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Suriname - Relations with U.S. (Notes)

U.S.-SURINAMESE RELATIONS Since the reestablishment of a democratic, elected government in 1991, the United States has maintained positive and mutually beneficial relations with Suriname based on the principles of democracy, respect for human rights, rule of law, and civilian authority over the military. To further strengthen civil society and bolster democratic institutions, the U.S. has provided training regarding appropriate roles for the military in civil society to some of Surinames military officers and decision makers. In addition, Narcotics trafficking organizations are channeling increasing quantities of cocaine through Suriname for repackaging and transport to Europe and the United States, and of ecstasy for transport to the United States. To assist Suriname in the fight against drugs and associated criminal activity, the U.S. has helped train Surinamese anti-drug squad personnel. The U.S. and Suriname also have significant partnerships in fighting trafficking in persons and money laundering. Since 2000, the U.S. has donated a criminal records database to the police as well as computers, vehicles, and radio equipment. Projects through which the U.S. has supported the judicial system include case management and computer hardware donation. Along with training projects, these programs have led to a strong relationship with law enforcement entities in Suriname. The U.S. Peace Corps in Suriname works with the Ministry of Regional Development and rural communities to encourage community development in Surinames interior. Suriname is densely forested, and increased interest in large-scale commercial logging and mining in Surinames interior have raised environmental concerns. The U.S. Forest Service, the Smithsonian, and numerous non-governmental environmental organizations have promoted technical cooperation with Surinames government to prevent destruction of the countrys tropical rain forest, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. U.S. experts have worked closely with local natural resource officials to encourage sustainable development of the interior and alternatives such as ecotourism. On December 1, 2000, UNESCO designated the 1.6-million hectare Central Suriname Nature Reserve a World Heritage site. Surinames tourism sector remains a minor part of the economy, and tourist infrastructure is limited (in 2004, some 145,000 foreign tourists visited Suriname). Surinames efforts in recent years to liberalize economic policy created new possibilities for U.S. exports and investments. The U.S. remains one of Surinames principal trading partners, largely due to ALCOAs longstanding investment in Surinames bauxite mining and processing industry. Several U.S. corporations represented by Surinamese firms acting as dealers are active in Suriname, largely in the mining, consumer goods, and service sectors. Principal U.S. exports to Suriname include chemicals, vehicles, machine parts, meat, and wheat. U.S. consumer products are increasingly available through Surinames many trading companies. Opportunities for U.S. exporters, service companies, and engineering firms will probably expand over the next decade. Suriname is looking to U.S. and other foreign investors to assist in the commercial development of its vast natural resources and to help finance infrastructure improvements. Enactment of a new investment code and intellectual property rights protection legislation which would strengthen Surinames attractiveness to investors has been discussed; the investment law was approved by the National Assembly and is currently being revised by the Ministry of Finance. Principal U.S. Embassy Officials Ambassador--Lisa Bobbie Schreiber Hughes Deputy Chief of Mission--Thomas Genton Military Liaison Officer--Willard T. Green LCDR Political/Economic Office--Jesse L. Sanders Management Officer--David Lamontagne Consular Officer--Gwendolyn S. Webb Police Attaché--Susan Nave Regional Security Officer--Jason Kight Peace Corps Country Director--Ann Conway The U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo is located at Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, P.O. Box 1821, Paramaribo, Suriname (tel. 597-472900, 597-476459; fax: 597- 410025). Other Contact Information U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration Office of Latin America and the Caribbean 14th and Constitution, NW Washington, DC 20230 Tel: 202-482-1658, 202-USA-TRADE Fax: 202-482-0464 Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA) 1818 N Street, NW Suite 310 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-466-7464 Fax: 202-822-0075 U.S. Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Office of Caribbean Affairs 2201 C Street, NW Washington, DC Tel: 202-647-4719