NEWLY-appointed Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, in declaring open the Third Agro and Trade Fair exhibition held at the Anna Regina Centre ground on Friday April 26, said that Essequibo has the potential to spur business opportunities and the government, as well as the private sector, has a role to play in developing Guyana’s economy.

Explaining further, he said the private sector has a role to generate wealth, create jobs and generate revenue for the country. He, therefore, took the opportunity to thank the President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry for organising the event and getting businesses onboard.

He also assured of government’s support in assisting small businesses through the Small Business Bureau, in helping to nurture their businesses. He urged participating agencies, as well as patrons, to use the opportunity to meet and network.

NETWORKING
Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, said the Essequibo Agriculture and Trade Expo is a powerful platform for the region to showcase its potential and value to the rest of Guyana. He therefore used the opportunity to congratulate the ECCI for hosting the activity.

“It is an important night in the life of the region…the third of its kind… it’s a time for us to reflect where it came from and where the ‘expo’ is going. Activities like these allow participation from the private sector as well as encourage consumers,” Jaikarran said.
He also pledged the Region Two Administration’s support to local businesses. He also announced that the administration is currently conducting a business consultation with the ECCI and all businesses are welcomed to come onboard to give their views on the region’s budget.

STANDARDISATION
Meanwhile, President of the ECCI, Ms. Suean Sewnaryan, said the ‘expo’ is held under the Theme “Essequibo means Business”, with particular focus on “Raising our Standards, Enhancing our Competitiveness.”

The president of the ECCI said it is important for businesses to raise their standards in an effort to remain viable in a competitive economy.

“Expos like the one staged here offer unique opportunities for businesses in and out of the region to showcase products and services that stand the test of domestic and global acceptance and competitiveness… it is such expos that spur greater trade and investments that are important in triggering Guyana’s growth,” Ms. Sewnaryan said. She also took the opportunity to thank her hard-working team in helping to organise the fair.

After the fair was declared opened by the Minister of Business, the Regional Executive Officer, along with the President of the ECCI, took the opportunity to interact with participating agencies. During the interaction, Minister Rajkumar was impressed with the items produced by the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) – particularly, the ‘Morning Glory’ rice cereal that is manufactured in Region Two. Also on display were Sundried Tomato Ketchup and Sundried Tomato Salad Dressings, Rupununi Essence Facial Cleanser and SAK Drink. All these products are currently available at supermarkets and retail outlets countrywide.

Henvil Coconut Water, owned by leading coconut farmer Ms. Vilma Da Silva, was also on display. Ms. Da Silva said while she has been farming coconuts for 39 years, she has been bottling coconut water for 10 years.

Attending the Expo also was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Business, Rajdai Jaggernauth, and Director of Tourism, Mr. Donald Sinclair. Over 60 booths were occupied at this year’s Agro-Trade Fair.