UNDER the theme “Promoting Enterprise, Driving Productivity”, GuyExpo 2016 is aiming at reviving Guyana’s economy through marketing of goods and services; and through partnership with the private and public sectors and the diaspora.Handling preparations for the event are Coordinator of GuyExpo 2016, Temeca Sukhdeo-Singh, Public Relations Manager Lloyd David, and Hospitality Manager Chevon Lim. Dawn Holder-Alert is the Chair of the Expo.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, the coordinator said this year the Expo fell under the Ministry of Business, and the focus was to ensure that there was a business focus which targeted micro, small and medium and large enterprises.

Adding that the aim was to increase productivity, Sukhdeo-Singh explained that there was need for businesses to aim for the export market in all industries and sectors.

“There are markets available, but one of the problems we find is that we can’t produce enough to export, and we are trying to promote or facilitate that environment (wherein) businesses can have the opportunity to increase their production and assist them with that export market,” the coordinator said.

She said there would be workshops for the exhibitors, which will run concurrently with the exhibition. Other areas of focus include marketing and packaging, promotion, business plan, access to financing, training and education.

“We are looking at different areas also, where we can help the small businesses; and we want to continue the process, since we don’t want when GuyExpo finishes it finishes there too.”

Underscoring that the Ministry of Business would be working with almost 400 exhibitors at the event, the GuyExpo coordinator said the aim was to move the business sector forward to increase capacity.

Noting that many in the diaspora would be returning for the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary, she said the Government would be working with the diaspora, tapping into their experience and expertise to boost and capitalise Guyana’s booming potential.

“The diaspora is always willing to help and give back to see the growth of the country, and we are looking forward to that. They can come in and look at areas where they can lend their expertise, and we can match that to the sectors which are beneficial,” she emphasised.

Aiming for a symposium that is to be held on April, 3, 2016, the coordinator said there were Guyanese interested in returning to their homeland, in addition to US businesses that want to tap into the market.

This year, there will be wider participation in the Expo. Some of the countries participating will include Belize, Indonesia, US, UK, Argentina, St Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Suriname.

And among the sponsors are: Banks DIH, ANSA McAL, Digicel, GT&T, Golden Brook and Global Technology. Several organisations are yet to confirm sponsorship of the event.

According to Sukhdeo-Singh, there will be nightly gate prizes at the event; while, on the final night, there is a possibility that a car may be up for grabs.

Commitments have already been made by sponsors. Tickets for children cost $300, adults $500, and cost of parking will be $1,000.

Thus far, the GuyExpo coordinator said, 200 applicants have confirmed their participation, and the close-off point will be 400 exhibitors.

The expo is anticipated to be the most improved and business-driven Expo since its initiation.

GuyExpo 2016 will be held from May 12 to 15 as part of the observation of the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary. This premier exposition and trade fair is intended to offer business associates the opportunity to meet, network, and negotiate with international companies and establishments, as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative works.

This annual event provides a platform for both local and foreign businesses: importers, exporters, retailers and wholesalers. It will fuse together a wide cross-section of producers of handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery; and horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology and, most of all, the Guyanese culture.