AGP Executive Report

Private 5G for industry: The Global mobile Suppliers Association says private cellular networks passed 2,000 enterprise deployments in Q1, driven by industrial automation needs, with most sensitive builds kept out of public view—manufacturing leads adoption, followed by education/research and mining. Suriname forests under pressure: A Mongabay report highlights how Suriname’s rainforest remains a major carbon sink, but new agriculture, mining, and carbon-market plans are intensifying land-use and land-right disputes involving Indigenous and Maroon communities. Postal + customs overhaul: Suriname’s Postmaster General Algernon Gomes says shipping delays stem from incomplete or late Electronic Advance Data, with wrong HS codes and values; reforms will make HS/value mandatory, train counter staff on customs declarations, and push pre-arrival transmission to cut manual holds. Caribbean SME financing: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment into a CARICOM Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, targeting on-lending to medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries. Energy diplomacy: Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings says countries are pitching alternatives to Strait of Hormuz disruptions and calls Suriname a “safe haven” for gas, seeking U.S. and global investors. Suriname mining signal: Miata Metals closed its TSX Venture listing, advancing district-scale gold exploration in Suriname’s Guyana Shield, including the Sela Creek project. Clean energy for fisheries: CRFM’s STAR-Fish project will expand clean energy interventions for fisheries and aquaculture, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades, with Suriname among beneficiary countries. Trade push: TTMA launched a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname with 38 companies, aiming at market entry and partnerships in high-growth sectors.

Postal & Customs Modernization: Suriname’s Postmaster General Algernon Gomes says shipping delays stem from incomplete or late Electronic Advance Data, with parcels arriving under wrong HS codes, values, or vague descriptions like “gifts,” forcing manual checks and creating 2–5 day holds; reforms include mandatory HS/value fields at acceptance, UPU Customs Declaration System training for counter clerks, and tighter pre-arrival transmission to cut backlogs at the General Post Office. Energy Security Push: With the Strait of Hormuz still disrupting supply, Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings is pitching Suriname’s offshore gas as a “safe haven” for investors, aiming to rekindle U.S. engagement after a March meeting with the State Department. Offshore Oil Outlook: Coverage highlights Suriname’s move toward first offshore production (with ramp-up targeted for 2028) and ongoing offshore readiness, including local content and supply-chain buildout, plus Staatsolie’s open-door offering to attract new entrants. Mining & Exploration Signals: Miata Metals closes its TSX Venture listing, positioning gold exploration in Suriname’s Guyana Shield with a fully funded 25,000-metre drill program and an artisanal mining footprint. Regional Trade Links: TTMA launches a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies seeking new customers and partnerships in high-growth sectors. Clean Energy for Fisheries: CRFM’s STAR-Fish project will expand clean energy and low-carbon upgrades for fisheries and aquaculture across participating countries including Suriname, targeting cold storage and low-carbon certification support.

Energy diplomacy: Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings says the Strait of Hormuz disruption has pushed countries to pitch “energy safe haven” roles, and he’s urging U.S. and other investors to back Suriname’s offshore gas growth after talks with the U.S. State Department in March. Offshore oil readiness: A new outlook on Suriname’s offshore push points to improved seismic coverage, local content and logistics build-up, and a potential first offshore production ramp-up around 2028 tied to GranMorgu, with further appraisal and possible gas commercialization. Mining & exploration: Miata Metals has closed its TSX Venture Exchange listing, advancing gold exploration in Suriname’s Guyana Shield with a fully funded 25,000-metre drill program at Sela Creek. Regional trade push: Trinidad and Tobago’s Manufacturers’ Association is sending a large mission to Guyana and Suriname (38 companies, 58 participants) to find export, investment, and partnership opportunities. Clean energy for fisheries: CRFM’s STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions across fisheries and aquaculture, including Suriname, with plans for renewable power and cold-chain upgrades. Governance & risk: A report on cocaine logistics flags a sustained West Africa-to-Europe smuggling pattern involving a Surinamese-linked crew member, underscoring security and compliance pressures for regional shipping and trade.

