Suriname has initiated a comprehensive national self-assessment of its investment climate as part of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement. This significant step was taken during a national workshop held at the Assuria Event Center, attended by government officials, business leaders, civil society organizations, and international partners. The event marked a pivotal moment in Suriname’s efforts to align its investment procedures with global standards and national development priorities. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, emphasized that the process is grounded in principles of partnership, transparency, and pragmatism. The primary objective is to streamline investment procedures, making them more efficient, predictable, and internationally competitive. The workshop focused on three key areas: enhancing understanding of the WTO-IFD agreement, conducting a national self-assessment of regulatory frameworks and procedures, and identifying priorities for improvement and capacity building. Minister Bouva highlighted the critical role of the Suriname Investment Trade Agency (SITA) in fostering better coordination, transparency, and investment promotion. ‘By strengthening SITA, we aim to make Suriname more competitive and attractive to sustainable investors,’ he stated. The outcomes of the workshop will serve as a foundation for further policy development and international alignment within the WTO-IFD process, reinforcing Suriname’s commitment to leveraging diplomacy for trade, investment, and sustainable partnerships.