Aimed at increasing the presence and demand for local products on the international market and expanding its services, a new state-of-the-art laboratory and administration building was commissioned for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Wednesday.
The facility was financed through a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and built at a cost of US$12 million. It is equipped with enhanced laboratories and modern equipment, which will facilitate extended services such as the verification of blood pressure monitors, MPG meters, and sound level meters.
The GNBS is Guyana’s premier certification and verification institution for local products. The entity provides calibration services, testing of construction materials, and gold jewellery to ensure authenticity and transparency, as well as certification services.
Delivering the feature address, President Dr Irfaan Ali stated that the GNBS is vital for the transformation, competitiveness, and diversification of the economy. To enhance its capacity, Dr Ali said significant investments were made into strengthening the entity’s human resources and policy transformation to support the new goals of the structure.
“In the economy that we are building, this modern transformative economy, there are many different pillars of growth and development.
“…If we don’t have the standards and the verifiable indicators of those standards to differentiate the product, then we can lose market share and position,” Dr Ali remarked.
He noted that the facility will offer accreditation, enabling local products to integrate into the international market. With the new facility, he said, local businesses will be able to bridge the gap and avoid being disadvantaged in negotiations.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Waldron, said the establishment of the facility marks the nation’s commitment to strengthening standards and quality.
“The opening of this facility represents a bold step in all the steps made and other steps that will be made in equipping Guyana with the tools needed to support businesses, protect consumers, and improve our lives,” Waldron said.
She highlighted that through its work in certification, training, and technical assistance, the GNBS has been helping businesses to build quality and consumer confidence.
According to Waldron, the facility will enable the GNBS to provide more than 500 standards across various sectors, positioning Guyana as a global leader. She urged the private sector to collaborate with the GNBS and support it to ensure that Guyanese products not only meet but exceed international standards.
“This building is not just a physical structure… It is a beacon of innovation. If we work together, it will be a resource for growth and excellence,” Waldron said.
IDB Country Representative, Lorena Solórzano Salazar, said that the establishment marks a significant milestone in the partnership with the government, strengthening and enhancing private sector operations and business opportunities.
“Today’s market requires and demands more equity and certification. With the modern amenities, Guyana’s capability will be boosted to meet the evolving needs of the economy,” she said.
The operation of the structure will enable local firms to face challenges in the rapidly growing economy and meet international standards.
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