Regional, local companies looking to tap into opportunities from agri expo

The inaugural Agri Investment Forum and Expo was wrapped up on Saturday, and the scores of exhibitors who participated in the three-day event have dubbed it a great success, which paves the way for a plethora of opportunities. They are now looking forward to networking and growing their businesses.

The agricultural exhibition attracted exhibitors, visitors, investors, officials from Government entities, and delegates from various institutions and regions across the globe. It commenced with a massive ceremonial opening at the National Cultural Centre, after which all roads led to the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) for the exhibition.
Caricom leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, St Lucia, Montserrat, Barbados, Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago were part of the event.
During the three-day talks and expo, several agencies also participated in roundtable discussions to ventilate their options and interests.

On Saturday, patrons were seen flocking several booths, either to get a glimpse of, or to purchase, the eye-catching products and services that were offered. From fresh provisions off the grill to the latest and greatest in farming technology, vendors at the Agri Expo showcased innovative ways to keep farmers ahead of the curve.
Almost 300 local and international investors and exhibitors seized the opportunity to have their products and services on display, while showing casing a wider variety of items that were made from agricultural products.
This publication spoke with Business Development Consultant at Export Barbados, Taahir Bulbuli, who gave a synopsis of the products and services his company offers, while expressing elation at being a part of this initiative.
“Export Barbados is the leading agency with responsibility for everything to do with exports in Barbados… we have five of the most exceptional businesses within our agriculture sector…and these businesses are extremely important for the development of agriculture in the Caribbean,” he said.
“…the relationship between Barbados and Guyana started with our Prime Minister and your President. Prime Minister Mottley and her vision to expand regional integration and build that relationship with Guyana… We see it as of utmost importance to work with the Guyana market, mission, and Guyana Government to expand those relationships”, he said.
Meanwhile, Abigale John, a representative of GT Wine, said, “This expo has been very good to us, because our products have been out of stock…we have wines with a lot of exotic fruits, and everything is made here and packaged in Guyana”.
Samuel, a representative of West Africa’s Chambers of Agriculture, told Guyana Times that they represent a group of agricultural companies, and are planning to build a Ghanaian presence in Guyana and the Caribbean.
“We saw it wise to have a Ghana presence here in Guyana. Most of our foods can be found in the Guyanese markets, the only difference is how they prepare it…our experience here in Guyana has given us the hope.
“We have been trying to penetrate the Caribbean for a long time, but protocols don’t allow us. It is only Guyana that has made it easier for us to feel at home”, he expressed.
While commending the Government for a successful initiative, some of the exhibitors have also said they believe the event should be held annually. The event was hosted by the Government of Guyana and the Caricom Secretariat under the theme “Investing in Vision 25 by 2025.”