NQI Project strengthens support for small businesses
Guyana’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) will benefit from enhanced testing, measurement, and certification services following the successful completion of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) project.
Supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the initiative has significantly strengthened the Guyana National Bureau of Standards’ (GNBS) capacity to assist local businesses in meeting recognised international standards, improving their competitiveness in domestic and export markets.
Speaking at the project’s completion exit workshop on Monday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Roger Rogers, emphasised that quality services must evolve alongside the country’s expanding economy.
“Economic growth must be matched by the capacity to produce quality goods and services, meet recognised standards, and compete effectively in an increasingly demanding market,” he said.
The project, representing an investment of approximately $17 million, addresses gaps in laboratory facilities, equipment and technical expertise, while strengthening the institutions responsible for supporting quality standards.
Improvements include a dedicated laboratory for calibrating large weights and a volumetric laboratory to support accurate volume measurements.
These services are particularly important for businesses whose operations and commercial transactions depend on reliable measurements.
To support this, dedicated spaces have been equipped for thermometer, time, and frequency calibration. While select services are currently available to the public, others will launch later this year or next, following staff training.
The bureau has significantly expanded its inspection capacity. A newly built structure lets inspectors test high-capacity hanging scales, while upgrades enable them to verify two tanker wagons simultaneously.
The addition of new scales and an electricity meter test bench further strengthens the bureau’s technical capabilities.
“The central objective remains important: to strengthen the system that enables businesses to improve quality, protect consumers, and contribute to a more diversified and competitive economy,” PS Rogers said.
While oil and gas continue to create opportunities, he stressed that manufacturers, agricultural producers, construction companies and other businesses must also be equipped to meet market requirements.
For exporters, demonstrating compliance with recognised standards can determine access to overseas markets.
Businesses serving local consumers can also use certification to build confidence in their products and services.
Rogers said smaller enterprises often face greater difficulties accessing technical expertise, upgrading production systems and meeting certification requirements.
“We cannot expect our businesses to compete successfully without ensuring that the necessary support systems are available to them,” the permanent secretary said.
More than 6,000 stakeholders participated in training and capacity-building activities under the project.
Permanent Secretary Rogers reiterated that the government will continue supporting small businesses to strengthen their operations, supply larger enterprises, and integrate into regional and international value chains.
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