Berbice Expo set for Oct 31 – Nov 3

Berbice Expo and Trade Fair will be held from October 31 to November 3 at the Rosehall Canje Welfare Ground.

The 19th edition of the trade exposition was launched on Wednesday by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh.
This year, the Expo will be held under the theme “Harnessing New Wealth: Modernising Traditional Sectors for Sustainable Economic Development”.
The annual event, which is hosted by the Central Corentyne Chambers of Commerce (CCCC), caters to 180 exhibitors.
According to the Treasurer of the Chamber, Tajpaul Adjodha, although the launch is taking place now, many of the booths have already been taken up.
At the launch held at the Chamber’s Rose Hall Town office, Adjodha said that one-third of the booths for the upcoming event have already been sold, urging interested exhibitors to register early. He explained that the venue at the franchise’s ground poses a major constraint, as it cannot accommodate all those who wish to participate.
Adjodha further noted that the food franchise has already been fully booked, with more than 20 additional requests that could not be accommodated. The beverage franchise is also completely sold out. He highlighted that this year’s event will see increased participation from companies in the construction sector, many of which have already confirmed their bookings.
Meanwhile, President of the organisation Poonai Bhigroog, speaking of the theme chosen this year, said it was timely since Region Six is currently experiencing a transformation.
Hence, there is a need to position oneself to benefit from the development.
“Guyana is at a historic moment in its development with the emergence of new industries and opportunities right here in Berbice, particularly in oil and gas, energy, and technology. At the same time, our traditional pillars, agriculture, fishery, forestry, rice, sugar, and tourism, remain central to our economy and our people’s livelihood. The challenge before us, and indeed the opportunity, is to bridge these two realities.”
The Chamber’s head said to do this; as a people, we must embrace the wealth and innovation of new sectors while ensuring that our traditional industries are modernised through technology, training and investment,” Bhigroog added.
This is the 20th anniversary of the first Berbice Expo being held, and it has been held consistently, skipping two years due to COVID-19, making this the 19th edition.
Region Six Chairman David Armogan pointed out that the CCCC needs to be congratulated for its sustainability.
He noted that many organisations, after a few years, might have faltered.
“But this is a resilient organisation… They have always been engaged in activities, not only for the country’s development and for the region’s development, but also for the individual members’ development, which is a good thing for the Chamber here in the region,” Armogan pointed out.
He said that there are many opportunities for growth and development in the business sector. Hence, it is expected that this year the Expo will be able to showcase a number of new businesses that have been set up within the region and outside of the region.
“This is not only an opportune time for businesses to showcase their products, but it is also an opportune time for the people of this region to be able to see what is available and to be able to make important choices. It is a time when people bring their families and have a good time at the Expo. So, it is a family gathering, it is a business gathering, and it is a gathering that speaks well for the region. In our region, there are many things happening. And today, we have seen exponential growth in many sectors, not only in the infrastructure but also in housing, in education, in local government, and in the sectors of agriculture. Aquaculture, agriculture, and all the other areas.”
Meanwhile, in launching Expo 2025, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said now is the time for persons to pay attention to what the government is doing as it relates to developing the country as a whole, pointing out that persons should be thinking about the opportunities, identifying the opportunities instead of just sitting back and waiting and wondering what might happen.
“Those who succeed are those who pay keen attention to the plans that have been outlined by our government, because you know that you have in this government a government that will deliver on its commitments, and you know what we have committed to deliver for Region Six. So, those who will succeed and succeed most greatly or most substantially are those who pay keen attention to the plans that have been outlined, and I know many of you are doing so and have done so and are already investing in anticipation.”
“And you look down the road to anticipate what the opportunities are that will arise and where they will arise and how you should position yourself to be ready to expand your business or even to get into new lines of business in response to this reality that will be unfolding in Region Six.”
The Berbice Expo is considered the largest event in the region, with over 30,000 persons attending the four-day event.