…local export base to be enhanced organisers say

ENHANCING the local export base is the main aim of the upcoming Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE) which will officially commence on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel.

The organisers believe that the event is a good channel for networking between local businesses and international buyers who will make their way to Guyana for the event. GuyTIE basically aims to promote local investment opportunities; to prepare export-ready firms for export markets and to highlight Guyana as a profitable business destination.
“We tagged it as the largest B2B (Business to Business) event ever held in Guyana,” said one of the organisers, George Singh of Southex Event Management, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday.

Over the years local businesses, particularly manufactures, have been seeking to create a link with the rest of world. Guyana has been known for importing more than exporting, so the establishment of business links would possibly bring balance to that aspect of the local economy.

“It is an exciting time and GuyTIE is an exciting project…there is a lot of growth potential so it is something exciting,” Singh said, adding that Southex has been working along with the Ministry of Business and stakeholders in the private sector to ensure that everything is in place for the exhibition.

More than 100 buyers from across the world are expected visit and network with the over 56 exhibitors. Of the exhibitors one is a Korean investment company and the others are local companies which are export-ready. Those businesses will occupy the over 80 booths that will fill the conference floor of the Marriott Hotel.

The sectors to be represented include agro-processing; chemicals and pharmaceuticals; construction; food and beverage; food processing; forestry and wood products; information and communications; printing and publishing; printing and packaging; tourism, arts and craft; and other services.

Singh said everything is on track for the official launch and even for the buyers’ reception which will be held tonight. Although the event is expected to be the largest B2B event, the public will also have a chance to visit the expo on Saturday at a cost of $1000. Tickets are available at any Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) outlet.

Speaking at the event’s launching in May, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had stated: “We’ve been thinking for some time on how we can improve the GuyExpo model and it’s not that we had anything against GuyExpo, but I don’t think that GuyExpo was achieving the kind of outcomes that we, as the government, are looking for.

Those partnering for the success of the initiative include: the Caribbean Export Development Agency; The Guyana Office for Investment; Guyana Tourism Authority; The Private Sector Commission of Guyana Ltd; Small Business Bureau; The Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association and the Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
At the same time, several sponsors have already come on board and include Demerara Distillers Limited; ENetworks; GTT and BK Holdings Limited; Banks DIH; Caribbean Airlines Limited; Massy Group of Companies; GAICO; Digicel; Comfort Sleep; Sterling Products Limited and Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry.