GuyExpo preparations are far advanced and booth space is already sold out, even as organisers expand the exhibit area to cater for the heavy traffic of expected patrons. Even more notable this year is the interest being shown by several large companies that had dropped out of GuyExpo in recent years.
The organisers believe that this renewed interest is because of the growth experienced by small exhibitors, who have soared with the aid of GuyExpo and are now competing with the traditional businesses.
Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad has identified GuyAmerica, NDS, F&T Designs and Comfort Sleep as some of the producers which ventured out as small businesses at previous expos and have grown significantly with the exposure and promotion provided each year.
“I am seeing some big producers who are in the “big league” coming back, because what has happened -the so-called small players are getting bigger and doing excellent work because of GuyExpo and… there are some big people who did not participate in GuyExpo for the last two years all fighting for space now, because of competition,” Prashad observed.
About 150 exhibitors, including the ‘big players’, have already confirmed their participation in the event, during which some of them plan to launch new products and services.
Noting that booth space was sold out since the first week GuyExpo was launched, Minister Prashad said, “Some people wanted as much as 12 booth spaces”. However, he explained, the organising team cannot accommodate such requests, since it has to ensure that various exhibitors get a chance to be part of the event.
Exhibitors are all being cautioned about the strict policy to ensure very high standards of display if they want to really be part of the event.
“We want to ensure that everything is done in a proper way, a well-organised manner. We don’t want to see one little shack here and a beautiful tent there. It must all be in the same size, same length, and well decorated, etcetera,” Prashad indicated.
A contract has already been signed with Impressions, a local company, to offer prefabricated booths and design services for exhibitors who are interested.
While GuyExpo aids the formation of new business contacts, Prashad said the trade ministry follows up with the producers, and provides assistance in various forms.
Some businesses have received overseas exposure at other regional and international trade shows and business seminars. Others got monetary assistance through the ministry’s National Competitiveness Strategy Unit.
The Main Pavilion is now solely allocated for manufacturers. All of the government ministries, agencies, and departments which previously displayed in this area have been relocated.
The Annexe is designated for craft producers who are expected from across Guyana. These producers, from far-flung areas such as Lethem, are being assisted with subsidised transportation, as the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce has since stated its intention to be part of this year’s GuyExpo.
Service producers such as banks and insurance companies would be housed in one area, while all companies selling tourism products and services would be showcased in another. At the Food Court, Mexican, Malaysian and local cuisine would be on display.
Additionally, more overseas businesses, as well as the various foreign missions and embassies set up in Guyana, have shown interest in GuyExpo. Large contingents are expected from neighbouring Brazil and Suriname.
With this in mind, Minister Prashad noted, “We think that this year’s GuyExpo would be very good for buyers from overseas and those who want to do joint ventures.
“We would also have the business seminar prior to the expo at the Guyana International Convention Centre, and all exhibitors and buyers would be invited,” he added.
Slated for the National Exhibition Site at Sophia from September 23 to 28, GuyExpo 2010 promises another year of excitement, with several new features and higher standards. The opening ceremony is being promoted as a “surprise”, and it is expected to include several “very high-ranking officials” from Suriname and Barbados.
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