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Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (L) presents Suriname President Desi Bouterse with his portrait, after the LXIII Mercosur presidential summit in Mendoza

By Ray Chickrie
Caribbean News Now contributor

PARAMARIBO, Suriname -- President of Suriname, Desi Bouterse, after a recent trip to Argentina, where he attended a meeting of Union of South American States (UNASUR), informed the chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP) on Saturday, at a party meeting, that Argentina will set up a large embassy in the Surinamese capital Paramaribo.

Bouterse said that Suriname is at the centre of global attention due to the current economic situation globally and the economic crisis facing the European Union.

“Many countries want to invest their money here. The situation in Europe is not rosy. Investors look for other opportunities to do business. Suriname is an option for them,” he said.

The Surinamese president suggested that investment laws are clear to investors such as imposed requirement on the mining sectors, when asked by journalists.

He noted that the Suriname people have a contribution to make in this economic growth. Bouterse said that China has excelled in the construction industry because of the competitive price they offer and their superb work ethic. Bouterse criticized Surinamese for their work ethic.

“They arrive late, want to read the newspaper and then eat before they start work,” said Bouterse. He added that this attitude must change.

Suriname has attracted major investments from China and recently from as far afield as the United Arab Emirates. Bouterse is looking to expand commercial ties with China, India, Brazil, the Islamic Development Bank and Indonesia.

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