Suriname Offshore Energy Push: With the Strait of Hormuz still disrupting global supply, Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings says the country wants to position itself as a “safe haven” for energy, pointing to discovered offshore gas and the prospect of more fields within easy reach for shipping, while seeking U.S. and other investors after talks with the U.S. State Department in March. Offshore Oil Readiness: A separate report says Suriname is moving toward first offshore production (with GranMorgu ramp-up targeted for 2028), supported by improved seismic coverage, local content and logistics build-up, and Staatsolie’s “open-door” offering covering much of the offshore acreage to attract new entrants. Regional Trade & Industry Links: Trinidad and Tobago’s Manufacturers’ Association launched a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies, aiming for B2B deals and market intelligence in fast-growing sectors. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The CRFM STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions across participating countries including Suriname, focusing on renewable power and cold-chain upgrades for fisheries and aquaculture resilience. Suriname-China Cooperation: Suriname’s public works minister says China partnership opportunities are expanding in infrastructure, green development, digital economy and AI as the country prepares for large-scale oil and gas development. Mining Spotlight: Miata Metals says it is advancing district-scale gold exploration in Suriname, with a fully funded 25,000-metre drill program underway at its Sela Creek project. Cocaine Logistics Watch: A report links a major cocaine shipment off West Africa (Arconian) to a broader route and notes involvement of armed men including one Surinamese, raising pressure on regional maritime and supply-chain security.

Suriname Offshore Energy Push: With the Strait of Hormuz still disrupting global supply, Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings says the country can position itself as an “energy safe haven,” pointing to new offshore gas and inviting U.S. and other investors to help scale the sector. Offshore Readiness & Licensing: A separate report says about half of Suriname’s offshore basins are now licensed with modern 3D data, while logistics and local content programs are gearing up for first offshore oil production in 2028. Green Power for Fisheries: The CRFM STAR-Fish project is ramping up clean energy interventions across fisheries and aquaculture, including Suriname, with plans for renewable tech, cold storage upgrades, and low-carbon certification support. Regional Trade Momentum: Trinidad and Tobago’s manufacturers are sending a large trade mission to Guyana and Suriname to find new customers, investment partners, and sourcing deals. Cocaine Smuggling Links to Suriname: A report on the Arconian cocaine seizure says the shipment involved armed men including one Surinamese, and ties the route to a wider West Africa-to-Europe network. Construction & Infrastructure Spotlight: The 17th IIICF in Macao drew 3,500+ guests from 70+ countries, with a focus on green digital infrastructure—relevant as Suriname looks to scale infrastructure for energy and industry.

Energy Diplomacy: Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings says the Strait of Hormuz crisis has put “energy security” back on the table, and he’s pitching Suriname’s newly found offshore gas as a potential “safe haven” supply source to U.S. and other investors after a March meeting with U.S. State Department energy officials. Offshore Oil Outlook: A new report says Suriname has improved seismic coverage and is building logistics and local content capacity for first offshore production in 2026–2029, with GranMorgu ramp-up targeted for 2028 and possible gas commercialization via Block 52. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The CRFM STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions across Caribbean fisheries, including Suriname, with plans for renewable tech, cold storage upgrades, and low-carbon certification support for fish processing. Regional Trade Push: Trinidad and Tobago’s Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) is sending a large delegation to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) to line up business-to-business meetings and market intelligence for high-growth sectors. Aviation Safety: The EU Air Safety List update removes Kyrgyz carriers and adds Air Express Algeria, tightening EU operating restrictions. Mining & Exploration: Miata Metals has closed its TSX Venture listing, advancing district-scale gold exploration in Suriname’s Guyana Shield, including the Sela Creek project. Governance & Risk: A report links a record West Africa-to-Europe cocaine shipment (Arconian) to a wider trafficking route, including a Surinamese suspect among armed men.

