The managing committee of the Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GUYTIE), yesterday held a post-evaluation discussion with exhibitors, to determine how to improve on shortcomings, for the next hosting of the event, scheduled for early 2020.
The inaugural GUYTIE event was hosted in September at the Marriott Hotel. According to a release from the Department of Public Information, it was intended to “create a platform for local export-ready businesses to engage foreign buyers and other potential partners.”
It was further related that close to 60 local businesses participated in the three-day trade show.
However, acknowledging the space that exists for improvement, the promoters of the event have reportedly decided to dedicate 2019 to planning for the second hosting of the trade show, in a bid to steer away from the “last minute culture” that is common locally, Christopher McNair, Manager of Competitiveness and Innovation at Caribbean Export stated.
It was stated that feedback gathered from yesterday’s event have indicated that more emphasis should be placed on public relations and partnerships with the private sector and that a better venue needs to be selected.
The next hosting of the show will also reportedly feature discussions on regulations and legislation which are currently in place and which need to be in place to promote the growth of small and medium enterprises. It should also address the country’s developing services sector.
The promoters are also expected to better vet the buyers invited to the trade show.
