ACS conference in Suriname a moment to create a stronger region
Suriname will host the 8th International Cooperation Conference of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) from May 6th to 9th. Minister Albert Ramdin of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation (BIBIS) calls this the moment to bring together the 25 member countries to exchange ideas about the process towards a stronger, larger Caribbean region. The ACS is an advisory association of countries centered around the Caribbean basin. The organization was founded with the goal of promoting consultation, cooperation, and coordinated action among all countries of the greater Caribbean area.
Minister Ramdin refers to the ACS as a functional integration system, similar to the Central American Integration System (SICA). According to him, this is also where it differs from Caricom. What is not being done, however, is bringing the countries together in such a way that it weakens the integration systems. Within each of the integration systems, the countries have their own independent position. However, according to the minister, strong cooperation must become more functional. That momentum comes with the conference in Suriname. “In terms of making life better for Caribbean societies. If we can do that, we can create a regional community of 250 million people, our own market, and be less dependent.”
One of the activities during the 8th ACS conference is the ministerial meeting, due to the fact that Suriname is also the current chair of the ACS 25-member Ministerial Council and is therefore organizing the conference. The focus of the council is on discussing current challenges in the world such as the COVID pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, and the consequences of climate change. “In that way, we will consider the new path we must take towards sustainable development, growth, and increased production as the basis for a resilient economy,” says Minister Ramdin. The issue of carbon credits will also be discussed. It is about discussing new areas to create a stronger economy.
The upcoming ACS meeting is also a preparation for the meeting of Small Island Developing States (SIDS Conference) at the end of May in Antigua and Barbuda and the climate conference COP29 later this year in Azerbaijan. Minister Ramdin: “All these meetings are part of the process that the world will follow towards a more sustainable, structural, and long-term economy where everyone can thrive in an equitable and just manner. That is what we will also do in Suriname by bringing together the 25 countries.” According to the BIBIS minister, the focus will be on various areas, in such a way that the countries support each other in creating a strong economy in the greater Caribbean region.
In addition to the ministerial meeting, a Business Forum will also take place during the conference; a meeting between organizations from the business sector to discuss strengthening trade. Minister Ramdin says there are plenty of opportunities to seize in the area of trade. “It’s about networking.” Part of the Business Forum is a two-day fair, where business organizations will have the opportunity to present their products and services. “Hopefully, this will result in real business and directly stimulate companies.” The forum is also intended to contribute to cooperation between the ACS and the private sector. Minister Ramdin calls the business sector an important part of the economy, but even more so, the engine for economic progress.
Since the founding of the ACS in Cartagena, Colombia, Suriname has been a member of this organization. According to Minister Ramdin, the country has always contributed to activities within the ACS and is thus an active member. Suriname has held various positions. “Our involvement has always been one of contributing and supporting,” says the minister. It is also unique that Suriname has strong ties with countries within the ACS and is also a member of Caricom.
