THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is developing more standards in response to local businesses and industries as it promotes the creation and distribution of quality products locally and internationally, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin yesterday said. “Standards are very important; some industries are operating without the full range of standards that would make them stronger and marketable… I do support the development and promotion of the use of standards and certification in Guyana,” the Minister of Business noted.
Gaskin was speaking at the commencement of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) three-day Strategic Planning Session at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara.
Attending the event were Executive Director of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Evadnie Inniss, Chairman of National Standards Council Vishnu Doerga, Vice Chair Allison Butters-Grant, facilitator of the programme Bonita Harris and senior staff of the GNBS.
FIVE GOALS
Sharing the 2015-2020 strategic action plan, Gaskin outlined five goals to support sustainable and inclusive business growth. These include: (1) Significant improvement in Guyana’s ease of doing business; (2) Significantly increase foreign investments in our economy; (3) Increase the development and exports of value-added industries; (4) Increase the economic opportunities and capabilities of vulnerable groups; and 5)  Expand Guyana’s capacity to develop and promote sustainable business-friendly policies.
Underscoring that the year 2016 will see the Ministry of Business making greater strides towards national development, Gaskin said that the Ministry will seek to improve the ease of doing business as measured by the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business Index’. It will boost value-added exports by assisting manufacturers to become more export ready; increase the number of small businesses accessing services and credit through the Small Business Bureau; reform GO-Invest; and increase the transparency of regulatory policies.
AN ATTRACTIVE PARTNER
Chairman of the National Standards Council Vishnu Doerga said the GNBS has to move away from being an organisation that many in the private sector fear to one where businesses see it as offering a competitive advantage by being certified and eventually accredited.
“So I’m hoping we can shift that thinking in the private sector and actually become an attractive partner in the private sector,” Doerga noted.
He emphasised that the Strategic Planning Session should be viewed by participants as an avenue to further develop and strengthen the entity to achieve its objectives.
“It’s only when you address your weaknesses you will get better, because it’s not a show where we say everything is perfect so participants can say and express themselves without repercussion.”
Facilitator of the session, Bonita Harris said it is easier for the staff to come together and create a plan rather than an outsider to craft a plan that would not be suitable to the agency.
“What we will be doing is an outline and draft plan and the details of the plan the staff will fill in…. the goals for the organisation should be in the head, heart and belly, it’s not something on a piece of paper on the wall alone,” the facilitator said.