Preparations are moving apace for the opening of Guyana’s leading trade fair and exposition on October 3 at the Sophia Exhibition Complex. The four-day event promises 85 international exhibitors as compared to 36 last year, and more booths, as over 440 are to be erected.
Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh said, “We are ready to host one of the most successful GuyExpos.”
Several of the foreign exhibitors are first timers at the event. Exhibitors are expected from China, India, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Grenada, St Lucia, French Guiana, and Suriname. These countries will be exhibiting spices, wine, culture, forestry, equipment and foods.
The event is hosted through a collaborative effort by the Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GM& SA).
The ministry will be pre-selling tickets since there is a limit of 25,000 individuals per day at the venue in an effort to reduce the yearly congestion experienced. Another means of easing the congestion is the provision of three entrances instead of one.
Event coordinator Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh said an investment forum is part of the event and will facilitate linking and networking of local and international participants. Five key areas will be addressed including creating business opportunities in the United States and China, using alternative energy in businesses and small businesses.
Apart from nightly entertainment, a special GuyExpo 2013 magazine will be launched.
This yearly trade fair serves as an initiative for creating new markets, exports, and awareness for exhibitors. It promotes sales and increases competition for local businesses and boosts tourism. Over the years, the expo has had a tremendous impact on the country’s economy.
Haralsingh said that a lot of attention is being given to small businesses and financing, and highlighted that one of the difficulties faced by such businesses is lack of and unawareness of means of financing, an aspect that will be focused on during the event.
GuyExpo 2013 will be held under the theme, “Advancing productivity through innovation, modernisation and expansion”.
