Eckhorst sees benefits for Suriname from Moody’s rating

Suriname’s advisor at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Karel Eckhorst, believes that the recent rating by Moody’s on Suriname’s economy could have significant positive impacts. According to him, this rating will mainly help Suriname gain easier access to the international capital market to participate in oil development.
On October 23, 2024, Moody’s, the international credit rating agency, upgraded Suriname’s credit rating by two notches and assessed the outlook as positive. In an interview with Radio ABC, the financial expert noted that he can’t recall the last time Suriname advanced by two steps in a rating.
Eckhorst attributes the new rating to positive prospects in the oil and gas sector and macroeconomic reforms. It will bring benefits, including a stronger currency and economy.
Moody’s essentially indicates that Suriname is heading in the right direction. Although the improvement depends on natural resource prices, it offers promising prospects, according to Suriname’s IMF advisor. The world now has a clearer picture of Suriname’s financial position, which opens doors for the government.
Eckhorst mentioned his involvement in discussions with the rating agency, which was in Paramaribo. Moody’s consulted multiple entities in the country before issuing its final assessment. He noted that the Final Investment Decision (FID) by TotalEnergies and APA also contributed to the improved financial position. However, the rating agency has also outlined certain risks.
Deviating from the reform path is one such risk, Eckhorst stated. The economy must undoubtedly be further strengthened. The advisor pointed out that investors are hesitant to invest in a country with economic and political risks, which, according to Moody’s, is not the case for Suriname.

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