Discussions have begun on the possible rebranding of Guyana’s biggest trade show, GuyExpo with a meeting spearheaded by the Ministry of Business at the Grand Coastal International Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, on Thursday.Over the years, the exhibition has attracted a number of local and foreign investors who go all out to market their products and services. Last year some 500 exhibitors participated.
But, after introspection, the Ministry of Business has concluded that there is need for the rebranding, restructuring and re-organisation of GuyExpo.
Over the next two days, officials of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) and Ministry of Business will be working to make this objective a reality.
The Ministry’s Events Coordinator, Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh, said the annual event should be made a fair that promotes local goods and services but, also one which involves regional and international companies.
And, this, she said, is an opportune time to rebrand and create investment opportunities for local businessmen/women.
Her views were fully supported by Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin.
“We want to make it a GuyExpo that is focused on business development and not just on entertainment,” the minister said, but noted that the task ahead will be “long and hard.”
He said the Government will work towards making the expo attractive to foreign investors who they hope to introduce to small businesses.

Although a date for GuyExpo has not yet been set, the minister projected that this time around, the general idea is to provide “match making” opportunities for small businesses.
“The Ministry envisages that some small businesses can be brought to a level that would see them working with diaspora companies,” said Gaskin.
The Ministry intends to work with them in order to ensure that they (small businesses) are prepared for the kind of event (GuyExpo) the Ministry envisions.
CEDA Competitiveness and Innovation Manager, Christopher McNair, of Jamaica, noted the need for fostering local and foreign relationships, and said much advantage has not been taken of GuyExpo.
“Trade shows play a big role in economic growth and development… it gives countries an opportunity to position their industries and sectors in the minds of consumers to achieve a competitive advantage,” said McNair.
Guyana, he said has to truly bring out the vision of GuyExpo in order to use it as a tool or tactic of Government’s National Development Plan.
CEDA over the past five years has been contributing immensely towards the development of Guyana’s commercial sector. They have worked with 350 companies in Guyana and disbursed grants totaling €320,000 to 13 firms.