Region 2 business chambers host successful Agro and Trade Expo

The Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI), headquartered on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), on Friday evening successfully hosted a massive Agro and Trade Expo event, also known as “Essequibo Night”.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this event had not been held since 2019, but it has now been restarted, and was this year hosted under the theme “Moving Business Forward”.
Some 90 booths displaying a variety of fresh local produce, arts and craft, livestock, small beauty businesses, as well as agricultural products and services, were hosted at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground; and the event, which attracted a massive crowd, was attended by Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who declared the region’s sixth annual Agro and Trade Expo open, while at the same time he reminded the gathering of the integral role both the Private Sector and the Government play in the country’s development.

He noted that the event provides an opportune platform aimed at showcasing the viability of the Essequibo county and Region Two as a good source of investment in agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining, manufacturing, and many other areas of commerce.
“This is an excellent opportunity to form potential partnerships and foster new business ventures in these areas, to build and develop Essequibo,” Phillips said.
Additionally, he noted that Government has committed to the continued strengthening of Guyana’s traditional sectors, recognising that they continue to play significant roles in the economy through exports, foreign currency earnings, and also the GDP. Sectors such as agriculture contribute to food security, which contributes to healthy lifestyles, economic growth, poverty reduction, and job creation.

He lauded the fact that, in two years since returning to office, the PPP/C Government has made in the agriculture sector meaningful investments that have derived significant positive changes, which include a policy within Caricom that is aimed at reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.
“Strong focus has also been placed on agro-processing and value-added, given the earning and development potential these activities have on the sector, while investments in livestock and fisheries have seen a continued increase as well,” he said.

Phillips took the opportunity to encourage exhibitors to continue investing in themselves, and to continue in their determination to build businesses and the agriculture sector. He also encouraged the young people to take note of the many opportunities that are available in agriculture, and view this sector as a worthwhile option in the range of earning and career possibilities.
Also in attendance were Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva; Regional Executive Officer Susan Saywack; President of the ECCI, Susan Seewnarayan; and members of the ECCI, among other regional officials.