The recent rating actions on the Republic of Suriname reflect improving macroeconomic fundamentals, robust growth prospects, strengthened debt position, and, most importantly, efforts on the legislative and institutional fronts to preserve these accomplishments beyond economic and political cycles. While some of the balance sheet improvement reflects the benefits of rising commodity prices (Suriname exports alumina, gold, and oil, which together account for 80% of current account receipts [CAR]), the positive developments in the real economy are equally important. These include ongoing gains in production capacities and productivity in Suriname's main export sectors (mining, oil, and bananas); committed investments bolstering future economic expansion; important (albeit modest and gradual) signs of economic diversification; and a pickup in private sector activity—all of which
