“This Govt will continue to support you” – Rodrigues assures business community as GuyExpo 2026 launches

Local businesses will continue to receive the necessary support from the Government to showcase their products, expand their networks, and explore new markets.
This assurance was given by Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues at the launch of the 2026 edition of GuyExpo under the theme “Creating Tomorrow’s Opportunities Through Today’s Investments”.
Speaking during the ceremony on Thursday evening, Rodrigues described the event as an important activity in the country’s business calendar, one that provides a key platform to showcase Guyanese talent, creativity, and enterprise.
“GuyExpo 2026 is an event which has become an important part of Guyana’s business calendar and a significant platform for showcasing the talent, creativity, and enterprise of our people. GuyExpo is a celebration of Guyanese ingenuity. For those of you who have never experienced GuyExpo, it is a sight to behold.”
She further highlighted the vital role events such as GuyExpo play in supporting the local business community, stressing that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, the private sector will continue to receive the Government’s support.

She pointed to the 33.3 per cent economic growth in the first half of 2026, noting that this is reflective of the Government’s support to the business community.
“The numbers tell a story that we are doing something right, that we are on the right track. I want to assure the business community here in Guyana, especially our MSMEs, that this Government has your back and that we will continue to support you and continue to show up for you.”
Rodrigues also underscored the significance of this year’s theme, noting that it reflects the direction in which the Government intends to take the country.
She said investment is not only about large-scale capital but also includes the small business owner purchasing new equipment, the entrepreneur investing in training, the manufacturer improving the quality of a product, or a young person developing a new skill.
“These decisions may seem small on their own, but collectively they build stronger businesses, create employment, and expand the opportunities available to our people.”
She said this is what makes GuyExpo so important, as it provides businesses with an opportunity not only to display what they are doing today but also to make the connections that will help them grow tomorrow.
“Last year, we placed greater emphasis on business-to-business engagement.”

Tourism opportunities
On opportunities, the tourism minister revealed that by the end of August this year, 320,174 visitors had arrived in Guyana. It is projected that this growth will continue, with the country expected to reach one million arrivals by 2030, something which will open up tremendous opportunities for businesses.
“In 2025, we welcomed a record 453,489 visitors. And that momentum has continued this year. By the end of August this year, 320,174 visitors had already arrived in Guyana, with August recording 48,582 arrivals, our highest August on record. We are projecting to welcome in excess of 500,000 visitors by the end of this year, with an ambition of reaching one million visitors by 2030. These numbers represent much more than visitor arrivals.”
According to her, the figures represent opportunities for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation providers, artisans, farmers, entertainers, and community businesses.
She said investments in tourism infrastructure, connectivity, accommodation, and new experiences are creating opportunities for more Guyanese to participate in and benefit from the sector’s growth.
She added that the same applies across industry and commerce, noting that ensuring entrepreneurs have access to the resources needed to grow is among the most important steps that can be taken.
The minister added that Guy Expo has been part of Guyana’s business story for the past 30 years and urged all stakeholders to ensure it continues to be a platform for growth. “Starting small does not mean thinking small. Every successful business begins with an idea and someone willing to invest in our economic future.”
The event will run from November 12 to 15, 2026, at the National Exhibition Centre in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.