The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce last evening officially kicked off the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair at the Albion Sports Complex, Corentyne under the theme “Promoting entrepreneurship for a diversified economy”.
This year marks twelve years since the expo has been in existence and saw participation by corporate Guyana, several Government Ministries and small business operators. The Exposition is the single largest event in the region and allows for both large and small businesses to gain from sales and promotions.
And according to the Ministry of Agriculture, given the current world trends where countries are being forced to adapt to economic and climatic changes to thrive, the theme which embodies the need to diversify and develop entrepreneurial skill was well suited and mirrored in the remarks of the various speakers.
During his opening remarks, Secretary of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Poonai Bhigroog, expressed his satisfaction with the Chamber’s efforts in successfully organizing another such event.
He made a call for Guyanese to seek new avenues by diversifying their produce particularly in the rice and the sugar industries.
During his feature address, President David Granger appealed to the Corentyne to change so that it may improve. “This is a vast region. You have the potential to give your residents the good life. You are gifted with a strong production base and an abundance of talent.” President Granger said.
The president called on the relevant authorities to develop a Corentyne action plan solely based on information technology, noting that it is the gateway to several opportunities.
President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Mohamed Raffik called for persons and government to employ better technology for the industry and move away from labour intensive practices to fully exploit the sector’s abilities.
During his remarks, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin said that government will continue to work with persons to formulate commodities to uplift the economy which will involve diversification.
The remaining days of the expo will see patrons getting a chance to visit booths set up by the Ministry of Agriculture. They will be given the opportunity to see the various products and the services they offer while having the opportunity to clear up issues with extension officers.
The Berbice Expo and Trade Fair continues until Monday. Patrons will have the opportunity to sample and purchase different items from exhibitors like Digicel, Ansa Mcal, Edward B. Beharry and Company and other small businesses.
