Thousands flocked to the Anna Regina Secondary School compound to witness the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) Annual Agro and Trade Expo on Friday.
The Expo was declared open by President Irfaan Ali with over one hundred exhibitors including manufacturing and agro-processing showcasing their products. The Agro and Trade Expo was held under the theme, “Moving Business Forward”.
The Expo commenced on Friday, October 27 and concluded yesterday. Ali, who declared open the Expo on its first night, was greeted by ECCI members with live Tassa music. Speaking to the mammoth audience, Ali said that Essequibians are known for their hospitality and the region is on the cusp of development. He said that accommodation is in high demand and called on the business sector to invest in the hospitality sector. He spoke about the massive development plans for the region which include hosting of CPL matches when the state-of-the-art stadium is completed at Anna Regina.
Ali made a commitment to invest approximately $200 million in a hydroponic agricultural entrepreneurship project by constructing a world class facility. With that facility, he said over 100 jobs will be created for young people in the region. Ali also informed the audience that government is committed to ensuring that socio-economic development is balanced by providing innovative job opportunities. A total of $1.5m was given to ECCI to continue their work. The President also spoke on the border controversy relating to Venezuela and Guyana and said that Guyana stands firm and committed to protecting its borders. He also said that Guyana is willing to extend love and peace to all neighbouring countries.
“Networking”
Meanwhile businesses that ventured from as far as Linden and Charity said that they were excited to create a network in Essequibo. One such business was ‘Only Coconuts’. Chris Shivdayal from ‘Only Coconut’ products said that he is utilising coconut to make healthy products including for skin and hair. Shivdayal is hoping to expand his distribution line in Region Two and to create a clientele in the region. ‘Lily Organic’ from Charity also used the opportunity to showcase their local organic skin and hair products. Savina Sukhnandan used the opportunity to distribute samples of her products to persons visiting her booth. Joining her was Sony’s Cosmetics Store. Owner of the store Sonia Maesh said that she was happy to be a part of the Expo. “It gives business the opportunity to show persons what we have in store and you get to establish that relationship,” Marsh said.
Coordinator of the Expo and ECCI member, Rawle Pearce, said it was held with the objective of boosting small and medium scale businesses in the region. He said businesses occupied over 100 booth spaces. He pledged ECCI’s commitment to working with businesses in the region to foster positive economic growth while Vice President of the ECCI, Dave Singh, also commended businesses for taking part and said that the ECCI will continue to work with them. During the expo, Digicel held a Mega concert featuring leading chutney artistes including Aw Lyrical, Sonia Singh, Vicadi, and Tony Cutz amongst others.
