THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has challenged all local businesses to acquire certification for their products and services.
The challenge was issued in light of the fact that internationally acceptable standards and accreditation play an integral role in competitive markets and international trade.
A PSC statement emphasised that its members, as well as other businesses in the wider Private Sector, which have not already done so, must seek compliance with the relevant international standards for their business processes, products and services.
“This is in recognition of the important role standards play in the provision of quality products and services,” the statement said.
It indicated the PSC acknowledgement of efforts made by Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and companies which have reached high standards of certification.
“International standards refer to the body of globally accepted standards issued by internationally recognised and accredited standards organisations, which products, traded internationally, are required to meet and gain acceptance in the global market place,” the statement said.
The PSC pointed out that such standards aim to provide a basis or means of assurance to governments and consumers that internationally certified products and services from other countries meet the desired set globally established.
The statement explained that standards can also help businesses to secure brand recognition, develop the capacity to re-invest extensively in research and development and, as they grow, increase their capacity to access financing through the issuance of equity and debt instruments.
The PSC maintained that international certification also benefits Guyana in the broader context, with increased exportation of a more diverse base of quality products and services making companies more profitable.
It said there is also increased resilience to international shocks such as high and increasing oil prices and the general volatility of income received for local traditional exports like sugar, rice and timber.
The PSC admonition follows the GNBS introduction of its National Accreditation Focal Point to mark World Accreditation Day, last week Wednesday, under the theme ‘Global Acceptance’.