More than 400 booths will be on display when GuyExpo opens next week at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.
Under the theme “Transformation: Partnership for a Better Guyana,” this year’s GuyExpo promises to foster and promote local businesses through the addition of more attractions and improvements. The expo also hopes to attract overseas buyers to the local market.
The attraction of foreign entities has seen the participation of other countries such as Argentina, Barbados, Bangladesh, Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana, and Brazil. These countries will be present at GuyExpo to take part in areas such as Information Communication Technology, fashion and manufacturing.
According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ali said on Thursday that 90% of booths have already registered and, with the addition of a ‘Guyana Supermarket’ aimed at promoting local products, the total number of booths is expected to exceed 400.
Added attractions such as helicopter rides offered by Air Services Limited will also be available along with daily entertainment from 9pm to 12am.
Meanwhile, with an estimated figure of over 100,000 persons expected to attend the expo, smooth flow of traffic and security will be high on the list of priorities when GuyExpo 2014 commences.
According to GINA, organisers of the event are working stridently on measures to reduce traffic congestion while maximising security.
“On the Saturday and Sunday of the event, vehicles with 15 or more persons will be allowed free parking in the compound of the Sophia Exhibition Site which Minister Ali said he hopes promotes bus pool. He urged that family and friends coming to GuyExpo practice car-pooling as well to conserve on parking and time,” the release read.
It went on that, for persons living outside of Georgetown, an agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and bus operators in those areas has garnered a fixed cost for persons travelling to and from the event. According to Minister Ali, the initiative arose from the recognition of the difficulties faced by persons living in outlying areas.
Further, Duncan and Garnett Streets will be used to facilitate traffic flow while the Sophia Exhibition Site will be able to accommodate 1,500 vehicles. Persons, the release said, “can expect the complete safety of their vehicles”. A taxi area will also be established to provide transportation for persons in the city.
Derrick Cummings, Co-Chairman for GuyExpo, said the exhibitors and participants’ views were taken into consideration and the expo is planned to cater to their needs and address their concerns.
Meanwhile, robust security measures have also been put in place for the event with the promise of about 350 security personnel on site. These personnel will include officers from the Guyana Police Force along with private security services. In addition, the Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Water Incorporated and the Ministry of Health will be present.
GuyExpo 2014 will kick off on October 2 and conclude on October 5. School children clad in their uniforms and accompanied by teachers will also be allowed in free on Friday October 3 from 1:30pm.
