On 25 April 2023, LaMoi Suriname N.V. organized an event at the Assuria Hermitage High-Rise to inform food producers in Suriname about thisinitiative.
The MC was Mr. Tom Helderweirt. He is a consultant and project manager at Tjong A Hung Consultancy. Mr. Glenn Gersie, former governor of the Central Bank of Suriname, delivered an inspiring introduction, encouraging the businesses present to support this private initiative. Only by working together can the private sector have a chance to achieve large-scale sustainable agricultural production. Mrs. Maisah Burleson, LLM, gave the presentation on behalf of LaMoi Suriname N.V.
Based on an extensive study into the coastal area of Suriname by Embrapa, Brazil, in cooperation with Wageningen Metropolitan Food Cluster (WMFC), Netherlands, LaMoi Suriname N.V. took the initiative to achieve large-scale food production in Suriname on 1 million hectares of unused coastal land. This sustainable development for Suriname is expected to generate US$ 5-10 billion annually.
To achieve this, a Master Plan for Suriname is required. The plan involves a private-public partnership focusing on planet, people, and profit. With the expertise of WMFC and Embrapa, LaMoi Suriname N.V. will play a facilitating role. Due to the scope of the plan, it will be implemented
in stages.
After the presentation, attendees had questions about the concrete steps, the costs, how LaMoi would recruit staff given shortages in the labor market, which partners are involved, and how the next steps will be implemented. LaMoi Suriname N.V. concluded by specifying that they would contact all attendees within two weeks. Currently, LaMoi is working on coordinating with various parties to align different needs.
More presentations and information sessions are to follow. Please keep an eye on our website for further updates.