THE Board of Directors and other members of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) gathered in Qualfon Conference Centre, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, recently, for a retreat designed to find strategic methods of informing their forward movement.

The key item on the agenda was a closer examination of the gaps in the achievements that were set out in the 2009 strategic plan.
The membership was tasked with finding solutions to achieve the additional goals which have been included in the 2012 three-year programme for both the GMSA Administration and the seven sub-sectors.
Meanwhile, the 2012 strategy is currently in draft awaiting the final outcome of assessments.
Speaking at the retreat, the President, Mr. Mohindra Chand said GMSA anticipates the emergence of a new, vibrant manufacturing sector from the expected find of oil and gas and, concomitantly, significant growth of the hospitality industry.
He noted that, in the milieu of non-traditional exportable products, honey production has moved up the GMSA agenda and consultations with foreign entities, such as Caribbean Export Ltd, continue for its development.
One United Kingdom (UK) based connoisseur, Mr. Clive De Bruyn, who is attached to the Bees for Development Organisation, has already labelled Guyana’s honey as organic since it needs little human input/additives to qualify for the international market.

ENTIRE PROCESS
Chand pointed out that the entire process of making a company and its products marketable and export ready involves the development of its production lines and the elements of its productivity.
He said they have always promoted the value of quality assurance, both national and international accreditation, market research and export promotion, accessing financing for product design and project studies.
Towards that objective, Chand informed that they have been engaging the Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) and the Canadian Executive Services Organisation (CESO), both arms of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
He disclosed that a two-member team from Canada paid an initial visit to Guyana at mid-year, again at the GMSA’s behest, on a fact finding mission.
The outcome will be a trade capacity building project that is expected to culminate with the participation of 10 agro-processors and 12 artisans in the 2013 and 2014 Canadian annual trade shows.
Chand announced that the TFO, GMSA and Guyana Arts & Craft Producers Association have also brokered an agreement for enhanced production and exporting of locally produced items and the three parties will cooperate in a scheme to promote sustainable economic development through export information, advice and contact.
The aim is to facilitate sharing of Canadian trade expertise for the benefit of smaller local producers and, additionally, the GMSA is determined to facilitate and develop trade relations with nations, in keeping with its mandate.
The GMSA, with its sense of responsibility and purpose, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013 and intends to make it a watershed year in its history, Chand said.
He explained that the intention is to partner with several key stakeholders, inclusive of the Government of Guyana, other policy makers, foreign missions, marketing and funding agencies, suppliers of advance technologies and equipment, financial and educational institutions locally and abroad, to create and execute a trade forum for the promotion and exploration of growth opportunities for products made in Guyana.