It is reported that Suriname does not mandate functional separation for operators with significant market power (SMP) in the telecom market. However, operators with SMP are obligated to maintain accounting separation under Art. 18 of the Telecommunications Act (Interconnection Decree No. 25).

Suriname has appended the World Trade Organization (WTO) Telecom Reference Paper to its schedule of commitments.

Although the Government enacted a Public Procurement Act in 2024 to increase transparency and efficiency in public tendering, Suriname has reportedly lacked transparency in its public procurement processes.

It is reported that the Telecommunication Authority of Suriname (TAS), the executive authority responsible for the supervision and administration of services in the telecommunications sector, is not entirely independent of the government in its decision-making. Yet, according to Art. 2 of the Decision Institution TAS 1998, its director is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister. Pursuant to Art. 3, the TAS is charged with the preparation, implementation, and control of the tasks assigned to the Minister on telecommunication as an independent authority in the decision-making process.

Suriname is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), nor does it have observer status.

Suriname does not implement any limits on foreign investment.

It is reported that government ministries screen inbound foreign investments in the sectors they oversee. Special commissions are responsible for reviewing all required legal and financial documents. While screening criteria vary, they are designed to assess whether proposed investments comply with local laws. However, the screening process is neither public nor transparent, which may create a barrier to investment. Additionally, the Department of International Business within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires prospective investors to complete an intake form. This form allows the department's appraisal committee to conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether the foreign direct investment aligns with the government’s development objectives.

It is reported that the Bureau for Intellectual Property of Suriname is working to introduce patent grants and protection in the country. Therefore, it is currently not possible to register a patent in Suriname.

It is reported that the Bureau for Intellectual Property of Suriname is working to introduce patent grants and protection. As a result, it is currently not possible to obtain patent protection in Suriname.

Suriname is not a party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Suriname has a copyright regime under the law Copyright Law 1913. However, the exceptions do not follow the fair use or fair dealing model, therefore limiting the lawful use of copyrighted work by others. Arts. 15bis-17 lists the exceptions, which include the use of a work if the author is mentioned in the source from which the quotation is taken; the inclusion, representation, and public communication of limited parts of a work in a photographic, cinematographic or radio report; among others.

It is reported that, although the National Assembly adopted amendments to the Music Copyright Law of 1913 in March 2015, these reforms have not been effectively enforced. As a result, infringements remain relatively common, reflecting limited enforcement capacity.

Suriname has not signed the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty.

Suriname has not signed the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Performances and Phonograms Treaty.