With the October 3 to 6 GuyExpo fast approaching, this newspaper has been reliably informed that the event will see representation from Asia, South America and the Caribbean and will include ministerial representation from at least one country.
Information reaching the Stabroek Business from the GuyExpo Secretariat indicates that sister Caricom country Barbados will send a delegation of 20 persons, including private sector representatives to the event.
This newspaper has also learnt that representation from Trinidad and Tobago will include that country’s Minister of Tourism as well as five representatives. Trinidad and Tobago is expected to have nine booths at the event.
Few details are available on representation from other countries, though this newspaper has learnt that Pakistan and India will have two booths at the event and that Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana will have one booth each.
With just under four weeks left before the event, detailed information on the local businesses that have signed up to participate in GuyExpo is yet to be made available. A senior GuyExpo official has told Stabroek Business that the secretariat is engaging private sector entities “across the board” on the question of participation. The source said that much of the focus this year will be placed on ensuring, as far as possible, that small and micro businesses benefit from the commercial activities afforded by GuyExpo.
A key objective of GuyExpo is to create meetings and exchanges between local and foreign exhibitors in order to explore opportunities for local businesses to secure markets overseas and to examine possibilities for joint ventures and for the local marketing of products from participating countries. Particularly, GuyExpo also provides a limited local market opportunity for small and micro enterprises in the clothing, jewellery, artifacts and food and beverage industries.