Green Infrastructure & Digital Connectivity: Macao’s 17th IIICF opened June 11, drawing 3,500+ leaders from 70+ countries to push “green digital infrastructure” and smart construction, with 250+ activities across an 8,000 m² exhibition. Energy Security Pitch: As Strait of Hormuz tensions reshape supply, Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings says Suriname can be a “safe haven” for energy, pointing to offshore gas discoveries and inviting U.S. and global investors. Offshore Oil Readiness: Suriname is positioning for first offshore production, with improved seismic coverage, logistics and local content build-up, and an open-door offering covering much of its offshore acreage to attract new entrants. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project under CRFM is moving into year-3, funding renewable power and cold-chain upgrades for fisheries and aquaculture across Suriname and the wider Caribbean. Regional Trade Push: TTMA launched a Guyana–Suriname trade mission (38 companies, 58 participants) to find new customers and investment in high-growth sectors. Shipping & Border Operations: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs departments are reforming workflows to improve international shipping and regional border security, including mail inspection training. Mining & Exploration: Miata Metals closed its TSX Venture listing, advancing gold exploration in Suriname’s Guyana Shield with a fully funded 25,000-metre drill program. Cocaine Logistics Watch: A major West Africa–to-Europe cocaine route was flagged after Spain seized 30+ tonnes from the Arconian, including a Surinamese-linked crew member, highlighting regional shipping vulnerabilities.

Suriname Offshore Oil Push: Suriname is positioning itself as an “energy safe haven,” with the minister saying the country has discovered gas and is looking for investors to accelerate offshore oil and gas development, including deeper cooperation with the U.S. China Cooperation: Suriname’s public works minister says ties with China can expand infrastructure, green development, the digital economy and AI as large-scale oil and gas ramps up. Offshore Readiness Update: Coverage highlights improved seismic coverage (about half licensed with modern 3D data) and logistics/local content build-up aimed at first offshore production in 2028, with ramp-up potential near 220,000 bpd and possible gas commercialization. Mining & Exploration Listing: Miata Metals closed its TSX Venture listing, advancing district-scale gold exploration in Suriname’s Guyana Shield with a fully funded 25,000-metre drill program. Regional Trade for Industry: TTMA launched a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname with 38 companies seeking new customers, investment links and market intelligence. Electricity Cost Context: A global ranking shows Europe and fuel-importing islands dominate high residential power prices—useful context for energy planning and industrial competitiveness.

Offshore Oil Outlook: Suriname is positioning itself as a high-potential offshore E&P frontier, with about half the basin licensed and modern 3D data in place, onshore still driving output while logistics and local content programs gear up for first offshore production; GranMorgu’s ramp-up is flagged for 2028 with peak rates near 220,000 bpd, and Staatsolie’s “Open-Door Offering” covers roughly 60% of offshore acreage to attract new entrants. Energy Diplomacy: Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister says the country is pitching itself as an “energy safe haven,” seeking U.S. and global investors and deeper cooperation as gas development moves forward. China Cooperation: Suriname’s public works chief says ties with China should deepen across infrastructure, green development, the digital economy and AI, as the country prepares for large-scale oil and gas development. Mining & Exploration: Miata Metals closes its TSX Venture Exchange listing, advancing gold exploration in Suriname’s Guyana Shield with a fully funded 25,000-metre drill program at the Sela Creek project. Regional Trade Push: Trinidad and Tobago’s manufacturers’ association launches a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies, aiming for B2B deals and market entry in high-growth sectors. Food Industry Policy: PAHO/WHO convenes Caribbean stakeholders on sodium reduction and elimination of industrially produced trans fats, targeting processed-food reform and monitoring roadmaps. Logistics & Border Ops: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs departments move to reform workflows to improve international shipping and regional border security, including tighter checks on prohibited items. Security & Shipping Risk: A major cocaine shipment case links a Dutch trafficker’s network to a record 30-ton haul, highlighting maritime routes that can also stress regional enforcement and port operations.

