Suriname Embarks on Digital Transformation Journey with UAE’s Dalil
President Jennifer Simons met with a delegation from Dalil, a technology company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Friday to discuss the digital transformation of Suriname, particularly within the government sector. The Surinamese government is prioritizing the digitization of bureaucratic processes to enhance citizen services and reduce wait times at government agencies.
Expertise from Abu Dhabi
Dalil, a leading Abu Dhabi-based company specializing in secure identification and border management, has offered to share its expertise to elevate Suriname’s digital infrastructure. President Simons emphasized the government’s commitment to rapidly digitizing government services, while stressing the importance of adhering to established procedures during implementation.
Assessment of Current Digital Infrastructure
Over the past few days, a Dalil team conducted site visits to various ministries and government institutions. Led by the e-Government program, a comprehensive assessment was undertaken to map the current state of digitalization in Suriname. According to Llydion Dalfour, Director of e-Government, Suriname stands to gain valuable insights from the UAE’s experiences in digitalization.
“They are a highly respected technical organization within the United Arab Emirates. They are here to share their experience with us,” Dalfour stated. You can learn more about the UAE’s digital government initiatives at UAE Smart Government.
A Collaborative Approach
Ahmed Al Houti, Business Development Director of Dalil, expressed optimism about the discussions with the Surinamese government. He highlighted the company’s focus on building sustainable partnerships between nations, leveraging technology to improve government efficiency. “It was an honor to meet the president today. We discussed technology and digital transformation for Suriname and how we can improve this,” Al Houti said.
Action Plan and Future Collaboration
Beyond the digitization of government services, the investor also identified potential opportunities in other sectors, including aviation. The discussions have resulted in a concrete action plan. Dalil will submit a formal proposal based on the findings from the site visits. The government will then have the proposal evaluated by relevant technical authorities to determine feasibility and potential next steps for collaboration.
This initiative aligns with global trends in digital governance, as highlighted by the World Bank’s Digital Development program, which emphasizes the importance of technology in improving public services and fostering economic growth.
In other news, President Jennifer Simons emphasized the urgency of digitizing Customs operations to boost state revenue. Minister of Justice and Police, Harish Monorath, recently promoted a large group of police officers. International oil prices have risen above $80 a barrel due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. And, in celebration of International Women’s Day, President Simons received flowers from the Director-General of the President’s Cabinet.
