GMSA, Gov’t engage on strengthening local bottled water industry

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), alongside local bottled water producers, recently met with Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, and senior officials of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to examine opportunities and challenges within the country’s water manufacturing sector.

During the meeting, the GMSA expressed strong support for President Irfaan Ali’s initiative to achieve 100 percent locally produced bottled water under HS Code 2201. The association described the move as a strategic step toward national self-sufficiency, noting that it could reduce imports by approximately $150 million annually. Such a reduction, the GMSA said, would significantly strengthen local manufacturing while contributing to broader economic growth.

Representatives from the association and key water producers emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach among industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies. They stressed that maintaining consistent standards across the sector is essential to ensuring product quality and consumer confidence.

The engagement also served as a platform for addressing critical issues affecting the industry. Discussions focused on production and distribution challenges, policy frameworks, investment incentives, as well as quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

The GMSA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government and other stakeholders to advance the development of Guyana’s bottled water industry, with a focus on improving quality and enhancing global competitiveness.