The ratings on the Republic of Suriname reflect the country's improving macroeconomic fundamentals. Its medium-term growth prospects are robust, and its debt position is solid, with net general government debt at less than 10% of GDP at year-end 2009. Most importantly, Suriname has made legislative and institutional changes aimed at preserving these accomplishments beyond the current economic and political cycles. Counterbalancing these supporting factors is Suriname's narrow economic base, which is strongly tied to commodities; alumina, gold, and oil constituted more than 80% of current account receipts at year-end 2009. In addition, there are continued institutional capacity constraints (such as periodic delays in payment of multilateral debt) that affect debt management, public investment, and a more forceful advancement of structural
