By Josiah Williams
December 11, 2024
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has officially opened its new state-of-the-art laboratory and administrative building, marking a significant step towards enhancing the country’s business competitiveness in both local and international markets.
Speaking at the event, President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasized the importance of accreditation capacity as the nation explores innovative sectors. He noted that improving standards at the business level will increase competitiveness, bridge gaps with international partners, and foster the growth of local businesses. He also stressed that businesses must adapt to the changing economy and adopt the standards supported by such investments to fully benefit from the enhanced market position.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who oversees the GNBS, highlighted that the new facility will offer crucial calibration, measurement, and certification services. The lab is expected to provide over 500 standards across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, tourism, and construction. Minister Walrond called on the private sector to make full use of the GNBS services, advocating for a cultural shift toward business excellence in Guyana.
The construction of the facility was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with country representative Lorena Solorzano-Salazar noting its importance in supporting the nation’s diversified economy and improving overall standards.
This new infrastructure aims to enhance the quality of services available to local businesses, boosting their ability to compete on the global stage.