Suriname and the European Union (EU) signed several contracts last week to upgrade infrastructure and boost banana production in the Caricom nation.

In the western district, a 32-kilometer stretch of road connecting Nieuw-Nickerie and the border ferry service in South Drain is being asphalted for e10.8 million. The newly paved road should be ready by the end of 2008. The ferry service at South Drain is the legal border crossing between Suriname and Guyana. Currently, travel via this connection between the two countries is very little due to the bad condition of the road especially in the rainy season.

“If Suriname wants to play its role in regional integration, it is very important that the country has good connections with is neighbouring countries,” said EU-representative Helena Laakso at the signing ceremony. She noted that, with an excellent road connection, the regional trade will improve, while the socio-economic integration of Suriname and Guyana will benefit.

Minister of Development Cooperation Rick van Ravenswaay stated that the new road fits within the South American initiative to connect infrastructure of all the South American nations with each other. He further noticed that Suriname should take advantage of the new road to improve its capacity to earn income.

On Friday, a contract was signed to upgrade the Nieuwe Haven, Suriname’s main port. The contracts totaling 28.4 million were signed with Ballast Nedam InfraSuriname NV. The rehabilitation of the port will start in March 2007.

Laakso mentioned that having good infrastructure and other facilities alone is not enough. According to the EU representative, maintenance, organisation and efficient management are imperative to operate the port and comply with international standard for port operations.

The EU is also financing several projects to improve the production of bananas. Contractors will build two new packaging stations and new drainage pumps.

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