Increased international participation at GuyExpo seen as benchmark

Oct 03, 2014 News

By Latoya Giles
Over the years the reputation of GuyExpo has grown from just being a local trade fair to now being an

President Ramotar addressing the gathering last evening.

international marketplace.
This is according to President Donald Ramotar as he spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the event last evening at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.
The Head of State said GuyExpo has attracted much international attention and participation, and this has been bolstered by the fact that the country has seen positive growth for the last eight years even amidst a global financial crisis.
Ramotar told the gathering which consisted of Government Ministers and Members of the Diplomatic Community, among others, that most of the development throughout the years has to do with government’s “free and open democracy”. He stressed that his administration always seeks to uphold the rule of law.
The President insisted that under his administration, they have been able to restore what he called a “broken down infrastructure”. He said that citizens now have to look at taking Guyana to greater heights and achieving faster growth rates.
He said that to do this, Guyanese need more developed infrastructure so that they could rapidly industrialize the country. “This is the kind of partnership we are talking about, a partnership which we are helping to create the basis for rapid social development for our country.”
The president also stated that his administration has been working on several projects that are at varying stages of negotiations. He said that these investments once in reality will bring around US$2.5B in investments and would spread in different sectors.
“We have to get cheap energy and that is why the Hydro Project is very important to the future of Guyana,” Ramotar emphasised.
He said that this particular project will see every Guyanese benefitting.
“People would save between 20 and 40 percent of the electricity bill, giving them more disposable income. The subsidy could be removed and help in other areas,” the president said.
He also reiterated that there is need for a deep water harbour to facilitate development.

Special invitees taken in the proceedings at the Opening Ceremony

“We need to cheapen our exports by exporting in bigger quantities and cheapen our imports too. This lays a solid foundation for rapid industrialization. We need, too, to improve transportation and build more roads and make certain places accessible.”
The president also seized the opportunity to make reference to the ongoing Airport Extension Project, which he said is a necessity.
According to President Ramotar, once there is a new airport, this would help put Guyana on the market as a “hub”. Ramotar emphasised that this would also help in the area of tourism.
Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali, who has been at the helm of the planning body for the expo, said that this year’s trade fair has seen the largest foreign delegations.
Ali told the gathering that it speaks volumes when GuyExpo could attract so many foreign investors. The minister said that many risks were taken so as to ensure that the exposition is what Guyanese expect.
He said that the organisers have been bold in their decision making. “Boldness in decision making must never be compromised,” Ali told the gathering.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Persaud said that Guyana is a developing nation and as such the PSC is optimistic about the country’s potential. Persaud said that the PSC continues to partner with government for a better Guyana.