This year’s GuyExpo expects 85 international exhibitors, some 50 more than last year.
This is according to the Government Information Agency (GINA), which says that over 440 booths are being constructed for the four-day event, which begins on October 3 at the Sophia Exhibition Complex.
This year’s expo is being staged under the theme, ‘Advancing productivity through innovation, modernisation and expansion,’
GINA said that several first time foreign exhibitors will be at the event. Exhibitors will be coming from China, India, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Grenada, St. Lucia, French Guiana, and Suriname. They will be exhibiting manufacturing and agro processing products, including foods, spices, wine, and equipment.
The annual event is hosted through a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GM&SA).
GINA said that the ministry will be pre-selling tickets since there will be a limit of 25,000 persons per day in an effort to reduce the congestion usually experienced at the venue. Another means of easing the congestion will be the provision of three entrances instead of one.
A special GuyExpo 2013 magazine will be launched and there will be nightly entertainment.
Event coordinator, Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh, at a press briefing on GuyExpo 2013 on Tuesday, indicated that an investment forum will be part of the event and will facilitate linking and networking of local and international participants. Several key areas are also to be addressed, including creating business opportunities, using alternative energy in businesses and establishing small businesses.
At the briefing, Indranauth Haralsingh, Director of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) said that during the event attention will be given to small businesses and financing, as it has been identified as one of the difficulties faced by such businesses.
The release said that this yearly trade fair has had an impact on the country’s economy as it is an initiative to create awareness for exhibitors to identify new markets, especially for export. It also promotes sales, increases competition for local businesses and boosts tourism.
Security will be provided by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and private security services. Members of the GPF will also be controlling the traffic to ease the congestion, GINA added.
