Guyana hopes to stop importing bottled water

Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2026, 20:32 by Writer

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) on Friday said there is a plan to make the country self-sufficient in bottled water to save the country an estimated GY$150 million in imports.

Referring to a recent meeting between the GMSA, public utilities minister Deodat Indar and the Guyana Water Inc that discussed opportunities and challenges in Guyana’s water manufacturing sector, the association welcomed President Irfaan Ali’s charge for the country to produce 100 percent of bottled water.

“The association highlights this as a strategic move towards self-sufficiency, estimating a potential reduction in imports by around GYD 150 million, which would bolster the local manufacturing industry and foster economic growth,” the GMSA said.

A key ingredient to ensure that happens, the association said, is a “unified approach” among stakeholders and regulators to uphold consistent standards.

The GMSA said the meeting also provided a platform for dialogue on key areas impacting the sector, including production and distribution issues, policy measures, investment incentives, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

The GMSA says it is dedicated to collaborating with the government and all industry stakeholders to enhance the local bottled water industry in Guyana, focusing on quality and global competitiveness.