THE GuyExpo Planning Committee and Secretariat, under the stewardship of Minister Irfaan Ali and supported by Co-Chairman, Derrick Cummings and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GM&SA), have established a plan of action towards making the 2013 event one of the best ever.

This year’s theme, ‘Advancing Productivity through Innovation, Modernisation and Expansion’, is consistent with Guyana’s successful macro-economic strategy, prudent policy implementation and continuing efforts to expand opportunities for sustainable investments, the minister said.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in the GuyExpo Secretariat, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, Ali, who is Acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, announced that, already, 265 exhibitors have confirmed their participation, even as the organisers, are in the process of finalising the involvement of another previously registered 69.
These will include 65 more than the 268 exhibitors who participated in 2012.
Last year, the exhibition saw investors from Canada, the United States (U.S.), Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, among others, participating.
Growing importance
Testimony to the growing importance of it, this year, will be largest international involvement, with a record 14 companies from China expressing interest and signing up to participate, Ali disclosed, as well.
He said those companies are in the area of manufacturing, plumbing, electronics, forestry and mineral exploration.
Four others from India will showcase products in manufacturing, food and garments, while a similar number from the St. Lucia Manufacturing Association are interested. The latter’s primary aim is to build business relationships.
Delegations from Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Nepal and the U.S. all have the same objectives, including to assess business opportunities that exist in Guyana, Ali said.
He said a delegation from Brazil will take part in a special investment forum, the details of which are to be disclosed later.
Ali said, further, that the 2013 show will be on the 50th anniversary of the (GM&SA).
He remarked: “I must commend the GM&SA on the outstanding work that they have done, thus far, and I know that they will continue to make the business sector in Guyana proud.”
Ali pointed out that the GuyExpo team has been working tirelessly to put together a safe, large and successful programme.
Meanwhile, GM&SA Chairman Cummings, acknowledging the milestone, said the organisation is, indeed, proud to be partnering with Government for the staging of the internationally renowned annual exposition and trade fair, particularly this anniversary year.
Beyond doubt
He said, following their initiation of this event some years ago, it is now beyond doubt that GuyExpo is the main conduit for showcasing Guyanese products and services to both local and international communities.
“We are confident that the intended renewed focus, this year, on investment promotion partnerships and diversification of input resources, will, definitely, result in increased productivity, innovation, modernisation and expansion of our production base for both the traditional and emerging sectors, which will, ultimately, enhance and sustain the growth of our economy,” Cummings said.
“GuyExpo 2013 will build on the successes and learn from the challenges of the 2012 event,” said Coordinator, Ms. Tameca Sukhdeo.
She said, to ensure a more business-oriented event, the organisers will employ two features used last year, opening the stage area for a period for businesses to launch new products or to promote the rebranding of an old product.
Security Coordinator, Mr. Johnny Mortley said, to assure an easier flow into the grounds for an event that always attracts thousands, construction is soon to begin on two additional pedestrian entrances, each allowing for three-line entries.
This would add to the main entrances that have four pedestrian gates.
Tickets will go on sale very early and persons are urged to get them so as to avoid congestion. They would be available at, among other places, Ashmin’s Trading, Hadfield and High Streets; Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, South Road; GuyExpo Secretariat, Sophia; Lucky Dollar Store, Robb Street; Church’s
Chicken, Camp Street, all in Georgetown.
For adults they will cost $500 and children $300 while motor car passes would be provided at $1,000 each.
On the issue of security for patrons, vehicles and exhibitors, Mortley said they are working with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and private agencies.
Entertainment Manager, Mr. Lennox Canterbury said there is something for everyone.
On Friday, October 4, the site will be opened up free to all children dressed in their school uniform.
Alluding to complaints, for the last two years, about the noise emanating from the exhibition location, he said the problem should be avoided following a meeting to be held with all the music providers for the occasion.
First staged
GuyExpo was first staged in 1995 to showcase locally produced goods and services and became an annual event in 2004. It is now the longest sustained exhibition in the Caribbean.
This exposition and trade fair offers business associates the opportunity to meet, network and negotiate with international companies and establishments, as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative works.
The annual event provides a platform for both local and foreign businesses, importers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers. It fuses together a wide cross-section of producers of handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery, and horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology and, most of all, culture.
It is the ideal setting for businesses to increase their competitiveness and efficiency and foster growth.
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 its overall success.