Guy Expo 2026 is positioning investment, innovation and enterprise at the centre of Guyana’s next phase of economic opportunity, as the four-day exhibition prepares to bring businesses, customers, investors and partners together at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, from November 12 to 15.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, officially launched Guy Expo 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre, describing the longstanding exhibition as an important platform for showcasing Guyanese talent, creativity and enterprise while creating opportunities for businesses to expand and build new partnerships.
“The future is shaped by the investments we make today,” Minister Rodrigues said, underscoring the central message of this year’s Expo, which is being held under the theme, “Creating Tomorrow’s Opportunities Through Today’s Investments.”
Guy Expo, which began in 1995, has grown from a local exhibition into a major business platform where enterprises can showcase their products and services, connect with customers, build partnerships and explore new markets.
The 30th anniversary edition held last year was the largest in the Expo’s history at the time.
Minister Rodrigues said the 2026 theme reflects the direction in which Guyana is moving, noting that future opportunities depend on investments being made today in businesses, skills, technology, infrastructure and ideas.
She pointed out that investment is not limited to large scale capital, but also includes a small business owner purchasing new equipment, an entrepreneur investing in training, a manufacturer improving product quality or a young person developing a new skill.
“These decisions may seem small on their own but collectively they build stronger businesses, create employment and expand the opportunities available to our people,” she said.
The minister said Guy Expo will continue to provide businesses with opportunities for business to business engagement, allowing exhibitors to meet potential customers, partners, investors and suppliers while exploring avenues to enter new markets.
The growing tourism sector is also creating new opportunities for Guyanese businesses.
She noted that Guyana welcomed 453,489 visitors in 2025, while 320,174 visitors had already arrived by the end of August 2026. August recorded 48,582 arrivals, the highest August on record.
With visitor arrivals projected to exceed 500,000 by year end and an ambition of reaching one million visitors by 2030, Rodrigues said the growth presents opportunities for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation providers, artisans, farmers, entertainers and community businesses.
At the same time, access to finance remains an important component of business development, with the Guyana Development Bank providing another avenue for entrepreneurs to access financing of up to $3 million, alongside technical assistance and business development support.
Through its agencies and programmes, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is also supporting entrepreneurs through training, business development, standards, market access and other forms of assistance.
“Our objective is to see more Guyanese businesses growing, employing more people, producing more locally and becoming competitive in regional and international markets,” Minister Rodrigues said.
Guy Expo 2026 will provide exhibitors with opportunities to forge connections, identify new customers, develop partnerships and explore avenues for growth.
As Guy Expo moves beyond its first 30 years, the focus is now turning towards the businesses, products, markets and opportunities that will shape its next chapter and contribute to a more dynamic Guyanese economy.