GUYEXPO 2014 is a highly anticipated event and will be held under the theme “Transformation: Partnership for a better Guyana” and is slated for October 2-5 at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia.Its central focus is to showcase the growth of businesses and organisations in Guyana over a span of 15 years.

This year, GuyExpo will reflect on the growth of enterprises in Guyana, and it is therefore apposite to acknowledge those businesses which have grown along with the expo from its genesis, including AH and L Kissoon, Toolsie Persaud Limited, Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers Limited, Geddes Grant and Gafoors, among other entities.

The platform has been laid for the successful hosting of GuyExpo for the last 15 years, and in 2014, patrons, exhibitors, investors and visiting delegations are assured of an exposition reflecting Guyana’s transformation.
At the launch of Guyexpo 2014, held in June at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, President Donald Ramotar spoke of the importance of building a strong, competitive productive sector in Guyana.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Ali (ag) also underlined the need for private sector investments and partnerships to maximize capacity and production out of resources available. These investments, he stressed, will “capture what is taking place in Guyana…changing the outlook of Guyana, changing the outlook of business and changing business standards.” He contended also that the government has a vested belief in partnerships and so it was making further strides in that regard.
GuyExpo has evolved from a modest event to one that is now a main feature on the Tourism Ministry’s calendar, where the best providers of goods and services converge at one venue to display their merchandise.
This premier trade fair and exposition in Guyana had its humble beginnings in 1995 and since that time GuyExpo has come a long way under the patronage of five Honourable Tourism Ministers, including Michael Shree Chand, Geoffrey DaSilva, Manzoor Nadir, Manniram Prashad and now Irfaan Ali.
What began as an activity that attracted close to 200 exhibitors is today Guyana’s biggest exposition with over 460 businesses, both local and international, participating annually, all given the opportunity to present their locally produced goods and services.
GuyExpo became an annual event in 2004 under the Chairmanship of Mr. Keith Burrowes, and it is now the longest sustained exhibition in the Caribbean. In that year the organizers took cognizance of the growth and interdependence of international trade and opened the exhibition to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other regional exhibitors.
With this integration in motion, the expo then provided the platform for both local and foreign businesses – importers, exporters, retailers, and wholesalers to come together at one marketplace and display their handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery, and horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology and most importantly, their culture.

MUCH IMPROVED

With the good management of past exhibitions, the annual event is now self-sufficient, and much improved, as the Government in collaboration with the private sector has raised the expo to the standard it is at today, boasting new features, themed pavilions, quality exhibits and wholesome entertainment.
While there are many success stories in relation to how local businesses have been able to take advantage of the linkages GuyExpo has created, the impact of Guyana’s premier trade fair is reflected in the number of exhibitors, overseas and local, that continue to participate and the thousands of patrons who flock the exhibition site for this event.
What began as a biennial event has now developed into a national event which offers business associates the opportunity to meet, network, and negotiate with international companies and establishments, as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative work.
From its inception to now, under the stewardship of past coordinators, including Mrs. Sattie Sawh, Mr. Percival Boyce, Mr. Ronald Doorgen, Mr. Ohene Koama and currently Mrs. Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh, the focus has remained on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby ensuring that local businesses enjoy the level of growth and expansion that is needed for them to remain competitive at the regional and international levels.

LESS ENTERTAINMENT FOCUS

It was noted at the opening ceremony, however, that this year, less emphasis will be placed on the entertainment aspect of the trade exposition as was the case in the previous years. Emphasis therefore will be placed on small businesses and their exhibits. It is expected that this year will see the largest number of exhibitors in comparison to the other years.