By Ray Chickrie
Guyana will have a standalone pavilion at the upcoming World Expo2020 in Dubai later this year.
“Guyana will manage a pavilion and highlight its culture during a planned National Day. It is the first time at a World Expo that Guyana will manage a standalone pavilion. Guyana’s participation was aided by a US $1.5 million contribution by the government of Dubai, which covers the cost of the pavilion, outfitting, airfare, and accommodation,” a statement from the Department of Public Information (DPI), said.
Guyana, a new oil and gas frontier state is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, poised to grow by 12 percent in 2021, and 49 percent in 2022. The Caribbean country is attracting investments from the UAE, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Canada, the EU, the United States and elsewhere.
“Guyana will use the opportunity to market its tourism product and investment opportunities from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, and feature food, music, technology, art, science, culture, and numerous live events. Guyana will be participating under the theme, ‘Home of nature-Land of opportunities.’ ”
Minister for tourism, industry and commerce, Oneidge Walrond, said: “Expo2020Dubai presents tremendous opportunities for Guyana’s tourism product. This is a perfect, somewhat unrivalled opportunity for us to showcase Destination Guyana to the world. There will be millions of people traversing that venue, and there is no better time for us to market ourselves,” minister Walrond added. “We have already attracted franchises for several branded hotels, one of which has already started construction. We want to see more investment, not only in tourism but in other sectors. We also want to see investment in the other regions of our country. We want to let the world know that they are welcomed to do business here.”
Expo2020 in Dubai is also an opportunity for local tourism stakeholders to meet with potential investors to foster relationships with international operators, tourism marketers, the media, and other participants. “Several local companies will attend the expo, while others will send products to be showcased,” the statement said.
Guyana is expected to inaugurate the opening of its embassies in Abu Dhabi and Doha before the World Expo2020 commences.
