Latest update January 20th, 2025 4:00 AM
Preparations for GuyExpo near completion
With just two days remaining before the curtain falls on this year’s annual trade fair and exhibition, the Tourism Minister (Ag) Irfaan Ali, has assured that preparations are a far way completed and the stage is sure to be set for the Thursday-opening of the four-day affair.
The Minister was at the time addressing media operatives yesterday during the pre-opening walkthrough of the Exhibition Centre, Sophia.
The Guyana map as centre piece depicting all existing sectors and economic activity.
He said that the works currently ongoing at the site include measures to prepare both the exterior and interior of the exhibition compound for the events. Among these are rehabilitative works by the Ministry of Public Works to the main bridge and roads leading into and out of the compound.
As for the internal infrastructure, the Minister said that preparations are about 85 per cent complete and works should conclude by Wednesday night.
Directing his attention to the scene beyond the main entrance, depicting a number of advanced pieces of machinery in the manufacturing and services sector, the Minister said that it serves to portray important aspects of this year’s GuyExpo theme towards advancing and expanding our economy.
It also demonstrates the progress of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) on its 50th anniversary.
“Along the main entrance there is a depiction of the ‘50 glorious years’ but also what is to come, the potential that exists beyond today,” he said.
The Minister made reference to the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project and the Marriott Hotel project, these have the potential to open up the manufacturing and services sector of the country, he said.
Media operatives were also taken to different locations on the site to view the ongoing works. GuyExpo 2013 will be significantly larger as it is expected to accommodate a greater number of participants than it did last year.
Minister Ali noted that as opposed to last year’s 288 booths and 237 exhibitors, GuyExpo 2013 will see 410 booths with 290 exhibitors. According to the Minister, the increase is largely due to the number of international companies participating this year as opposed to last year.
He recalled that while GuyExpo 2012 hosted 35 international participants, there are 85 this year. These include 17 companies from China, seven from India and companies from St. Lucia, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Nepal, and USA.
Also to play a part would be four business delegations from Brazil, Barbados, St Vincent and Suriname, who are primarily visiting in order to attend a business forum hosted by the GSMA on Thursday.
As congestion will be inevitable due to the wide variety of products and services to be offered, Event Coordinator, Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh, urged that patrons purchase their tickets before going to the exhibition site in order to “ease the congestion.”
She reminded that two additional pedestrian entrances will be utilised. Also recognised during the pre-opening event were a number of corporate sponsors on board with the annual affair, including Ansa McAl, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and Top Brandz Distributors.
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