Plans for the staging of this year’s International Building Expo are all on stream, with more than 105 exhibitors from Guyana, the region and farther afield already confirming their participation in the event, scheduled for July 29 to 31, executed under the theme “Bridging the gap – transforming Guyana”.
BK International showcasing its state-of-the-art machinery at the building exposition in 2010
Several huge companies and emerging names in the building and construction sectors have already “reserved” their booths, and are planning their marketing and promotional strategies. The expo, already in its second year, has managed to secure eager sponsorship from both large and small companies.
Speaking in an interview with Guyana Times International, Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali explained that government is “heartened” but yet “not surprised” at the overwhelming response from the exhibitors, as the expo continues to attract interest because of its ability to build business partnerships and linkages.
He stated that his team will unfortunately not be able to allot space to more than 25 companies and individuals who applied late to be part of the much- anticipated expo, as the event is “totally booked and filled”. Minister Ali was convinced that the expo is attracting such a good response because of the good reviews and success stories that emanated from its staging last year. “We have seen a boom in the constructing and building sectors since the staging of Building Expo last year. The commercial banks have reported that they approved more loans for the construction of homes, businesses etc, since the expo. The private sector and other corporate entities have praised the event, since the demand for their various products has increased significantly since the staging of the expo,” Ali stated.
The housing minister added that Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and other local government agencies have also reported a stark improvement in the occupancy rates of the new and existing housing schemes since the expo. Ali reasoned that this is the purpose of the expo – to drive development and innovation and to provide Guyanese with a new outlook on infrastructural development.
A local exhibitor showcases products at the 2010 building exposition
Initial preparatory works for the staging of the Building Expo are slated to commence on July 11 at the expo venue, the National Stadium. The Housing Ministry will deploy several teams to monitor the day- to- day work.
“We will spare no effort to ensure that this year’s expo is bigger, better, and more dynamic than last year. We have corrected whatever shortcomings we had last year, and we are out to once again leave a lasting impression on all who flock the expo site,” Ali disclosed.
The minister said he was determined to ensure Guyanese not only get the opportunity to explore the various commodities offered by the businesses in the construction and housing sectors, but also have the ability to “learn and become informed about critical developments which will affect their livelihoods”.
In addition, Ali noted that last year a challenge was thrown out to companies to become more innovative and develop new products using new technologies that could be marketed commercially. He said that President Jagdeo has urged businesses to think about becoming the pioneers in the building and housing sectors.
It is with this in mind that the “President’s Award for Innovation and Technological Research” will be offered to businesses and individuals that have sought to become innovative.
