Above: Suriname President Desire Delano Bouterse (UN Photo/Aliza Eliazarov)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Suriname has become the 14th Caribbean country to join the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, making it the groups 183rd member.

The country was already a member of the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

“Suriname looks forward to IFC’s support in identifying investment opportunities and advisory services that can help the country advance in its development and modernization agenda,” said Gillmore Hoefdraad, governor of the Central Bank of Suriname.

Suriname has a population of about 500,000.

“The private sector in Suriname is an important engine of growth, jobs, and development, and will be able to greatly benefit from IFC’s knowledge and financing,” said Vishnu Dhanpaul, IFC board member. “This will have a positive impact in creating opportunities and development, and will be able to greatly benefit from the IFC’s knowledge and financing. This will have a positive impact in creating opportunities for the people of Suriname.”

IFC Vice Presdient Rashad Kaldany said the group welcomed Suriname’s membership.

“We look forward to a fruitful and long-term relationship,” he said.