
The Minister further emphasised that the matter is being addressed at the highest level of Government, with President Ali leading efforts to engage Surinamese authorities with a view to resolving the issue. He reiterated Guyana’s commitment to working closely with all parties involved, underscoring that the Government remains focused on achieving a solution through dialogue and established diplomatic channels.
Removing barriers to trade
He further underscored that Guyana’s approach to regional cooperation is grounded in removing barriers to trade and creating opportunities for businesses to operate seamlessly across borders. The Minister pointed out that the vision is one where a farmer or vendor can transport produce to markets on either side of the river, or where contractors can source materials from whichever country offers the most competitive prices, noting that such ease of movement is central to strengthening economic ties. Against this backdrop, he said the Government is “very disappointed” with the latest development but remains committed, at the highest level, to working closely with all parties involved to resolve the matter.
Private sector bodies have also weighed in on the issue, with differing tones on how it should be addressed. The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) has urged continued dialogue between the two countries, calling for a “timely, amicable and mutually beneficial resolution” to avoid uncertainty in cross-border trade.
Vice President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohamed Jaichand, warned that the charges could significantly increase the cost of transporting materials such as sand, stone and lumber, with direct implications for riverain communities.
The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) has described the move as a “significant escalation,” cautioning that the river remains a lifeline for communities such as Orealla and Siparuta and that the fees could disrupt economic activity.
The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) has gone further, labelling the charges “arbitrary, unreasonable and without legal basis,” while calling for urgent intervention.
At the national level, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has said the measures pose real and immediate challenges to Guyanese businesses and urged that while dialogue remains the preferred approach, the country must be prepared to respond strategically if necessary.
Meanwhile, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has warned that the issue must be resolved before any further progress is made on joint initiatives such as the proposed Corentyne River bridge, while the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) cautioned that the introduction of such fees without consultation could disrupt trade and undermine commercial relations.
Guyana has already lodged a formal protest over the issue, with authorities indicating that engagement with Suriname is ongoing through established diplomatic channels.
The post Suriname imposed Corentyne River fees ‘most regrettable’ – Finance Minister appeared first on Guyana Times.