GuyExpo 2023, marking its return after a seven-year hiatus, is a platform to showcase Guyana’s economic transformation and offers business opportunities within the country. Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, acting as the President, emphasized the government’s strategic diversification of the economy, demonstrating the remarkable changes and future prospects at the opening ceremony held at the Sophia Exhibition Complex in Georgetown on Thursday evening.
Prime Minister Phillips stated that the exhibition celebrates transformative changes in the country, emphasizing the evolution of Guyana’s economy towards more excellent services. He highlighted the maturation and modernization of the economy, pointing out the emergence of sectors not traditionally integral to Guyana’s economic landscape.
After officially opening GuyExpo 2023, Prime Minister Phillips invited attendees to explore various booths and exhibits where evidence of a metamorphosed economy would be apparent. He emphasized that Guyana’s economic trajectory signifies rapid growth and qualitative transformation, with the emergence of previously unimportant sectors of the economy.
The Prime Minister stressed that the exhibition mirrors the evolving features of Guyana’s economic landscape, offering a glimpse into the country’s forward-thinking spirit and an exciting future. He pointed out the robustness of the financial sector and increased investments in tourism, hospitality, transportation, construction, and logistics, shaping the nation’s future.
In addition, Prime Minister Phillips highlighted the expansion of information and communications technology (ICT) as a new growth pole in the economy. He emphasized ICT’s role in catalysing innovation, efficiency, and connectivity, opening avenues for e-commerce and digital services while potentially narrowing geographical barriers.
The theme for this year’s exhibition, “Transforming Guyana Through Investment, Innovation, and Resilience,” aligns with the transformation envisioned by the PPP/C Administration, according to Prime Minister Phillips. He noted that GuyExpo 2023 signifies a new wave of economic opportunities, particularly in the private sector, driven by the booming oil and gas sector. Despite attributing economic growth to the oil and gas industry, the government is heavily investing in diversifying the economy to prevent the Dutch disease and ensure sustainable development.
Prime Minister Phillips congratulated the Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, and her team for organizing the much-anticipated exposition return. GuyExpo, a collaboration among the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, GO-INVEST, and the private sector, aims to enhance business competitiveness, efficiency, and growth. Originally initiated in 1995, the exposition was held annually from 2004-2016 before discontinuation by the APNU/AFC during their government tenure.
Notable officials present at the event included the Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; Minister of Public Service, Deodat Indar Sonia; Commissioner of Police (Ag) Clifton Hicken, Chief Fire Officer (Ag) Gregory Wickham, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Special Reporter, Georgetown, Guyana