RODRIGUES URGES GUYANESE BUSINESSES TO MEET HIGHER QUALITY STANDARDS TO COMPETE IN GLOBAL MARKETS

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA | OCTOBER 11, 2026 — As Guyana’s economy continues to expand, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues is urging local businesses, manufacturers and service providers to place greater emphasis on quality standards, warning that competitiveness, consumer confidence and access to international markets depend increasingly on the reliability of products and services.

In a message delivered on Sunday ahead of National Quality Week, Rodrigues highlighted the importance of establishing a stronger culture of quality across the country’s productive sectors. Her appeal comes as Guyana experiences significant development in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and commercial activity, creating opportunities for local businesses to expand while facing growing expectations for safety, efficiency and consistent performance.

This year’s observance, held around World Standards Day on October 14, is being guided by the theme “A Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy.” The theme focuses on Sustainable Development Goal Seven, which promotes access to affordable and clean energy, and draws attention to the role of technical standards in ensuring that energy systems and equipment operate safely, efficiently and sustainably.

“Reliable and affordable energy is fundamental to our homes, businesses and industries,” Rodrigues stated.

The minister emphasised that dependable energy infrastructure is essential to improving productivity, supporting digital services, attracting investment and strengthening Guyana’s long-term economic prospects. As the country pursues major energy and industrial developments, she noted that appropriate standards are necessary to ensure that equipment, products and services meet established requirements for safety, reliability and performance.

Beyond the energy sector, Rodrigues encouraged businesses to recognise that quality standards are not merely regulatory obligations but practical tools for growth. Companies that consistently meet recognised standards can strengthen customer confidence, improve operational efficiency and enhance their ability to compete for contracts and enter regional and international markets.

The minister also underscored the importance of cooperation among government institutions, private-sector organisations, technical professionals and regulatory agencies in developing and implementing standards suited to Guyana’s changing economic environment. Such collaboration, she indicated, is necessary to ensure that the country’s expanding industries are supported by effective quality-assurance systems.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) remains a central institution in these efforts, promoting standardisation, quality assurance and compliance across various sectors of the economy. Through the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and its agencies, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening systems that support business development while protecting consumers.

Rodrigues’ message also carries implications for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to participate in Guyana’s growing economy. As new investments create demand for locally supplied goods and services, businesses that demonstrate consistent quality, reliability and compliance may be better positioned to establish commercial partnerships and pursue opportunities beyond the domestic market.

However, achieving higher standards also requires businesses to invest in appropriate equipment, workforce training, quality-control procedures and reliable operating systems. For smaller enterprises, these requirements can present challenges, reinforcing the importance of accessible technical guidance and institutional support.

National Quality Week provides an opportunity to examine how effectively Guyana’s businesses are preparing for increased competition and whether quality-assurance practices are keeping pace with the country’s rapid economic transformation.

As Guyana seeks to expand its manufacturing capacity, strengthen its service industries and diversify beyond petroleum, Rodrigues’ message places renewed attention on a fundamental requirement for sustainable economic development: economic growth must be accompanied by products and services that consumers can trust, and that can compete beyond Guyana’s borders.