FOLLOWING the conclusion of the International Building Expo 2023 on August 27, business owners and private sector representatives expressed their appreciation to the Guyana government for hosting a successful event.

In an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle, the Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said that he is “extremely happy” and “very pleased” with the success and outcome of the International Building Expo 2023.

According to the Minister, “We have accomplished all that we have set out to achieve; this goes to show that when this government embarks on an activity, the goal is for it to be successful, and Building Expo 2023 has proven that once again. These initiatives bring Guyanese and tourists of all walks of life together, and they also allow for networking in the business communities. Not only that, but we were able to put smiles on the faces of families, by distributing almost 350 land titles at the ‘expo’.”

Minister Croal further said: “Throughout the ‘expo’, we had members of staff walking around with questionnaires, so that we could have had the responses from the business owners and the public. I would like to say that we are already preparing for the other expo, and those questionnaires would guide us in bettering the ones to come. We, as a government, are pleased with the feedback that we have received so far from the private sector as well as the public. Being aware of what.” From a beneficiary and a population perspective, the minister said that networking played a key factor in being aware of what the industry offers and the type of product that is desired.

The owner of Sheriff Security Service and holder of one of the executive booths, Ameir Amad, praised the government for giving the people in the private sector an opportunity to take part, showcase, and network with local and international companies. According to him, “with these expos, we as a company cannot lose; our security firm has gained tremendously from this exposure from the companies that were at the exhibition and the public.”

Ameir added, “we are living in the age of technology, and everyone has to ensure that they are living a comfortable and safe life. Our booth was filled with people who were interested in our security services as well as people who wanted to know about our rental homes. Apart from the business opportunities that the private sector is getting, Guyanese are also getting a chance to attend an event of high standard with their families, which is also an opportunity for them to educate and inspire themselves and their children.”

He also related that based on the responses since the expo and the increase in new customers, Ameir said that he would “safely say that building Expo 2023 was a success for our company as well as my friends in the private sector. We are already looking forward to and planning for 2024, and I am encouraging others to come on board. You wouldn’t regret it.”

Also speaking with this publication was one of the proprietors of Brandi’s Home Furnishing, Kashini Digamber, who explained that while this was her first time at the building expo, she was pleasantly surprised with the responses from the public, and it did not disappoint.

Ms. Digamber said, “it was our first time being at a building expo, and I can say that the experience was a very good one. We attracted a lot of people to our booth, and they were not afraid to ask us about our layaway plans, discounts, and other queries. I am also happy to say that since the expo we have had a lot of people and new customers visiting the stores, and business has been good.”

She continued, “the exposure has been wonderful; we had an opportunity to market our business and build relationships with other business owners and the community, which is all good for business.”

Going forward, the owner said that these types of expos are giving the locals an opportunity to showcase their brands on the international stage, which is “very beneficial” for Guyanese businesses, and as such, she cannot wait to be a part of the next one. Guyanese, by connecting with businesses in other countries, give us the opportunity to get new customers as well. We had a few international buyers who were interested in our products.”

In addition, the Guyana Chronicle reached out to a few business representatives that were a part of building Expo 2023, and like the others, they, too, expressed their gratitude to President Irfaan Ali and his government, especially Minister Croal, and the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Ms. Susanne Rodriques for guiding, supporting, and ensuring that they were comfortable and secure throughout the expo. They also thank the people, especially the consumers and businesses, who helped make their businesses a success.