More than 150,000 patrons are expected to flock GuyExpo 2011 this year, according to estimates given by Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad.
He officially launched the annual exposition and trade fair on Wednesday evening at the International Convention Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
Minister Manniram Prashad addressing the gathering at the media event to launch GuyExpo 2011
The minister said the secretariat expects that approximately 30,000 Guyanese on average will flock the mega event each night of the exhibition.
Prashad said he was proud of the exposition’s accomplishments, and noted that it has continuously provided Guyanese businesses and entrepreneurs with a lucrative and growing market to advertise as well as promote and sell their products and services. Minister Prashad noted that, over the years, many small-scale businesses within Guyana, in the region, and farther afield expanded due to the linkages created and established through GuyExpo.
The tourism minister told those gathered for the launching ceremony that his ministry was proud that GuyExpo continues to promote local businesses in particular, and he encouraged Guyanese wherever resident to support the local manufacturing and services sector.
“We are moving ahead and doing well, and I am especially satisfied at the fact that, already, GuyExpo 2011 is sold out. We are trying to reserve (space) and give preference to our local companies, because the demand to be part of the prestigious event is increasing each year,” Prashad stated.
He explained that many businesses utilise GuyExpo as a “launching platform to develop their customer base and products” and even though many businesses are not willing to disclose the level of success they attained from participation in GuyExpo, it is absolutely clear, according to him, that those businesses are profitable and rake in lots of profits.
Prashad is convinced that GuyExpo has contributed significantly towards Guyana’s tourism development, and has played an integral role in its distinction regionally and globally with respect to business competitiveness, quality local products and services, and hospitality.
“Our secret to the huge crowd support and exhibitor participation is affordability and constant improvement. We listen to the feedback from all who attend and are part of the event, and we improve each year. We know the event has outgrown the venue, but we want to ensure that all Guyanese can savour the experience,” Minister Prashad explained.
GuyExpo is being staged from September 29 to October 4 at the Sophia Exhibition Site; and it is expected that more than six hundred exhibitors will be on show, ranging from the usual craft producers, furniture manufacturers and service providers to other small-scale local businesses.
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