First 100% Guyanese-owned timber company up to local standards

Durable Wood Products Inc. on Wednesday became the first 100 per cent Guyanese-owned timber company to receive the ‘Made in Guyana’ certification mark.

This mark promotes locally-manufactured products on local and international markets and signals that these products are up to key standards.

And on Wednesday, it was noted that this company was the second wood product company to join the programme but the first 100 per cent Guyanese-owned company to do so.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rafeek Khan said securing the mark helps to show buyers that the products offered are up to par. This is particularly important to help export these products.

Similarly, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat noted that this mark helps to make local products and services internationally-recognised. But he emphasised that having a local certification mark should, in no way, be construed as harnessing mediocrity.

According to him, this mark shows that Guyanese products are improving.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond said that since the certification mark was launched last April, 23 companies have been able to get the approval.

And she believes that it helps to bring “pride” back into locally-made products.

Durable Wood Products was particularly recognised for its wallaba shingles. But the company is a direct source for tropical hardwood products, with agents in the Caribbean, the United States, Europe and the Middle East.