THE just concluded GuyExpo 2009, the largest local trade and investment exposition was a major success, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad reported Tuesday.

The showing, from October 1 to 6 at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, was themed ‘Promoting Business in a Low Carbon Environment’ and he said, apart from the media reports, his ministry has been getting excellent reviews, particularly from overseas investors and buyers.

Prashad, speaking to the Guyana Chronicle at his South Road office also in Georgetown, said a lot of contacts wee made, as well, by local exhibitors.

In terms of investments, he said the show attracted foreign investors and participants, with new countries, South Africa and Peru joining others from the Caribbean, India, China, Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname and St. Lucia.

Prashad said, for the first time, there were international booths of high standards and the whole layout was more accommodating and spacious, avoiding pushing and tugging.

Another first, he said, was an international food court with cuisines from Malaysia, Brazil, China and India, as well.

Prashad said at least 300 people attended the related seminar which was conducted before the opening, showing participants how to exhibit their products and guiding them on such aspects as pricing and packaging.

He said, in keeping with the objective of showcasing Guyana’s excellence and local produce for export, an investor seminar was hosted in collaboration with Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST) and the Private Sector, during which exhibitors and investors from the Caribbean and further afield were briefed on the domestic climate and how to do business here.

Prashad said it was well attended and match making was facilitated to allow the foreign investors to meet and collaborate with their local counterparts.

He noted that, in accord with the theme, there depictions of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Prashad disclosed that the Guyana Art and Craft Producers Association was allocated 96 stalls and selected their best producers to display products that were of extremely high standard and quality.

He also said Comfort Sleep and Sterling Products did exceptionally well in terms of display.

Prashad said his ministry was very happy that Dave Martins kindly consented to perform at GuyExpo this year.

The Minister said a magazine of international quality was produced and sponsors readily helped to achieves success, once again.

Prashad also took the opportunity to thank the Guyana Police Force for the excellent entertainment it provided.

He said it appears that a bigger venue would be required and they will be working long in advance for the 2010 staging.

Meanwhile, Prashad expressed thanks to the GuyExpo Committee and all those involved for a wonderful job done.

He will be meeting with participants soon to evaluate the performance and successes of the event and address potential exports to ensure that the products are of quality.