Over 100,000 visitors expected as 30th GuyExpo opens

Over 100,000 visitors are expected to pass through the gates of GuyExpo 2025, which officially opened on Thursday evening in true Guyanese style – with vibrant masquerade performances, cultural drumming and dancing, and folk songs like “Bamboo Fire” and “Small Days.”

The four-day event, running from November 13 – 16 under the theme “Transformation through Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” marks the 30th anniversary of Guyana’s premier trade and investment exposition.

Delivering opening remarks, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, underscored the importance of compliance and visibility for small and medium-sized businesses. She encouraged entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities available, noting that too many businesses cannot be traced due to a lack of proper contact information.

“I want to encourage entrepreneurs, especially those small business owners the opportunities are here, no longer can we complain that they are no opportunities. What I want you to do is to work on your compliance,” Smith.

President of Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Rafeek Khan highlighted a unique value-chain display that includes a fully constructed house with a shade house in its backyard. The GMSA has built an entire mini village for the expo, showcasing the innovation, craftsmanship, and diversity within Guyana’s manufacturing and services industries.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, said this year’s expo reflects Guyana’s dynamic national trajectory since 2020.

With 297 exhibitors occupying 305 booths, the event features two auditoriums, expanded recreational spaces, and a richer, more immersive experience for visitors.

“As we celebrate GuyExpo 2025, let us remember that transformation is not a moment, it is a movement. Entrepreneurship and innovation are not just themes for this event, they are the driving forces behind how we do business and promote Guyana,” Rodrigues stated.

Among the new elements this year are a redesigned layout for smoother visitor flow, a second auditorium dedicated to government services, and a large “food basket” installation symbolising Guyana’s agricultural capability. Visitors can also enjoy a tourism village led by the Guyana Tourism Authority, a Rodeo Committee showcase, cultural performances, children’s activities, and a theatre screening local documentaries.
A Business-to-Business (B2B) seminar hosted by GO-Invest will be held on Friday, November 14, drawing local and overseas investors seeking collaboration and expansion opportunities.

“Over 100,000 visitors are expected to pass through these gates in the coming days. Be bold in your story, be proud of your product and services, showcase the business heritage that makes us proud to be Guyanese, listen to your customers engage with potential partners and seize the opportunities that await,” Rodrigues said at the opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali, in his remarks, said GuyExpo 2025 represents Guyana’s people, culture, innovation, future, and connectivity.

Traffic management, access roads, and designated parking areas have been put in place to ensure a smooth experience for attendees.

In honour of the expo’s 30th anniversary, several longstanding businesses were recognised for their continued support since GuyExpo’s inception. These include Ansa McAl, Brass Aluminum, Banks DIH, DDL, Comfort Sleep, Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics, GoInvest, Global Technology, Heartcore Art and Craft, New GPC Inc., Sterling Products Limited, Seeram Jewelry, and Twins Manufacturing.