II.  Leading Trade Prospects for U.S. Business

Based on past U.S. export figures and consultations with government
and private sector officials, we have formulated a list of best
opportunities for U.S. exporters.  This list is not comprehensive, but
provides a thumbnail sketch of the most attractive sectors in Suriname.

Machine and engine parts:
Spare and replacement parts for machines was the largest category of
manufactured imports to Suriname from the U.S. in the last three years.
Parts for machinery with HS headings 8425 to 8430, parts for machine
tools with HS headings 8456 to 8465, and parts for engines for HS
headings 8407 and 8408 were all among the top export sectors.

Motor vehicles:
New and used automobiles and trucks are imported into Suriname from
Europe, Brazil, and the U.S.  There is a thriving market for compact and
sub-compact cars, four-wheel drive utility vehicles and sport trucks
and pick-ups.  Suriname has a great number of personal vehicles for a
small developing country.  There is a Ford dealership which sells utility
vehicles on order and a General Motors agent.  Toyota, Nissan, Daewoo,
and Isuzu all have full service dealerships.

Automotive parts and accessories:
There are a number of vehicle repair shops and garages.  Since Suriname
is isolated, spare parts are often not readily available.  Nonetheless,
Surinamers prefer repairs, even for major problems, to purchasing new
vehicles.  Automotive accessories (HS heading 8701-8705) are also very
popular.

Tractors and farm machinery:
Agricultural machinery, especially for Suriname's rice sector, is always
in demand.  Imports of tractors (HS heading 8709) average more than $3
million per year.  With the recent liberalization of the rice sector, we
expect the market for farm machinery to grow in the coming year.
Suriname's banana and vegetable sectors are also possible markets for
these products.

Trucks:
Suriname has traditionally imported small and medium-sized trucks from
Japan and Europe.  Suriname imports approximately $1 million worth from
the U.S. each year.  The market is stable.  Because of the tropical
humidity and poorly maintained roads, trucks need to be replaced more
often than in the U.S.

Refrigerators, freezers, heat pumps:
Over $3 million worth of refrigerators and freezers was imported in 1992.
While the market seems to be saturating, we expect at least $1 million
worth of demand per year in the coming years.

Food preparations:
Prepared and processed food is very popular.  Much of it is currently
imported from Europe.  Exports from the U.S. amount to approximately $1
million per year.  Canned, instant, freeze dried, and ready-made mixes
are most popular.  Frozen foods hold a small market share, but are
growing in popularity among wealthier consumers.

Tires:
Due to the poorly maintained roads, the market for pneumatic tires is
quite good.  Tires last only about 15,000 miles in many cases.
Approximately $1 million in new tires is exported from the U.S. to
Suriname per year.

Medicaments:
Medicines and health care products are in great demand.  Suriname's
health care system is based on the Dutch system.  Surinamers are used
to Western-quality medicines and medical products.  Drugs to treat
tropical and childhood diseases are also needed.  Most drugs are
imported from Europe.  There are many pharmacies in the capital.
Holistic treatments are also gaining popularity.

Computers:
Personal computers for both households and businesses are becoming
very prevalent.  This development is remarkable for a country which
five years ago had fewer electric typewriters than the University of
South Carolina.  There is also a growing market for computer equipment
and accessories.  In the first half of 1993, over $500,000 worth of
automatic data processing machines, including magnetic readers, was
imported.

Sectors with new potential:
Although they have traditionally made up only a small portion of U.S.
exports, several types of items are becoming more popular in Suriname.
The most promising among these are:

     construction equipment:  with the rebuilding of Suriname's interior
     and the expanding activities in the mining and timber sector, the
     need for heavy equipment will grow, especially bulldozers,
     backhoes and heavy trucks;

     sporting goods:  shoes, clothing, tennis rackets, bathing suits and
     swimming equipment, basketballs and soccer equipment;

     health and beauty aids:  soaps, perfumes, hair and skin care
     products, and cosmetics;
     clothing:  especially ready-to-wear and inexpensive-end-of- the-
     scale designed clothes.  Jeans and footwear also provide promising
     export opportunities;

     plumbing and lighting fixtures:  despite Suriname's economic
     problems, construction of new houses, especially large, expensive
     homes, is up considerably.  Internal fixtures and accessories are
     needed for these homes.  Traditionally these fixtures have been
     imported from Europe.