Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' ratings on the Republic of Suriname reflect its improving macroeconomic fundamentals, robust medium-term growth prospects, low debt position (with net general government debt at less than 20% of GDP at the end of 2012), and solid external indicators based on current account surpluses, higher foreign direct investment (FDI), and rising international reserves. Moreover, political consensus on the need to maintain macroeconomic stability in the country is growing. Counteracting these factors is Suriname's narrow economic base that's strongly tied to commodities. Alumina, gold, and oil constituted more than 80% of current account receipts at the end of 2012. In addition, ongoing institutional capacity constraints hinder debt management, public investment, and a more forceful advancement of structural
