the two countries offers tangible opportunities, particularly in the fields of the circular economy, sustainable energy, mining technology and education. The visit, which runs through Wednesday, focuses on consultations with government representatives and in-depth engagement with the business community.

 Ikonen, who is visiting Suriname for the fifth time, stresses that this is a working visit. “As a non-resident ambassador, I return regularly for substantive discussions. This time, the emphasis is firmly on economic cooperation,” the diplomat said. During his stay, accompanied by Finland’s Honorary Consul in Suriname, Warsha Sardjoe, he is meeting, among others, the ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation (BIS) and Natural Resources (NH), followed by an audience with President Jennifer Simons.

 A key component of the programme is a Business-to-Business seminar on Tuesday in Paramaribo, bringing together Finnish and Surinamese companies. The central theme is the circular economy, a concept in which Finland is a global frontrunner. “Finland adopted a national circular economy plan as early as 2016. It is about using raw materials more intelligently, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency,” Ikonen explained. According to him, this is not only Finnish policy but also a strategic priority of the European Union, in which Finland plays an active leading role.

The Finnish delegation includes representatives of three leading companies. Wärtsilä, a global energy company; Lamor, which specialises in environmental remediation and the clean-up and recycling of pollution – including oil spills; and Sandvik, a major international player in the mining sector. “Finland is globally strong in mining technology and can contribute to more efficient and sustainable extraction in Suriname,” the ambassador noted.

According to Ikonen, Suriname is of particular interest to Finland in view of its anticipated economic developments, especially in light of potential growth in the oil and gas sector. “As seen in Guyana, this sector can accelerate investment in healthcare, education, infrastructure and telecommunications. That creates space for cooperation with international partners,” he said.

Finland also sees opportunities for knowledge exchange in the energy sector. The country generates around 70 percent of its energy from renewable sources, combining nuclear power, wind energy, biomass and other forms in a balanced energy mix. “The lesson is that you should not depend on a single source,” Ikonen stated. He also highlighted sustainable forest management as a key area of interest. Finland is considered the greenest country in Europe, while Suriname is internationally recognised as one of the greenest countries in the world.

The Tuesday seminar with the business community on the circular economy is described by the ambassador as “crucial” for Surinamese companies seeking to make their business models more sustainable. “This is the way forward. Without change, we will exhaust the world,” he warned. In closing, Ikonen expressed his appreciation for Suriname and extended his congratulations on the country’s recent 50th Independence anniversary. “The next 50 years will require even more sustainability and cooperation, and above all, hard work for the country,” the ambassador said.