The Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) and the Linden Chamber of Commerce have collaborated to launch the Linden Trade and Investment Fair 2017, under the theme, “Linden – The gateway for investment and opportunities, a window to future development.”
This year’s event, slated for March 24-26, was officially launched on Tuesday outside the LEN building, Republic Avenue, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Some of the sectors being targeted for the event include tourism, mining, construction and agro-processing, among others. During the course of the event, river tours to a heritage trail will also be conducted.
According to coordinator, Staydon Payne, this year’s event, which will be
Regional Chairman Renis Morian addressing the gathering at the launch
showcased at the Egbert Benjamin Centre, has been formulated to be more investment oriented, while exhibiting the potentials of local manufacturers and business people.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce Kevin De Jonge said the trade and investment fair promises to provide opportunities for local businesses in the region, in an effort to enhance their trade and investment opportunities.
He said while the event is a signature one, the Chamber thought it necessary to collaborate this year as a means of proving to citizens that the best way to get things done is by pooling resources together. He further shared his vision of bringing stakeholders of the Region together in order to achieve economic development.
“We realise that despite the many economic difficulties and social difficulties that we have had and are still experiencing, unity is still the key to success… If we can come together on a regular basis to discuss the economic development of Linden, we can reap nothing else but success… So, this year’s expo, we’re bringing together the experience and creativity of the Chamber of Commerce and the industriousness of LEN. This, along with the support we’re expecting from local authorities, regional authorities and the businesses of Linden,” he noted.
Region 10 Regional Chairman Renis Morian while addressing stakeholders at the launch, commended the organisers of the event. “I’m saying to the organisers, let’s fine-tune what we’re doing. This must not be another exercise in futility. This must be an exercise that at the end of it, we can measure our successes,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LEN, Tandika Miller, stressed the importance of core entities uniting in order to achieve success. She noted that it is only through the support of leaders, stakeholders and the general public that the event will be made a success.
She added that the event promises to cater to entertainment needs as well as investment opportunities.
Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, while delivering his address to mark the official launch, said Linden plays a pivotal role in driving development, while he urged all to work collaboratively in the process.
“We must encourage investors to make Linden their home… When investment comes to our town, our people must demonstrate skill, expertise and fortitude to get the job done… For the people and the town of Linden, investment is an essential ingredient in advancing the all-inclusive development we envision and this investment must be from both local and external entities,” Mayor Holland said.
Other entities on board with the initiative include Go-Invest, the Natural Resources Ministry, the Guyana Marketing Corporation and the Small Business Bureau, among others.
