PARAMARIBO, SURINAME – Surinamese businesses seeking to participate in the country’s growing offshore oil and gas sector can accelerate their development through strategic partnerships with experienced international companies that support knowledge transfer, capacity building, and preparation for industry demands. This is according to SBM Offshore Guyana Country General Manager, Martin Cheong.
Speaking during the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (SEOGS) 2026 in Paramaribo on June 24, Cheong said Guyana’s experience demonstrates the value of collaboration between local and international firms.
“Looking for international partners who are willing to invest in your business” is one of the most important steps local companies can take, Cheong said. He advised businesses to identify partners with “the right values and skills” that align with their own philosophy and long-term objectives.
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According to Cheong, successful partnerships help companies develop the systems, processes and expertise required to meet industry standards and support long-term growth.
He said businesses should work with those partners to “develop your business system to meet the needs of the industry, as it starts to set root and grow.”
Cheong said international collaboration played a significant role in Guyana’s development as the country’s offshore sector expanded, thereby framing such partnerships as a way to support the growth of local companies. Local companies were able to strengthen their capabilities through partnerships that facilitated knowledge transfer and helped businesses adapt to industry requirements.
“The other thing that has also been very critical is focusing on quality,” he said.
Cheong sees partnerships built on shared values, strong systems and a commitment to quality as important for helping local companies develop the capabilities needed to participate in the sector over the long term.
SBM Offshore Guyana supports ExxonMobil Guyana’s offshore developments through the construction, operation, and maintenance of multiple floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels at the Stabroek Block.
