Chinese company expands development partnership with Suriname

China's Dalian International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Suriname following a high-level visit aimed at strengthening cooperation in infrastructure, housing, education, sports and cultural exchange.

A delegation led by Chairman Zhao Xijin visited Suriname from July 5 to 11, holding discussions with President Jennifer Simons and other senior government officials on opportunities for expanded collaboration.

During the meetings, Zhao reflected on the company's 27-year presence in Suriname, noting that since beginning operations in 1999, Dalian Group has played a significant role in the country's infrastructure development.

According to the company, it has completed more than 1,300 kilometres of roads, constructed 11 bridges and delivered approximately 650 affordable homes. The projects have also generated thousands of jobs for local workers while providing technical training to hundreds of Surinamese.

Looking ahead, the company said it intends to broaden its support through engineering, investment, financing and industrial development initiatives.

Among the proposed community projects are the renovation of two schools to enhance educational facilities and programmes to promote Wushu, or Chinese martial arts, as a means of expanding sports cooperation and strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.

The delegation also visited several ongoing projects, including the 4.5-kilometre Outer Henar seawall, valued at approximately US$11.22 million, which is designed to protect vulnerable coastal communities from tidal erosion. The team also reviewed progress on an affordable housing development aimed at improving living conditions for residents.

Surinamese officials welcomed the company's continued investment and praised its contribution to national development, while the Chinese Embassy in Suriname described Dalian Group as an example of productive cooperation between China and Suriname.

Dalian International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group said it remains committed to aligning its future projects with Suriname's development priorities while continuing to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.