PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC—From Monday, Suriname will host a four–day meeting of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), including the 16th ACS Business Forum of The Greater Caribbean.
“The ACS conference will mainly focus on stimulating sustainable growth through increased production and improved connections. When we talk about connections, we are talking about connectivity. This is not only limited to physical connections, but we also talk about digital connectivity,” said Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin.
Ramdin, who is the outgoing Chairman of the Chairman of the ACS Ministerial Council, said Paramaribo will also host the eighth International ACS Cooperation Conference and the 29th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council, which will be attended by at least 25 ministers of foreign affairs from the English, French and Dutch Caribbean.
Suriname has been Chairman of the 25-member grouping over the past year, and Ramdin said that during its tenure, the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICCOM) country has advocated for measures to cope with the consequences of climate change, the preservation of mangrove forests, improved connections between member states, including hassle-free travel, and improved air and sea transport of goods and people.
He said that the meetings here will elect the new Chairman, adding that the ACS does not make statements about political situations. He said the policy areas are identified, such as protecting the Caribbean Sea, sustainable tourism, and promoting trade and economies.
He said the aim is to stimulate domestic production as much as possible and reduce imports from outside the region.
ACS Secretary General Rodolfo Sabong said the conference’s primary goal is to improve regional connectivity.
“This includes increasing trade, tourism, and overall development. Without good connectivity, these aspects are difficult to achieve,” he told reporters.
“We are looking at a strategy that includes not only shipping but also aviation because we need better services,” he said, welcoming the start of the ferry service in the region.
“We are on our 30th anniversary. The conference is significant for the ACS this year,” Sabonge said, noting that Colombia has been nominated as the next president of the ACS. Colombia’s nomination carries symbolic value and highlights the country’s historical significance within the context of the ACP.
“This is an important milestone, especially since the convention was signed in Colombia 30 years ago,” the ACS Secretary General added.
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