The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has appealed for greater consumer support of locally manufactured goods, stressing that local business growth depends on demand as much as investment and production.
GMSA President Rafeek Khan made the appeal at the launch of GuyExpo 2026 by the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry on Thursday at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, held under the theme "Creating Tomorrow's Opportunities Through Today's Investment."
He also urged established Guyanese businesses to use the expo to showcase their capabilities, connect with potential investors, distributors and strategic partners, and forge stronger linkages between small and medium-sized businesses and larger investors and distributors.
Khan pointed to the services sector, including information and communications technology and hospitality, as an area that can contribute to the broader development of the economy.
On supply chains, he said stronger collaboration among local businesses and investors can build greater resilience. While Guyana may face challenges within its own supply chains, he said, greater cooperation across the Caribbean could help countries meet more of their regional demand and create sustainable economic opportunities and greater economic independence for future generations.
Khan reaffirmed the GMSA's commitment to working with government and private-sector partners to help Guyanese businesses become more efficient and thrive.

A scene from the launch of GuyExpo 2026