V.  Marketing U.S. Products and Services

-Distribution and Sales Channels

While it is often difficult to locate local distributors, Surinamese retailers
are very active.  Since the market is relatively small, most exporters find
it more convenient to build relationships with retail firms rather than
establish a distribution system.

-Use of Agents/Distributors; Finding a Partner

See above.

-Franchising

There are no U.S. franchises currently operating in Suriname.  Given the
strong preference of the Surinamese for things American, this may well
be an area worth investigating.

-Direct Marketing

This marketing technique is unknown in Suriname.

-Joint Ventures/Licensing

Joint ventures with foreign companies and production under license are
permitted under Surinamese law.  There are several operations of both
types operating in Suriname.

-Advertising and Trade Promotion

Advertising is rather unsophisticated in Suriname.  It is also very
inexpensive.  There are two daily newspapers, De Ware Tijd and De West.
There are also a number of AM and FM radio stations and two television
stations.  All accept commercial advertising.  There is one annual trade
fair of significance, ITIFAS.  Companies interested in the fair should
contact the Embassy or Mr. R.J. Smits, President of the Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (Tel: 597-464536, Fax: 597-474779) for further
information.

-Pricing Product

Price controls continue on a variety of consumption goods, but are
poorly enforced.  There is also a law requiring retail prices in
Surinamese guilders, but this law is widely ignored.

-Selling to the Government

There is no Surinamese law governing conduct, evaluation, and award of
government procurement contracts.  Surinamese government contracting
regulations, called the "Algemene Bepaling van Suriname" (General
Guidelines for Suriname - ABS) do perform this function in the case of
government contracting for public works and services.  Government
procurement of goods, equipment and supplies, however, is not subject
to regulation, and the procedures used are often irregular.

All potential bidders must be licensed to operate a business in Suriname.
However, only Surinamese nationals can acquire a business license.
Those foreign companies who participate in government contracts do so
by forming a partnership with a licensed local firm.

The most important limitation on the ability of foreign suppliers to sell to
the government is the government's chronic foreign currency shortage.

-Protecting Your Product from IPR Infringement

Suriname is a signatory of major international intellectual property
rights conventions.  Trademarks receive adequate protection.  Other
intellectual property laws that exist in Suriname are not strongly
enforced.  Piracy of videos, broadcast television and music is
widespread.  The Ministry of Justice, which has responsibility for
intellectual property issues has little interest in patents and copyrights.
However, the Ministry is actively discussing other intellectual property
issues with the U.S. government.

-Need for a Local Attorney

Generally speaking, normal export transactions should not require an
attorney.  However, if a contract is being entered into or a dispute has
arisen, it may be wise to retain a local attorney, since Surinamese law
differs substantially from U.S. law in many respects and is based on the
Napoleonic system used by the Netherlands.