Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
GuyExpo kicks off
By Abena Rockcliffe
Guyana’s annual exhibition event, GuyExpo, was last evening launched under the theme “Advancing productivity through innovation, modernization and expansion.”
Though this year’s opening hadn’t the glitz and glamour similar to those in the past, those gathered were given more than enough information on Guyana’s developmental standing.
President Ramotar delivers the keynote address at the opening of GuyExpo 2013
Speeches were delivered by representatives of the Private Sector, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association and the Trade and Investment Committee.
Barbadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Maxine Mclean also made a presentation which was followed by Guyana’s Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali and keynote speaker President Donald Ramotar.
The Head of State focused heavily on government initiatives, and boasted about the event having exhibitors from the local private sector and manufacturing industry as well as those from the Caribbean, South America and further afield.
Ramotar said that mix represents integration and opined that that’s what the world today should be about.
He pointed out the fact that some think GuyExpo should be all about Guyana and what it has to offer—as the name suggests—but begged to differ on that point of view.
The President opined that the more government creates a condition conducive for full participation, the faster the “integration process” will grow and the further it will go.
Ramotar told the gathering that Guyana is a good place to invest in for many reasons. He noted that in order to develop the manufacturing sector, his government has created a conducive environment by creating “many incentives” in almost every productive area.
According to Ramotar, his administration has been investing in both the social and physical infrastructure which will significantly help to accelerate development.
One of the many examples listed by the President was the work in progress to link the East, West Coast and East Bank with a “badly needed” road. He said that the government is also exploring the possibilities of a new road to link Providence and Ogle. A linkage which he hopes will open huge possibilities in that corridor, including the establishment of two new industrial sites.
The Head of State also made mention of the 1000-home project that will provide housing for young professionals. He dubbed this an innovative way to keep skills and avoid migration by those looking for a better life.
Ramotar posited that housing will inspire new values for most to stay and not be just a cog in the wheel, but a “mover and shaker of development in Guyana”.
Special invitees and other guests listen to the President’s address
The President bragged that Guyana is close to achieving many of the Millennium Development Goals and said that Guyana is one of only 17 countries in the world where increased nutrition has been met.
He also mentioned that Guyana is close to accomplishing universal secondary education and added that for the country to go to another level, there must be advanced infrastructure such as a deep water harbour and airport expansion.
He also stressed that cheap energy needs to be developed.
Ramotar said that despite setbacks in that regard, his administration is still managing to get important development in the industrial sector and wants to bring that on par with the agricultural sector.
He concluded by congratulating the organizers.
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