GUYEXPO, Guyana’s premier trade fair and investment show, along with other such interventions, serve as significant catalysts towards the economic development of the country. President of the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA) , Clinton Williams, made this pronouncement  during the opening ceremony of GuyExpo 2011 at the Sophia Exhibition Site Thursday evening, when he noted that the association welcomes the opportunity to be associated with the prestigious GuyExpo Trade fair and Exposition, which has become the premier trade and investment event in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
He said, “In this context, I want to express appreciation and thanks to the Ministry of Tourism for continuing to provide that exemplary leadership which is vital to exhibitors and potential investors.”
According to Williams, the association’s mission revolves around the provision of institutional capacity, the promotion of programmes and policies for the development and growth for manufacturing and service sectors, as well as improving members’ competitiveness. 
It is within this context, he said, that the GMSA not only subscribes to, but fully embraces the theme for this year’s event, “Enhancing Growth through Competitiveness.”
He explained that , as an enabling and proactive  business support organization, GMSA’s  short-term programmes have  been conceived with four specific objectives : market access and export promotion services for those goods and services  being produced in Guyana , the promotion of products and services development via product services design and development programmes, standards and accreditation , the promotion and  intensification of industrial development via the promotion of local joint ventures, and other partnerships to foster the attraction of foreign direct investment.
In addition to this, they encourage the utilisation of sustainable environmental processes and practices consistent with the edicts as derived from Guyana’s LCDS.
This ensures the strengthening of the capacity of the manufacturing and service providers, through their own knowledge base with regard to reduction, renewal and recycling of waste generated from their particular businesses.
As to the importance for this, he said, “In keeping with the above, it is our view that should the executives and potential investors inculcate or embrace some of these measures, then this year’s expo will go a long way towards the achievement of the desired objectives of making a direct contribution to export earnings, investments and ultimately, jobs, making a positive impact on this year’s theme,” he said.
Over 300 exhibitors are expected to display their products and services this year.
GuyExpo 2011 runs from September 29 – October 1, during which time, thousands of Guyanese will throng the exposition venue to catch a glimpse of the dynamism of the local business community, while businesses will get the opportunity to gain exposure needed for the promotion and expansion of investments and business opportunities.