Guyana’s premier trading exposition, GuyExpo, made its return last evening after an absence of seven years, and this year’s exhibition which continues until Sunday, is being seen as a window of opportunities for both macro and micro enterprises to expand their reach.
GuyExpo opened on Thursday evening at the National Exhibition Centre in Sophia under theme “Transforming Guyana through Investment, Innovation and Resilience.”
In his address at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said Guyana has made significant strides in Tourism, Industry and Commerce since the expo was first held in 1995.
“Thirty-two (32) years ago, if we had gathered for GuyExpo, the scene would have been starkly different. The booths and exhibits would have reflected a time when our economy struggled. The exposition would have primarily showcase craft items, sugar and rice, the products of our local distillers and beverage companies, and the limited range of goods and services of the then stagnated manufacturing, industrial and commercial sectors. Ladies and gentlemen, times have changed, and are changing,” the Prime Minister said.
Noting that a paradigm shift is occurring in the country’s economy, Prime Minister Phillips said traditional sectors have transformed their way of doing business, while there has been an emergence of non-traditional businesses.
He said during the 4-day exhibition, locals and foreigners alike will see evidence of the progress made as they visit the more that 250 booths at the expo.
“At this year’s GuyExpo, you will gain a better idea of the increasing shift towards services in our economy. Our economy is transitioning towards greater services – a sure sign of a maturing and modernising economic landscape. The robustness of our financial sector, the heightened investment in tourism and hospitality, and the growth of transportation, construction and logistics are all reshaping our nation’s future,” he said.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond said the 250 exhibitors include large, small, medium and micro businesses from a wide cross-section of sectors including agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, services and transportation and logistics.
She said the expo provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to expand their clientele. For government, she believes it addresses the need to be self-sufficient, particularly in the area of food production.
“Consumers cannot support local if they are unaware of what is available. So, for the manufacturers and agro-processors this is an opportunity to connect consumers with the products and services that you have available. Thousands of locals and visitors will visit your booth over the next few days and to interact with you. This is your opportunity to showcase the strength and uniqueness of your products,” Minister Walrond said.
The Minister said the Government will continue to work with local businesses to boost their capacity to meet the demands of the various markets.
In addition to the expo, the GuyExpo stage will come alive all weekend with musical shows showcasing Guyana’s cultural heritage.
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