Guyanese businesses must strengthen their capacity, maintain consistent quality and meet U.S. market requirements to expand exports, a panel discussion heard on Tuesday.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot outlined the steps needed to access overseas markets at a Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) luncheon at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
Rodrigues said obtaining national certification does not automatically guarantee access to international markets.
“Being export ready means being able to meet product standards, maintain consistent quality and supply, understand target markets, price competitively and fulfil orders reliably,” she said.
She urged businesses to understand the specific requirements of their target markets and treat certification as an investment rather than an additional compliance requirement.
Theriot said U.S. regulatory requirements vary by product, citing the challenges surrounding Guyanese catfish exports as an example of the difficulties producers face.
“I’ve been here three years, and we’re still working with this catfish issue,” she said.
She also highlighted food safety requirements for seafood processors, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards.
Theriot encouraged businesses to consult the relevant U.S. regulatory agencies and seek guidance from the embassy’s Department of Commerce office. Partnerships with American companies could also help Guyanese producers understand market expectations and meet the necessary requirements, she said.
American partners have an interest in ensuring that joint ventures succeed and can help local businesses prepare their products for the U.S. market, she added.
Theriot also said Guyana’s growing stability and security had strengthened investor confidence, while U.S. companies were helping to develop local talent by employing and training Guyanese workers.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
