China Grants Suriname $2.5 Million for Technical Assistance

Suriname has received a $2.5 million grant from China during a ceremony attended by Chinese ambassador to Suriname Chen Jinghua and local Minister of Foreign Affairs Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk.

The minister noted that no specific programs are designated yet where to use the funds. “The grant is for technical assistance and with the experts of the various ministries we will determine how to spend these funds,” she said.

With this grant, China has once again demonstrated its support towards development in Suriname. China is one of Suriname´s important partners in the Asian region, the foreign affairs minister further noted.

To Ambassador Chen Jinghua, the signing ceremony marks “another step” in the relations between Suriname and China. It also marks the first major step the Chinese government has made towards the new Suriname government, which came into office after the general elections of May 2005 this year.

Although Suriname doesn´t give financial assistance to China, in the international political arena this Caricom nation gives tremendous support to Beijing. Suriname on various occasions has supported the candidacy of Chinese nominees for international institutions, organizations and other bodies. The diplomat also mentioned Suriname´s support for Beijing´s ´one-China policy´.