Suriname’s Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor (VWA), Raj Jadnanansing, recently hosted a delegation from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), led by Margarita Hernandez, Chief of Operations. The meeting focused on the progress of the Labor Market Alignment with New Industries project, a collaborative initiative launched in August 2023 with IDB funding. The project aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers while aligning education and training with labor market demands. A key milestone is the establishment of a modern Employment Services Center at the VWA headquarters on Lalla Rookhweg, offering accessible job placement, guidance, and training for job seekers, as well as streamlined recruitment for employers. The IDB reported that the procurement process for the center is nearing completion, with an expected launch by mid-2025. Additionally, the project emphasizes skill development in high-potential sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and ICT, equipping workers with practical, market-relevant expertise. Several training sessions have already been conducted, with more planned in the near future. The initiative is locally coordinated by the Labor Market Sub-Directorate under Naomi Esajas-Friperson. Deputy Minister Jadnanansing emphasized the importance of labor market reform for sustainable growth and social progress, stating, ‘This collaboration ensures Surinamese citizens are prepared for the jobs of the future.’