The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) has launched the 20th Berbice Expo and Trade Fair, with this year’s event placing artificial intelligence (AI), innovation and the development of people at the centre of discussions on the future of business in the region. The Expo, scheduled for October 2 to 5 at the Rose Hall Estate Community Centre Ground in East Canje, was officially launched on Friday at the Chamber’s headquarters in Rose Hall Town. This year’s event will be held under the theme, “Harnessing AI to Transform the Future while Enhancing Our People.” CCCC President Adrian Anamayah, the Expo has grown significantly since its inception in 2005 and has become an annual fixture in Berbice, attracting approximately 40,000 patrons. He said hundreds of new businesses and products have been introduced and showcased through the event over the years, while young entrepreneurs have been given opportunities to launch their products and establish valuable business connections. “This year promises to be no different. As a matter of fact, the response has been excellent as usual. We expect to be sold out within the next two weeks,” Anamayah said. He noted that staging an event of that magnitude comes with considerable challenges, but said its longevity demonstrates the success it has achieved over the past two decades. Anamayah said the theme was deliberately selected because there is an urgent need for Guyana to begin a serious conversation about AI and how the country responds to the technological changes taking place globally. Drawing a comparison with the transformation brought about by the internet, he argued that AI could have an even greater impact on everyday life and economic activity. “The AI revolution that is upon us would be a thousandfold more impactful and transformational,” he said. According to the Chamber President, Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy makes it even more important for the country to prepare for those changes and determine how the technology can be used to its advantage. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who delivered the feature address, similarly stressed that AI is no longer something Guyana should regard as a distant development. He said the technology is already changing the way businesses operate, farmers access information, markets function, Governments provide services and people learn and work. “The question is no longer whether AI will become part of our future. It already is. The real question is whether we will use it wisely, whether we will adopt it early enough, and whether we will ensure that our people are prepared to benefit from it,” Mustapha said. The Minister stressed, however, that technological advancement should occur alongside investment in people. Mustapha said young people must be trained to use emerging technological tools, while entrepreneurs should be assisted in understanding how technology can reduce operating costs and provide access to new markets. He also pointed to potential benefits for agriculture, saying farmers could use improved access to information to make better production decisions.

At the same time, he cautioned that small businesses in Region Six must not be left behind as the global economy becomes increasingly digital. “These are the challenges before us. But we must use these challenges to create opportunities,” Mustapha said, noting that the Berbice Expo provides an ideal platform for such discussions. He urged businesses participating in October’s event to go beyond simply displaying their existing products and services and instead demonstrate how innovation could improve what they produce in the future. Mustapha also reflected on the significance of the Expo reaching its 20th edition, describing the milestone as two decades of commitment by the Chamber and the wider business community.

He said the event has provided a platform where entrepreneurs can showcase their growth, businesses can develop relationships, farmers can find markets and investors can examine opportunities available in Berbice, particularly Region Six. He said entrepreneurs, farmers, manufacturers and young people must take advantage of the platforms being created, while continued investment in education, skills and human development would be critical. According to Mustapha, Berbice has the ingredients to develop into one of the country’s leading centres for agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, tourism and entrepreneurship. “Our responsibility now is to unlock that potential. It has the potential, but we have to unlock that. The Government must provide the policies and infrastructure, which we are doing. The private sector must invest. Farmers must mobilise. Entrepreneurs must innovate. Our young people must acquire new skills. And all of us must work together,” he said. He challenged the Chamber and business community to regard the milestone not simply as a celebration of the previous two decades, but as the starting point for another period of expansion. “Let this year’s Expo be more than a celebration of 20 years. Let it be the beginning of the next 20 years; 20 years of greater innovation, 20 years of stronger businesses, 20 years of expanding markets, 20 years of greater investment and, yes, 20 years of greater opportunities for the people of Berbice,” Mustapha said. Meanwhile, CCCC Treasurer Tajpaul Adjodhea disclosed that last year’s Expo featured in excess of 150 booths and indicated that interest in this year’s event is already strong. He acknowledged that space at the current venue places limitations on further expansion and expressed hope that, going forward, organisers would have access to a larger venue capable of accommodating significantly more exhibitors. Adjodhea also said the Chamber has been placing greater emphasis on showcasing Guyanese entertainment and providing local performers with the exposure they deserve. Region Six Chairman Junior Basant, who also spoke at the launch, said the Expo has long provided opportunities for businesses and residents of Berbice. He noted that the opportunities extend to small manufacturers and agro-processors, who can use the event to promote their products, establish themselves and develop relationships with larger businesses. Larger companies, he added, are also able to showcase their achievements and give patrons a better understanding of their products and services. Basant said the Expo has simultaneously developed into an important entertainment event for residents, while providing a stage for local talent. “So the Expo creates a perfect mixture of business and pleasure, all under one roof,” the Regional Chairman said as he congratulated the Chamber on reaching the 20-year milestone. The 20th Berbice Expo and Trade Fair will run from October 2 to 5 at the Rose Hall Estate Community Centre Ground, East Canje.