Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Maniram Prashad, has received cheques from four major sponsors of this year’s national trade fair and exhibition, GuyExpo to be held from October 1-6.

The sponsors at the presentation last Thursday were Digicel, Ansa MCal, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Banks DIH, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Speaking at a press conference held in his office, Minister Prashad stated that the ministry is grateful for the sponsorship that these businesses continue to provide every year for the progress and success of GuyExpo.

The minister noted that over the years, because of the commitment from these sponsors Guyanese are given the opportunity to be recognized for their skills and creativity while many small businesses have grown and developed, gaining international recognition and revenue.

Prashad said that GuyExpo 2009 will be different because these sponsors will not only have booths to market their current products but will have a section for a historical display of what they have been offering in past years.
Digicel Head of Customer Care, Jacqueline James presented a cheque of $1.5 million to the GuyExpo management committee, while Ansa MCal Public Relations Officer, Darshanie Yussuf handed over a cheque valued at $700,000.

GuyExpo began in 1995 as a bi-annual event but became annual in 2004 and is the longest sustained exhibition in the Caribbean.

The event is held in collaboration with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and in partnership with the Private Sector.

Many exhibitors as well as franchise holders play a big part in the success of this event, GINA added.

This year’s event is being held under the theme “Promoting business in a Low Carbon Environment.”