Suriname plays Bolivia to qualify for the World Cup on March 26!

Happy Monday!

This week, Suriname plays Bolivia on March 26 to qualify for the World Cup!

We also cover a meeting between the foreign ministers of Suriname and the Netherlands, the impact of the war in the Middle East on the Surinamese economy, and a crisis team has been put together to address it.

The Foreign Ministers of Suriname and the Netherlands held their first bilateral meeting.

• The meeting took place digitally between Melvin Bouva and his Dutch counterpart, Tom Berendsen.

• It followed earlier discussions between President Simons of Suriname and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

• They made concrete working agreements and initiated further cooperation.

• A bilateral agreement between the two countries is currently being developed.

• Global developments and their impact on both societies were discussed.

• Suriname is taking measures such as a crisis team and fuel price cap to manage economic effects.

• The Netherlands confirmed completion of a visa exemption approval process for diplomatic/service passports, with more travel facilitation planned.

• Regional issues and cooperation were discussed, including CARICOM, Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and programs like the Slavery Past Fund.

More Bilateral Deals

• Suriname and Indonesia plan to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.

• Focus areas include knowledge transfer, technical support, and aquaculture.

• Indonesia highlighted its expertise and past projects, some delayed by COVID-19 and funding issues.

• Suriname faces labor shortages and brain drain, and is exploring foreign workforce solutions.

• Both countries aim to deepen ties through a pending agreement, training programs, and sustainable “blue economy” initiatives.

Businesses in Suriname face rising costs due to the Middle East War.

• Freight costs for both sea and air transport are rising due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and businesses in Suriname, especially in the fishing sector, are now seeing their earlier concerns come true.

• Udo Karg (Suriname Seafood Association) says the impact is already becoming visible, while both shipping companies and airlines have started increasing prices.

• Air France KLM Martinair Cargo introduced a “War Risk Other Charge”, which will increase further by the end of March.

• These increases are linked to rerouted flights, higher fuel prices, and rising operational costs.

• Cargo airline Amerijet added a Fuel Escalation Fee starting March 23 and the surcharge for such costs are $0.04/kg for regular cargo and $0.02/kg for perishable goods, on top of existing fuel surcharges.

• Shipping companies are also adding extra costs due to fuel price increases and market uncertainty.

• The price of Brent crude oil surged above $119 per barrel after attacks on energy facilities in the Middle East.

• Small economies like Suriname are more vulnerable, and higher freight costs may harm exports, especially in the fishing industry.

The government has set up a special crisis team to manage the impact of rising oil prices.

• The increase in oil prices is linked to the war in the Middle East.

• President Jennifer Simons warned that global developments are putting serious pressure on the economy.

• The crisis team includes ministers and advisors who continuously monitor the situation.

• The team is responsible for developing policy options and responses.

• The main goal is to limit negative effects on the population as much as possible.

• As an immediate step, the government will accelerate payment of planned allowances.

• Authorities are also exploring additional financial support measures with the Ministry of Finance.

• The government stresses the need to act flexibly and strategically due to rapidly changing conditions.

• The overall economic impact will depend on the duration of the conflict, which is being closely monitored.

Suriname’s National Football Team plays its most important game this week against Bolivia to qualify for the World Cup.

• New Suriname head coach Henk ten Cate has announced his final squad for World Cup qualification matches in Monterrey, Mexico.

• Joel Piroe (Leeds United) and Melayro Bogarde (LASK) received their first call-ups and may debut against Bolivia (March 26).

• If Suriname wins, they will face Iraq five days later.

• Several changes include debut goalkeeper Jahnilo Wiegel, while no players from the local Surinamese league were selected.

• Key players like Jean-Paul Boëtius, Sheraldo Becker, and Immanuel Pherai made recent club moves to stay match-fit and in contention.