Started in 1994 by the newly-birthed PPP/C Government, with the late Michael

Shreechand holding the ministerial portfolio, the first GuyExpo was successful beyond the wildest dreams of the fledgling government that was struggling with scant resources, an albatross-like debt burden, and destroyed infrastructure.
The committee was chaired by the then LaParKan CEO, Avi Bhagwandin, with committee member Vic Nemdhari tasked with rebuilding the devastated infrastructure in Sophia from the overgrown wasteland it had become, and it was such a burdensome task that it is generally felt the strain caused Nemdhari, who worked unceasingly, night and day on the project, to have a heart attack mere days before the opening ceremony of the first GuyExpo.
Being held this year under the theme “Strengthening the Traditional: Embracing the New”, Guyana’s largest Trade and Investment Exposition showcases locally produced goods and services and has now become an annual event attended by thousands. The organisers, noting the growth and interdependence of international trade, opened the exhibition to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other regional exhibitors.
GuyExpo, at the National Exhibition Centre in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, is now a national event and takes a permanent place on the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce’s Annual Calendar of Events. This trade and investment activity is usually held in September.
This premier exposition and trade fair offers business associates the opportunity to meet, network and negotiate deals with international companies and entrepreneurs, as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative works.
GuyExpo is undertaken as a partnership among the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, GO-INVEST and the private sector; while exhibitors, franchise holders, game operators and entertainers play a major role in the overall success of the event.
The GuyExpo Planning Committee and Secretariat, under the stewardship of the Honourable Minister Irfaan Ali, supported by Co-chairman Mr. Derrick Cummings, have established a plan of action aimed at making GuyExpo 2012 one of the best ever.
At the launch of GuyExpo 2012, Guyana`s President, His Excellency Donald Ramotar, said that the vision of the administration is to use the exposition to create more businesses for local entrepreneurs, while strengthening the manufacturing sector.
He said that to facilitate a strong manufacturing sector, the government has invested in the construction of more technical institutes and also alluded to the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the deep water harbour as facilitating mechanisms to engender and sustain expanded entrepreneurial activities.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Irfaan Ali, said government will launch a small business fund to support the development of new businesses, create incentives for existing ventures and promote community-based tourism, which hold great potential for the future development of the country.
Exhibits will be in various categories that will include Art and Craft, Engineering, Fashion Design, Food and Beverage, Food Processing, Horticultural Information, Tourism, Manufacturing, Photography and Technology.
GuyExpo was the vision of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who foresaw and projected, and worked indefatigably, along with his dedicated team – then and current- to ensure that Guyana’s private sector is facilitated to optimum levels to continue to be Guyana’s engine of growth.