Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, announced on Wednesday that preparations are almost complete for the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo-2023 scheduled for a three-day run starting Friday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC). Minister Mustapha said this will be the event’s third iteration and the second to be hosted in Guyana. The Ministry of Agriculture and the CARICOM Secretariat are jointly overseeing the event.
Mustapha emphasized the forum’s role, stating, “As you are aware, CARICOM Heads agreed that the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo would be the appropriate mechanism to address the issue of the region’s rising food import bill and also to stimulate investments in agriculture and food production.”
He further explained that the event aims to illuminate opportunities in regional agriculture and food security strategies, emphasizing CARICOM’s potential. Mustapha also highlighted Guyana’s dedication to agricultural advancement, asserting its capability as CARICOM’s primary food provider.
Prominent speakers slated for the opening include CARICOM’s Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett; Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley; and Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The launch event will dominate the ACCC compound under a grand tent.
Minister Mustapha shared details about the exhibition, which will run daily from 10 am to 10 pm. He said all booth spaces are occupied, indicating heightened interest in the region’s agriculture. He said too that over 150 exhibitors and 80+ agro-processors are set to participate, supplemented by a farmers’ market throughout the event.
Minister Mustapha said several international agencies will participate, with delegations from Suriname, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines confirming attendance.
Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, will also present on the 2023 Low Carbon Development Strategy, linking it with agricultural goals.
Lastly, technical presentations and panels will delve into climate-smart agriculture, financing, agri-tech, and roles of women and youth in the sector.
The theme for this year’s forum is “Achieving Vision 25 by 2025”, underscoring the goal of cutting CARICOM’s food imports by 25% by 2025.
