Suriname: Supporting Private Sector Development

Date
Sep 2006
This study examines the barriers that have traditionally hindered private sector development in Suriname and presents a set of proposals to promote the role of the private sector as a driving force of Suriname's economic growth. The paper provides a description of the key characteristics of the Surinamese economy, an examination of the private sector structure, its weaknesses and capabilities, and an analysis of the main obstacles and issues to improve the enabling environment for private sector development, the challenges and opportunities faced by a small and isolated country that had a poor economic record because it encouraged the private sector to enter into rent seeking activities instead of focusing on productivity gains. Finally, there is a set of recommendations on areas of focus to support private sector development in Suriname.