Energy Security Push: Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings says the country wants to position itself as a “safe haven” for energy supply, pointing to offshore gas discoveries and more potential fields within shipping reach, while seeking U.S. and global investors to move the sector forward. Mining & Exploration: Miata Metals (MMET) marked its new TSX Venture listing, highlighting its Suriname-focused gold exploration portfolio in the Guyana Shield, including the Sela Creek project and a fully funded 25,000-metre drill program. Oil & Gas Infrastructure Deal: APA Corporation agreed to buy Savant Alaska for about $70m upfront plus contingent payments, securing midstream and pipeline assets tied to Alaska’s Badami facilities and Nutaaq Pipeline—an industry signal for how infrastructure can accelerate appraisal and development. China–Suriname Cooperation: Suriname’s public works minister Stephen Tsang told Xinhua the two countries plan deeper collaboration in infrastructure, green development, digital economy and AI as large-scale oil and gas development approaches. Regional Trade for Industry: TTMA launched a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies, aiming for B2B meetings and market intelligence in high-growth sectors. Logistics & Border Ops: A cross-agency postal and customs summit in San Salvador will align regional mail processing and security checks, with Suriname among participating countries. Aviation Safety: The EU updated its Air Safety List—Kyrgyzstan carriers removed; Air Express Algeria added—affecting airline operations into the EU. Public Health Policy: Caribbean countries met in Barbados to advance sodium reduction and eliminate industrially produced trans fats, targeting processed-food drivers of NCDs.

Energy Security Push: Suriname’s Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings says the country wants to position itself as a “safe haven” for energy supply, citing new offshore gas and more potential nearby, while seeking U.S. and global investors to move the sector forward. China Cooperation for Development: Suriname’s public works minister Stephen Tsang says deeper China ties are set to expand infrastructure, green development, and digital/AI capacity as Suriname prepares for large-scale oil and gas growth. Regional Trade Momentum: Trinidad and Tobago’s Manufacturers Association (TTMA) launched a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies, aiming for B2B deals, market intelligence, and investment links in high-growth sectors. Logistics & Border Operations: A Caribbean postal and customs reform push is underway, with a San Salvador summit bringing Suriname and others together to streamline mail processing and strengthen border security. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project will roll out clean energy solutions across fisheries and aquaculture in Suriname and other Caribbean states, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades. Aviation Safety Watch: The EU updated its Air Safety List—Kyrgyzstan carriers removed after progress, while Air Express Algeria was added due to serious safety concerns. Industry Investment Signal (Neighboring): Guyana’s trade and infrastructure drive continues, with finance minister Ashni Singh highlighting industrial development, tourism, and manufacturing alongside energy and public works.

Suriname–China Infrastructure & AI: Suriname’s Public Works minister Stephen Tsang says ties with China will deepen in infrastructure, green development, the digital economy and artificial intelligence as the country prepares for large-scale oil and gas development, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations. Regional Trade Mission Push: Trinidad and Tobago’s Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) is sending 38 companies and 58 participants on a June 8–14 trade mission to Guyana and Suriname, aiming for new customers, market entry and investment in high-growth sectors. Customs & Postal Operations: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs departments are reforming workflows with a regional summit in San Salvador to streamline border procedures for mail and improve security checks. Aviation Safety Watch: The EU Air Safety List update removes Kyrgyzstan carriers and adds Air Express Algeria, restricting the airline from operating in the EU. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions across Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including cold storage and low-carbon certification support, with Suriname among participating countries. Suriname–Dominican Republic Cooperation: Suriname’s president Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says the two countries will expand cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange.

