Guy-Expo launched Da Silva urges strategic plan on export promotion By Desiree Jodah Stabroek News April 28, 2000 Minister of Trade, Tourism and Industry, Geoffrey Da Silva yesterday called for a national communication plan for export promotion when he delivered the feature address at the official launching of Guy-Expo 2000. Guy-Expo 2000, under the theme 'Showcasing Guyana for the new Millennium,' is being touted as the largest ever and is billed for August 24 to 27 at the Sophia Exhibition site. It will showcase local products such as handicraft, horticulture, tourism, processed foods, pharmaceuticals, furniture, forestry products, garments, rum and beverages, jewellery and services to overseas and local buyers. Da Silva said that this year the focus would be on tourism and services since it has been recognised as a key sector in the development of the economy. He said existing and potential exporters would be showcased. According to the minister, in the light of globalisation and its implications for developing countries like Guyana, there must be aggressive and proactive searches for markets and product development. The communication plan, he said, should project a strong, coherent and positive image of Guyana and its products. There should be an awareness programme through education for special target groups to develop a national orientation towards exports. He identified youths, entrepreneurs and labour as such groups. According to the minister, the communication plan should also be able to promote export ethics, to overcome prejudices towards locally produced goods and to transform "made in Guyana", into a mark of excellence that would mirror the quality of the country's produce. He also noted that government had to provide training and assistance in locating sources of finance for small and medium-sized enterprises to form joint companies. Da Silva identified several ways for successfully promoting direct foreign investment. These include improving the country's image; public relations to create awareness and positive perceptions; targeting investors to take specific interest in the country; providing services to help investors who are contemplating setting up here; encouraging linkages between firms, universities and research institutions. The minister disclosed that heads of missions overseas were encouraged to organise groups of buyers and investors to attend the exhibition. Chairman of Guy-Expo, Patrick Persaud, said this year's exhibition would give Guyanese an opportunity to prove that they had the ability to manufacture quality products that could compete with others anywhere in the world. President of the Guyana Manufacturers' Association, Sattaur Gafoor, called for an awareness programme to enlighten Guyanese, especially schoolchildren of products made locally. He suggested collaborative efforts among the Ministry of Education, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Ministry of Trade to have children visit the manufacturing sector during their vacation for a first-hand look.