Suriname has approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the Inter- American Development Bank to discuss possible financial support for its response to what it describes as the sharp fall in international commodity prices.
The Surinamese government says it is taking steps to strengthen international reserves, support shared economic growth, and ensure financial stability.
According to a statement from IMF Mission Chief, Daniel Leigh, the IMF stands ready to help Suriname meet the economic challenges it is currently facing.
Leigh says following the request by the Surinamese government, an IMF team will visit Paramaribo in the next few weeks for discussions on Suriname’s reform program and financing needs.
He says several important policies have already been implemented in the context of this program with a view to strengthening the level of international reserves and paving the way for the economy to achieve sustained growth and financial stability.
Meanwhile, the World Bank says it also stands ready, with the help of the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank to help Suriname “meet its economic challenges, including the need to improve competitiveness, diversification, public sector modernization, and other requirements for sustained economic growth”
The World Bank has also indicated that its own team will be visiting Paramaribo in the next few weeks for discussions on Suriname’s reform program and financing needs.BM