Regional Trade & Industry: Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) is sending a 38-company, 58-participant trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with B2B meetings, seminars and market research aimed at new customers, investment and sourcing. Logistics & Border Operations: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs departments are reforming workflows after joining a regional summit in San Salvador to improve how mail is processed and secured across borders. Aviation Infrastructure: Three bidders—two Chinese and one Guyanese—have submitted offers for a new air traffic control tower at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, with bids ranging from GY$3.9bn to US$89m. Health & Food Policy: PAHO convened Caribbean nutritionists and legal drafters in Barbados to push sodium reduction and eliminate industrially produced trans fats, targeting processed-food drivers of noncommunicable diseases. Suriname–China & Bilateral Moves: Suriname’s president says ties with China will be expanded as the countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, citing cooperation in infrastructure and green development. Suriname–Dominican Republic: Agreements signed in Santo Domingo cover renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange, with visa-free entry for Dominicans holding valid US/Schengen visas. Energy & Offshore Development: ExxonMobil has applied for environmental approval to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana using a floating production, storage and offloading vessel, adding to the Stabroek block’s growing gas projects.

Regional Trade & Industry: The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has launched a June 8–14 trade mission to Guyana and Suriname, led by Emil Ramkissoon, bringing 38 companies and 58 participants for B2B meetings, seminars, networking and market research aimed at expanding exports, sourcing products/services and finding investment in high-growth sectors. Logistics & Border Operations: Antigua and Barbuda’s postal and customs departments are reforming joint workflows after announcing a cross-agency summit in San Salvador (June 8–11) to streamline mail processing, strengthen border security and clarify what can legally move across regional borders, including tighter inspection of prohibited items. Suriname–Dominican Republic Cooperation: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons used a joint session in Santo Domingo to push deeper ties with the Dominican Republic in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development and parliamentary exchange, while also highlighting climate-change shared risks and inviting Dominican visits to Suriname. Aviation & Trade Connectivity: Suriname and the Dominican Republic signed agreements that include boosting air connectivity, with the Sky High Dominicana route between Santo Domingo and Paramaribo flagged as a catalyst for tourism and trade, plus visa-free entry for Dominican tourists holding valid US or Schengen visas. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, with Suriname among participating countries, focusing on renewable power, cold storage for better cold-chain efficiency and support for low-carbon certification pathways. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Suriname among the lowest-scoring Caribbean countries, a signal investors and business groups often treat as a governance risk factor.

Trade & Investment Push: Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) is sending a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies and 58 participants, aiming for business-to-business meetings, seminars and deal-making as both markets attract more regional suppliers. Public Health Policy for Industry: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters across eight Caribbean countries in Barbados to advance sodium reduction targets and eliminate industrially produced trans fats—key steps that directly affect processed-food producers and reformulation plans. Governance Risk Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index again ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean, while Suriname is among the lowest performers—an investor-relevant signal for business confidence. Energy & Logistics Outlook: STAR-Fish is scaling clean-energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades—supporting lower-carbon processing and resilience for Suriname-linked supply chains. Bilateral Cooperation: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is deepening ties with the Dominican Republic, signing cooperation on tourism, agriculture, trade, education and energy, including air connectivity. Security & Illicit Trade: A report links a record 30+ ton cocaine seizure off West Africa to the Dutch “Bolle Jos” network, with Surinamese nationals among those arrested—highlighting ongoing maritime trafficking risks for the region.

Caribbean Economic Diversification: Trinidad and Tobago business voices are pushing for real diversification beyond oil and gas, warning that dependence on volatile global markets leaves the economy exposed and calling for measurable action in tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti at the bottom in the Caribbean, while Suriname is among the lowest performers—an investor and business risk signal tied to public-sector trust. Suriname–China Cooperation: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says the country wants to consolidate and expand ties with China as the two mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, citing infrastructure, green development and multilateral cooperation. Suriname–Dominican Republic Dealmaking: Geerlings-Simons’ visit to the Dominican Republic highlights cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, trade and parliamentary exchange, with air connectivity and visa-free entry for certain travelers flagged as growth levers. Aviation Infrastructure: Three firms bid for a new air traffic control tower at Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana—relevant to regional logistics capacity and offshore growth. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project scales clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification support across Suriname and neighbors. Energy Corridor Opportunity: Analysts point to a South American energy services boom—logistics, warehousing, maintenance and workforce support—as offshore activity expands off Guyana and Suriname, with Caribbean islands positioned to benefit.