President Donald Ramotar is urging stakeholders in the agriculture and manufacturing fields to capitalise on the opportunities that the Guyana Exposition and Trade Fair (GuyExpo) will provide come September.
In his address at the launching ceremony recently, Ramotar said the administration envisions using GuyExpo to create more businesses for local entrepreneurs while strengthening the manufacturing sector. “We have to consolidate on what we have, build on it, strengthen it and also seek new areas of development… I have seen new areas that we can anchor our economy into and, expand as we go forward,” he said, according to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release.
The agriculture sector has been singled out as one area where new initiatives can be derived as government has invested in new infrastructure, particularly hydropower which it expects to generate more investments. The president also noted that gold and bauxite can also accrue big benefits for Guyana; creating more wealth and jobs for citizens.
Meanwhile, in his address, acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Irfaan Ali said that GuyExpo is the ultimate showcase for Guyana, which brings both pride and joy to the private and public sectors. Over the years the exposition has “transformed itself into being self – sufficient and its theme characterises the plans of the People’s Progressive Party Civic administration to make Guyana self reliant,” he said.
Ali also pledged that, “This GuyExpo we will use the opportunities created to prepare the business community to meet new avenues and challenges in the future.” Against this background, he said that government will be launching a small business fund to support the development of new businesses, create incentives for those already in operation and develop and promote community based tourism, which holds great potential for the future. Prior to the exposition, participants will also be involved in a number of workshops and forums.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Ramesh Dookhoo lauded the ministry for its continual input in GuyExpo, which he noted is a “bold initiative which helps annually to create a catalyst for growth and development.”
Hundreds of participants from local companies are expected to showcase their products and services, exchange ideas and promote new initiatives, under this year’s theme ‘Strengthening the Traditional, Embracing the New.’
GuyExpo 2012 will be held at the Sophia Exhibition complex from September 27 to 30.
