Over 440 booths for GuyExpo

GuyExpoGeorgetown: 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.

Indranauth Haralsingh, Director of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) today during a press briefing on the upcoming event to be staged under the theme, “Advancing productivity through innovation, modernisation and expansion” said, “We are ready to host one of the most successful GuyExpos.”

Several of the foreign exhibitors are first timers at the event. Among the exhibitors will be China, India, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Grenada, St. Lucia, French Guiana, and Suriname. These countries will be exhibiting spices, wine, culture, forestry, equipment, foods, and manufacturing and agro processing.

The event is hosted through a collaborative effort by the Ministry and the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GM&SA).

The Ministry will be pre-selling tickets since there is a limitation 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, highlighted that 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 this 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.

`           Meanwhile security will be provided by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and private security services. Members of the GPF will also be controlling the traffic to ease the congestion.