In an interview with Times of Suriname, he explained that during meetings with Surinamese authorities he presented concrete proposals in the areas of investment, agriculture, digitalization and innovation.

Cohen, who is stationed in Panama but responsible for several countries in the Caribbean and South America, said his mission is primarily focused on deepening economic relations. According to him, there are opportunities for Suriname to collaborate with Israeli companies despite its relatively small domestic market. “Israeli companies often first look at the size of a market”, the ambassador said. “But Suriname should not only be seen as a country with a small population. It can also function as a gateway to the wider Caribbean region”.

One of Cohen’s key proposals is the establishment of a cooperation agreement focused on public-private partnerships. Through this initiative, Israel aims to stimulate the involvement of private companies in development projects in Suriname. The ambassador announced that in the coming weeks he will send a draft agreement to the Surinamese authorities. The goal is to create an innovative framework for cooperation in which government and the private sector can jointly develop projects.

A first step in that direction is the organization of a webinar. During this event, Israeli companies will be introduced to investment opportunities in Suriname. On the Surinamese side, representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Suriname are expected to participate. According to Cohen, it is important that Suriname clearly presents its economic potential during such a meeting. “If companies see that other Israeli businesses are already successful here, it will give them confidence to invest as well”.

An example of an existing partnership is the presence of the Israeli company LR Group Limited, which has previously carried out projects in Suriname. According to the ambassador, the company worked on several initiatives in the country, including a large-scale agricultural project. These plans were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic but, according to Cohen, can now be revived. He believes Suriname, with its agricultural potential, could be an attractive partner for Israeli investors, particularly in the field of modern agricultural technologies.

Another area where Israel sees potential for cooperation is the digitalization of healthcare. Cohen noted that Israel has developed a fully digital medical system that connects patients, doctors and pharmacies. In this system, patients can receive medical consultations, obtain prescriptions and collect medication through a mobile application without the need for paper documents. “The entire system operates digitally and very efficiently”, Cohen said. “We believe this technology can also be applied in other countries”. According to the ambassador, Suriname could benefit from such solutions, especially in improving the efficiency of its healthcare system.

During his discussions with Surinamese leaders, other sectors were also highlighted. These included energy, sustainable technology and food security. Cohen pointed out that Israel is globally known for its technological innovations in water management and renewable energy. He believes this expertise could be relevant for Suriname as it prepares for a major expansion of oil production in the coming years. According to the ambassador, it is precisely during this phase that it is important to also invest in sustainable and green technologies. In the coming period, the focus will mainly be on setting up concrete projects and connecting companies from both countries. “The opportunities are there”, Cohen said. “The most important thing is that we find partners who are willing to work together to build new economic opportunities”.