GuyExpo 2013 launched jointly with GMSA – event to reflect Guyana’s new economy, LCDS

Georgetown, GINA, June 14, 2013

Guyana’s signature trade fair and exposition GuyExpo was officially launched jointly with the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year.

The official launch took place in the lobby of the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) with President Donald Ramotar officiating in the presence of a large gathering that included members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the diplomatic corps

President Donald Ramotar at the launch of GuyExpo 2013 with a team that includes acting Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Irfaan Ali, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Ron Webster and President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Clinton Williams

GMSA with its mandate to initiative programmes and policies for the development and growth of the manufacturing services and interests, intends to promote wood and timber processing, agro processing, and arts and craft during GuyExpo.

The services sector has seen a new trend where commodity trade is gradually replacing services trading, re-elected President of the Association Clinton Williams explained at today’s launch.

President Donald Ramotar delivering remarks at the launch of GuyExpo 2013

“What we want to do is to ensure that we can attract both local and foreign entrepreneurs in some sectors that we believe are relevant and can play a significant part in terms of moving forward the services sector for cross border trade,” Williams said.

The exposition and trade will be hosted this year under the theme “Advancing Productivity through Innovation Organisation,” showcasing the best Guyana has to offer in the areas of business and commerce.

But in the midst of innovative concepts, President Ramotar in his address highlighted the importance of maintaining standards especially those of international specifications.

“I am looking forward to the day when we will not only reach those standards, but in a position to set standards for the international community. It’s important because we live in a competitive world. We live in a world where competition is the driving force and quality is becoming more and more important to our ability to compete and to sell abroad,” President Ramotar said.

A section of the gathering at the launch of GuyExpo 2013

In promoting growth, the Head of State in his remarks alluded to Government’s investments over the years, towards improving the country’s human resource capacity through education, agriculture and the new sectors of growth like tourism.

“Tourism is also emerging as a very important sector in the economy, and it has huge possibilities and great room for expansion and for development, but we have also to create infrastructure for that, as well as including the Marriott… it is extremely important that Guyana has a world class hotel in order for us to build our tourism sector,” President Ramotar said.

Closer diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries have helped Guyana realise opportunities for accessing big trade markets and establish infrastructure like road linkages and deep water ports as is being undertaken through partnership with Brazil.

Acting Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Irfaan Ali speaking at the launch of GuyExpo 2013

Minister Ali explained that Guyana has trade agreements with almost all countries where crucial markets exist, especially in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), but must ensure that the necessary systems are in place to improve production costs.

The GuyExpo committee for which Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce (ag) Irfaan Ali is co-chair will again be managing the affairs of the event at the Sophia Exhibition Complex.

It has evolved from a modest event, to one that is now a main feature on the Tourism Ministry’s calendar during the middle of the year where the best providers of goods and services come together.

At the exposition, a two- day trade and investment forum and the launch of a website will be featured.

GuyExpo is expected to reflect the new economy and the aspirations of the world acclaimed Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).