Partnerships to propel Guyana’s economy tomorrow – GMSA President

Jun 02, 2013 News

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The most significant benefit that can be derived from the sustenance of partnerships is the evolution of the newly-acclaimed international business concept called “creation of clusters” that can result in the maximisation of benefits for associated sectors.
This is according to Clinton Williams, President of Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA), who was delivering remarks at the launching of Guyana’s Fourth International Building Expo 2013, Friday evening at the Princess International Hotel, Providence.

According to Williams, Building Expo is a laudable trade and investment promotion event that is one of the main ingredients of any strategy designed to stimulate the economic development and growth of Guyana.
He said that the exposition’s theme “Consolidating Partnerships for Sustainable Development” is timely and emphasises examples of how local and foreign companies could collaborate through optimising local resources and cooperation of stakeholders.
“The fact that the event has gained sufficient momentum to attract both regional and international participation is testimony of the significant contribution this annual building expo is making towards the development of the entire engineering and construction sector.”
Williams related that GMSA’s mission aims to initiate, advocate and promote programmes and policies for the development and growth of the manufacturing and services sector of which the building sector is integral.
According to the GMSA president, over the past five years Guyana’s growth recorded in excess of five percent, with the engineering and construction sector playing a pivotal part. However, he believes that the sector’s contribution to the economy could substantially increase if local resources such as sand, clay, wood and iron are maximised.
In addition, interventions of all stakeholders including financial institutions, building contractors, tertiary and vocational educational institutions and regulatory agencies should be optimised in order to minimise cost and maximise output. This would result in the attraction of investments, creation of employment and increased export earnings, he said.
Williams, who has been in business for decades, said that in today’s world of business “partnership is the name of the game” and posed several endearing challenges to stakeholders present at the event.
He noted that there needs to be a broad-based sensitisation programme within the construction industry, focusing primarily on the abundant availability of lesser known species of wood. This would enable the optimal use of everything that comes from the forest.
“The lesser known species of hardwood are just as viable as the traditional Greenheart and Purple Heart for the construction of wharves, bridges, pilings and houses,” he added.
Williams also stated that, “This initiative, however, requires buy-in by both the private and public sectors. Hence there is need for early implementation of mandatory changes to the national standards for material specification across the construction sector.”
While, encouraging and promoting partnerships between local and foreign entrepreneurs, he emphasised that Guyana can produce and export peeled and sliced veneer (that which is used to make plywood). He added that the capacity exists to expand the production of plywood using low cost hi-tech machinery that could be bought from Third World countries.
“These investments could be easily justified as the basis for substantial demand in both local and foreign markets,” he said.
Another area that could be explored is production of cement locally. Williams said that the existing cement-bagging plants could commence cement production in Guyana, starting with the importation of the stone used to make cement.
Williams encouraged that even though ceramic products are made locally there should be partnerships to ensure the creation of a bona fide ceramic industry in Guyana.
“I know ceramic products are being produced, but I am talking about a specific bona fide ceramic industry producing bricks and tiles, sanitary ware, tableware artifacts and craft for domestic use and export. We have all the ingredients to do it,” he stated.
According to Williams, another industry that could benefit from cluster groups is forestry. He related that in the timber industry stakeholders should work collectively with the primary objective of reducing transportation cost, which is usually costly to move felled timber to its destination.
He noted that stronger partnerships could be developed between Government and financial institutions through the utilisation of excess liquidity in the financial system by comprehensive and innovative schemes, specifically geared for the construction sector. This can stimulate local and foreign investors.
Williams emphasised that tremendous benefits would accrue from closer participation of research institutions such as Institute of Applied Science and Technology, University of Guyana; and resource-based agencies like Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Forestry Commission.
“We should seek partnerships among manufacturers, contractors and local foundry operators particularly in the areas of municipalities for the construction of manhole frames and covers, and fire hydrants that would be made in Guyana, reducing cost,” Williams said.

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