All set for Berbice Expo this weekend

The 2015 edition of the Berbice Expo, the premier trade show in the Ancient County, is expected to be declared open on Friday.

Construction work on the Expo is almost complete as organisers gear up for Friday’s opening. The four-day event will be held under the theme “Fostering National Pride, Advancing National Progress”.

Coordinator of the event, Tajpaul Adjodhea said all plans were in place for the 10th annual Berbice Expo. He said the event, which was being held in collaboration with Government through the Business Ministry, will be the biggest Berbice Expo ever. Adjodhea, the President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) – which is hosting the event, added that Guyana was currently going through a change and the Expo would reflect that.

“A lot more has to be done in terms of our economic progress. We want the Berbice Expo and other trade fairs to be a catalyst to kick-start and advance economic progress. As a Chamber, we don’t believe that economic progress should be confined to a few… This country can only grow if everyone moves in that direction,” he said.

At the opening of the Expo, which President David Granger will officially declare open, Business Minister Dominique Gaskin and Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes are also expected to participate.

Adjodhea highlighted that there was a need to nurture both small and large industries equally, since they both create employment. “Equal opportunities are being offered to both groups at the Expo.”

He noted this year visitors to the Expo will have the opportunity to see businesses from other Caribbean states showcasing what they do. Also several new exhibitors have already signalled their intention to be part of the event. These include Citizens Bank, Assuria Insurance Company, Fibre Tech, and JR Trading Company. “We will still have the regulars that persons are accustomed to like Digicel, Nand Persaud Rice Mills, the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Comfort Sleep, Banks DIH Ltd, ANSA McAL Trading, Edward Beharry Group of Companies, E-Networks, Republic Bank, Demerara Bank and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc and Alim Shaw.”

Adjodhea added that Berbice Expo has always been touted as a family event. This year will be no exception with several new initiatives to be implemented including helicopters rides.