Manufacturing, cheap energy, food production, competitiveness in presentation and private sector stimulation of the local economy through job creation were the key notes strung at the launch of the eighth Annual Berbice Expo and Trade Fair on Friday night, at the Albion Community Centre.
The tone of the opening of the regions’ premier trade and exposition fair was led by Regional Chairman David Armogan, who spoke from an entrepreneurial perspective.

He noted that the impending price increases for grains and livestock globally had created an opportunity for agriculture-based countries like Guyana to captalise and Region Six has a role to play in this regard.
However, the bar has to be raised when it comes to quality as at the global level, there is keen competitiveness.
Attractively packaged snacks imported from Trinidad were cited as an example, and it was noted that local producers have to come better in presenting their products.
Cheap energy is vital to becoming competitive, and Armogan highlighted the importance of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, which Prime Minister Samuel Hinds stated would commence in mid 2013.
Turning to tourism development, Armogan urged the Tourism Ministry to stop the bluff to enhance the Number 63 Breach and move to the phase of implementation. Last years’ pictorial layout of what the beach could look like if developed remains a stillborn idea.
“Last year, I was here, I saw the beautiful replica of what the beach should look like… I suspect if I go around here tonight, I’d see the same thing again… the private sector must be prepared to take the lead as government will also throw in partnership with the private sector to transform this plan into reality… I believe if we complete 25 per cent of this plan every year, in five years’ time we will have a beach looking like the replica.”
Armogan stated that he is pushing to consult with the chambers of commerce shortly to seriously follow up a visit from a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) team to the region on the heels of the exposition, to put together a prospectus outlining the opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses available in the county.
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali in response to the calls from Armogan, declared that East Berbice, Corentyne is an excellent platform for development as a core tourism destination while announcing that Number 63 Beach is on the agenda.

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