King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands arrived in Suriname on Sunday evening, accompanied by a substantial Dutch business delegation comprising 15 prominent companies and institutions. This high-profile state visit signals a robust commitment to enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations across multiple sectors including water management, infrastructure, health technology, logistics, agriculture, and innovation.
The delegation, coordinated by VNO-NCW—the Netherlands’ largest employers’ organization—and led by Mr. Maarten Schuurman, represents a strategic effort to deepen sustainable economic relations. The composition of the delegation reflects the key pillars of the Dutch economy while identifying specific collaboration opportunities with Suriname.
Water and infrastructure form a central focus, with world-leading companies such as Boskalis, De Boer (Dutch Dredging), Fugro, Royal HaskoningDHV, and research institute Deltares participating. These organizations bring expertise in climate adaptation, coastal protection, dredging, geodata, river management, and sustainable infrastructure. During the visit, an agreement will be signed with Suriname’s Ministry of Public Works and Spatial Planning for dredging the Suriname River, supported by a donation exceeding 50 million euros.
A second cluster includes companies active in energy, industry, and transport: Koole Group (liquid storage and logistics), Janson Bridging (modular bridges and emergency infrastructure), Royal Van Lent Shipyard (Feadship, shipbuilding), and KLM (strengthening air connectivity). Their involvement indicates interest in modernizing transport chains, maritime cooperation, and improving regional connectivity.
Invest International plays a pivotal role in financing international projects utilizing Dutch expertise, demonstrating openness to co-financing initiatives in water, infrastructure, climate, energy, and innovation.
The delegation also features technology and innovation partners like Philips and TNO (through geodata overlap with Fugro), bringing expertise in medical technology, research innovation, digitalization, energy innovation, and strengthening public services. This highlights cooperation beyond traditional sectors.
Trade and agriculture are represented by Koppert Cress (innovative horticulture) and Jacaranda Trading (heavy equipment international trade), emphasizing opportunities for entrepreneurship, agro-innovation, and smaller-scale trade.
The diversity of the delegation underscores the Netherlands’ comprehensive approach to strengthening economic relations, knowledge exchange, sustainable infrastructure, innovation, maritime and air connectivity, agriculture, trade, and development-oriented project financing.