Guyexpo is an occasion for celebrating our achievements-PM
Georgetown, GINA, September 27, 2012 -- Source - GINA
Thousands came out this evening at the Sophia Exhibition Centre to witness the launch of Guyana’s renowned exposition and trade fair, Guyexpo 2012 held under the theme “Strengthening the traditional, Embracing the New”.
Patrons and exhibitors were mesmerised with the display of what promises to be the largest exposition ever, with cultural performances from the Chinese Association, the National Steel Orchestra and a collaborative dance troupe.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds
Apart from the celebrations, former Ministers of Tourism were honoured for their stint in office during which they contributed significantly to the enhancement of Guyexpo, thereby laying the foundation for what it is today.
Those recognised were: Shree Chand (posthumously), Jeff Da Silva, Manzoor Nadir and Manniram Prashad.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of president said that Guyexpo offers an opportunity for one to learn about the goods and services that are being produced locally, along with the range, the diversity, the quality and the price.
Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce (ag) Irfaan Ali
“It is an occasion where nearly all of us find some pleasant surprises…we did not know that our people could produce those goods with that quality and at good prices…Guyexpo is therefore an occasion for celebrating our achievements,” Hinds said.
He added that it is also an occasion that challenges and encourages persons to do even better, learning from each other, to compete in a friendly and productive way.
A section of those present for the opening ceremony of
Guyexpo 2012
“Guyexpo from one year to another challenges us…we Guyanese over the last decades have been able to provide better for ourselves each year through our work…providing a greater amount of goods and services,” Mr Hinds said.
He believes that the growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), over the last 20 years is a valid overall indication of some of the successes of the achievements made.
Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce (ag) Irfaan Ali
and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of
president unveiling the 2012 Guyexpo plaque
“National GDP grew from US$321M in 1992 to US$2151 in 2011 and per capita GDP increased from US$454 per person in 1992 to US$2869 per person in 2011…a six to seven-fold increase in numbers…this is a significant improvement over the last 20 years,” Prime Minister Hinds asserted.
Further, Guyanese are better off today than they were in 1992, with the number of high rise buildings being constructed, not only in the capital but, also in hinterland locations and the improvement in the buildings, the increased number of motor vehicles, the steady increase in electricity demand for an increasing number of household appliances, all attest to the fact that Guyana is indeed materially better off today than years ago.
“Today we are celebrating production and creation of goods and services of a wide variety, of excellent quality and at good prices,” the Prime Minister explained.
Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce (ag) Irfaan Ali said that the private sector is the engine of growth and it must be the bedrock on which economic advancement is made however, the government has an important role in facilitating that growth and ensuring the policy framework is there to stimulate it.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of president
with staff of the Small Business Bureau in their booth
“At this moment I pay homage to the Honourable Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh for creating a stable macro-economic framework for which all of us must be proud,” Ali asserted.
He explained that it is because of the stable macro-economic framework that the following bold statements can be made.
“If you are an investor looking to invest in the Caribbean and South America, Guyana is the place for your investment…if you are a local business person, a member of the local private sector and you have excess liquidity, the place to re-invest that excess liquidity is Guyana and you must do it now,” Ali stated.
He added that there was a time when there was a great belief that capital flight, the export of the country’s potential, when the hope of energising the economy and the entrepreneurial ability of Guyanese were almost non-existent, however, today, because of the strides made under the current administration, Guyana provides an excellent platform through which the Private Sector can grow and investments can flow to the country.
“Public-private partnerships have proven to be the greatest catalysts to economic development, economic growth and economic expansion…the policy direction of the government to work hand in hand with the private sector through such partnerships is an excellent move to ensure that major initiative that speaks to the transformation of our country are implemented in a timely manner,” Ali said.
Further, the time for public and private entities to work without each other is long gone as the economic sector cannot be expanded, nor can the gains of the potential that exists be realised if businesses continue to grow in a family environment.
Co-Chairman of the Guyexpo Committee Deryck Cummings said that undoubtedly the public-private partnership policy that government has embarked upon laid a foundation for an expansion of the country’s economic wealth.
“The upgrade of our road network and the installation of our new communication arteries…improved access to information communication highway…industrial parks…are some of the dynamics that dictated how Guyexpo 2012 organisers proceeded to set a stage for a better improved plain for the patrons including the thousands of students who will visit the exhibition.”
The event will culminate on September 30 has over 400 exhibitors with a fair number from overseas including from Brazil, Barbados, United States, Canada, China, India, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Suriname, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago. It is expected to attract over 80,000 visitors.