| GUYEXPO 18 days away -400 exhibitors, 150 overseas participants and over 80,000 local and overseas visitors expected |  |  |  |
| Written by Wanita Huburn |
| Monday, 10 September 2012 21:56 |
GUYANA is 18 days away from hosting Guyexpo 2012, the region’s premier trade expo, and organisers are optimistic about its success.
 Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali flanked by Head of GTA Indranauth Haralsingh, (Left) Co- Chairman of Guyexpo Derek Cummings and Event Coordinator Ohene Koama addressing media at press conference This year’s expo under the theme ‘Strengthening the Traditional, Embracing the New’ is sponsored by GT&T, Ansa Mc Cal, Banks DIH, Digicel, Safico and DDL. Ali said the choice of theme is an active response to President Donald Ramotar’s exhortations to find ways in which the existing economy can be strengthened while ensuring that we are prepared to face the challenges and opportunities that are presenting themselves in the new economic frame work for Guyana. Crucial to the drive to strengthen the economy is the Jagdeo Initiative and the Low Carbon Development Strategy, both of which will be evident in the kinds of products, services and investments that will be exhibited during the 4 day event. The Jagdeo Initiative is a policy document that has been adopted by CARICOM as its core strategy in addressing not only food production but the whole issue of the food import bill for the region. It discusses the constraints facing agricultural development in the Caribbean and is an important initiative to ensure food security and sustainability in the region. This initiative aims to explore the opportunities within the agriculture sector for agro – businesses thereby creating employment and increase export earnings and by extension the income of stakeholders particularly farmers. Guyexpo 2012, he said, is an opportunity to present Guyana as becoming the premier food destination in the region. The Expo will promote Guyana and Guyanese products, as well as new products that are not yet available or popular on the local market. It will also showcase alternatives to some products that have become challenging due to rising prices or shortages, for example alternative building materials will be presented. In addition, two seminars will be held on September 28 at the International Conference Centre for local producers and exhibitors and investors. Ali also announced a number of new villages, features and businesses that patrons will enjoy. Among them new sanitary blocks, expanded parking that will accommodate 1000 vehicles, information booths, green areas, a kids zone, more local entertainment from traditional sources like steel pans and drumming and attendants to monitor and control the crowds. New businesses include Topco from the construction sector that deals with windows and doors, Safico - a new company that sells cement, Global Tech, Fitness Pro, The Guyana Prison Services, Zoon - an online shopping company and Giftland OfficeMax Mall. New villages have also been added in the areas of fashion, tourism, youth and services. What will perhaps be welcome news for many producers, retailers and investors is the inclusion of a dedicated buyers time. For 2 hours before patrons enter the site, these stakeholders will be able to interact with the exhibitors without being encumbered. There will also be nightly stage shows, an international food court and many give giveaways. Patrons will be able to win plane tickets to Suriname and the US, products, food and beverages, phones and samples among other prizes. Telephone giant GT&T is expected to give away a house to one of its customers on the final day of the Expo. Subscribers will earn points every time they text, talk, top up or receive calls. Subscribers with a thousand points will get a ticket which enters them in the draw for the house. Banks DIH will also be hosting a concert which will see an international artiste performing at its Guinness 252 celebrations. The opening ceremony is slated for September 27 at 18hrs. The expo will be open to the public from 15 – 23 hrs on September 28, and from 13 – 23hrs on September 29 and 30. Tickets will be presold and cost $500.00 and $300.00 for adults and children respectively. They will be available at the Ministry of Tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority and at Exhibition Site. Parking costs a $1000.00 per vehicle |
