Guyana receives great attention at Shanghai World EXPO

Guyana is showcased among 240 countries and organisations worldwide at the World Expo hosted in Shanghai, China this year.
            Guyana’s booth at the expo continues to attract considerable interest with its captivating display of the country’s unique offerings. The country’s participation is seen as a great opportunity to showcase its offerings to the world and to further strengthen bilateral ties between Guyana and China.

Display of replicas of important buildings around Georgetown

           According to a press release by the Caricom Secretariat, President Jagdeo said that, “China is the future and through our alliances with China we too become a part of the future: a future of scientific and technological excellence and cross-cultural dialogue which will be pivotal to our human development”.
            Guyana’s booth was crafted under the theme, “One people, One Nation, One Destiny”, by Guyanese designer John Fernandes with the guidance of the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce. This was excellently portrayed with a tunnel showcasing the distinctive history of Guyana’s six races.

Visitors in the Guyana Booth

The booth was divided into three sections:  The Amazon Adventure, featuring Guyana’s rich biodiversity and landscapes; Better City, Better Life; featuring historical buildings and other hotspots in Georgetown; and Industries driving the economy such as agriculture, mining and fishing.
Replicas of Amerindian huts and canoes showcasing the lifestyle of the Indigenous people were also displayed along with products of Guyana such as Indi Garam Masala and Curry Powder, Demerara Gold, and a variety of El Dorado rums.
Much interest was generated by Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, which had a specific wall designated to highlight President Jagdeo’s great work. It has attracted the attention of many environmentalists worldwide.
Guyana is being commended by many visitors for having the best booth and the visitors were also given the opportunity to win prizes through question and answer.  Among the items to be won were; bags, T-shirts, DVDS and lapel pins.

Visitors inside the tunnel displaying the six races

Guyana gained immense attention and popularity as China Central Television (CCTV), the Expo Daily Newspaper and the Shanghai Morning Post Newspaper all carried features of Guyana.
The purpose of the World Expo is to promote the exchange of ideas and development of the world economy, culture, science and technology but most importantly to serve as a meeting ground for countries worldwide to display their achievements and improve and foster foreign relations.
The event began on May, and will conclude on October 31.  According to the Expo Bureau, an estimated 70 million people are expected to visit.
The world expo is 150 years old and for the first time ever is held in a developing country.