Georgetown: The Ministry of Business, today launched the first Business Exposition, which is slated for the Sophia Exhibition Center, November 27-29, 2015. The objective of the Exposition is to create awareness and open new markets for local products. However, there are several other objectives that the Ministry hopes to accomplish.
The Ministry hopes to promote an event that is a catalyst for the development of local small and medium size businesses in Guyana, one that promotes and showcases Guyana’s locally produced products and services and link them to market and investment opportunities and to promote an opportunity for large businesses to utilize the vehicle of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to propel the birthing and growth of small businesses, among others.
Speaking at the launch of the Expo, Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, explained that the Government knows that GuyExpo has become an important activity on the calendar of local businesses, primarily the small business sector, and since GuyExpo was impossible this year, the Ministry moved to this undertaking.
Gaskin explained that the Small Business Expo would be somewhat different from the traditional one, since its primary focus will be on small businesses and not entertainment. He noted that over the years, the entertainment became the main focus, and the exhibitors the mere “side show.” However, there will still be some forms of entertainment, but more of the cultural type.
After his remarks, the Minister unveiled the theme for the activity: “Guyanese Products and Services-Our Gateway Forward.”
Ramsey Ali, President of the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA), the main partnering entity in organising and hosting the Expo, pointed out that it will prove very beneficial to the over 300 participants, because larger companies will be assisting the smaller producers to market their products. For example, GMSA will be taking small producers under its umbrella to help to market their products.
Ali said that he is looking forward to walking around and seeing more local products, rather than the international ones, which seemed to have dominated the markets and Expo over time.
Participating businesses include the Guyana Agro-processors Association, Guyana Aquaculture Association, Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association, Guyana Beekeepers Association, Fashion Designers, Children Fun land owners, Cooperatives and Tourism Operatives among many others.
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