More exhibitors to flock International Building Expo 2012

By Michael Younge

“Embracing standards, building the future” is the theme under which the Housing and Water Ministry will stage this year’s international building exposition.

Already, more exhibitors have signalled their intention to be a part of the usually well organised and executed event that brings all of the major firms that offer building and construction equipment, as well as services into one common market space to meet consumers.

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali said the level of interest shown by corporate Guyana and stakeholders outside of the country has increased significantly. “More partners are willing to come on board because they recognise the impact they can make in the Guyana market, because there is a construction and building boom taking place here that is unprecedented,” the minister explained.

He announced that his team has received requests from delegations all over the world that want to either be part of the official international exposition, or to visit the event.

“We may see a delegation coming from Jamaica. I believe three separate delegations are going to be here from Trinidad and Tobago.

I know that a delegation is coming from the USA, and we are expecting another one from Toronto,” Minister Ali disclosed during the interview.

The international exposition provides the perfect opportunity for young entrepreneurs, hardware businesses, building and construction companies, commercial banks, service providers and consumers to meet in a casual manner and interact and build lasting relationships.

He said this time around, exhibitors will construct four large-scale models of homes that Guyanese can ask their companies to make. They will be exhibited at various parts of the stadium.

The housing minister underscored the importance of this year’s theme, explaining that the ministry and key stakeholders in the housing sector only recently launched several new building codes and standards that govern and regulate activities within the sector.

“We want to use the expo in part to advocate the need for all businesses operating here, and even those aboard to adhere to our building codes and laws which govern the construction sector. We are interested in high standards and quality and will settle for nothing less,” the minister said.

Already, thousands of Guyanese have bought into the concept and will flock the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, where the event will be staged this year. Following the successful staging of the event last year, there was marked improvement in the total numbers of buildings, businesses and repairs to structures countrywide.

“This is a partnership that is getting stronger every day. It is a partnership that has built a lot of trust, respect, and understanding… I think those are important elements when you want to establish an economy that is resilient and strong,” Ali stressed throughout the interview.

Guyana has withstood the recent food and economic crises to achieve positive economic growth in recent years.

Minister Ali also urged those in the construction sector to grab hold of the economic opportunities that exist within the industry, and those that are yet to be created in new and emerging sectors, including the expansion of the housing sector and the deep water harbour.

He also noted that the housing sector in Guyana over the last five years has seen tremendous growth, and government’s efforts to bridge the infrastructural gap will help to create social and economic competitiveness.