Consultations with the VSB (STIA)
Special advisor Thieu Korten of DECP paid a regular visit to DECP partner Suriname Trade and Industry Association (VSB/STIA) from the 15th to the 19th of May. The current financial and economic situation was discussed. According to a recent rapport this situation has improved during the last 2 years, inflation has diminished and the actual economic growth is 4 to 5%. However the political situation has become unstable caused by the approval by parliament of the controversial amnesty bill. The current communication tools of the VSB were discussed, especially the website and the quarterly magazine. Improvements of both these instruments were suggested. VSB and DECP are planning some workshops in 2012, e.g. about labour productivity and diminishing the informal economy in Suriname.
The board of the VSB has approved the policy or strategic plan for 2012-2013 and this plan can be used as an outline for the cooperation between VSB and DECP in the coming years.