By the Caribbean Journal staff
A contingent from the World Bank began a three-day visit to Suriname yesterday aimed at rewinding the bank’s commitment to the country.
World Bank Director for the Caribbean Francoise Clottes was joined by Giorgio Valentini, the bank’s country representative for Suriname and International Finance Corporation representative Kirk Ifill.
After 30 years of what was characterized as “limited” dialogue, the bank and Suriname are working on a gradual re-engagement strategy.
Since 2010, the two parties have worked on developing in Interim Strategy Note, aimed at guiding the bank’s engagement in Suriname.
“We are delighted to be reengaging with Suriname and supporting the country’s ambitious development strategy,” Clottes said. “I look forward to meeting President Bouterse and his team to learn first hand how we can better contribute as a global institution to the long-term development of a global country such as Suriname.”
The country’s growth increased from 3 percent in 2009 to 4.5 percent last year, led in part by a rebound in the prices of Suriname’s main commodities, like gold, oil and alumina.