Exhibitors prepare for Expo 2001

Expo 2001 officially opened this evening as exhibitors made their final preparations for the public’s attendance on Saturday and Sunday. The sixth annual trade show, which affords Belizeans a chance to see, sample and buy a wide array of locally made goods, is being held at the S.J.C. gymnasium in Belize City. In his opening address Industry Minister Johnny Briceno congratulated all those involved in supporting the event.

Johnny Briceno, Minister of Trade

“It is a showcase of the vision on Belizean entrepreneurs. It is a showcase of the productivity of the Belizean worker. It is a showcase of the result of good representative government at work. Since being elected three years ago, our government has slashed red tape, lowered taxes, and provides economic and administrative incentives to expand our economy as never before. The exhibits here are testimony to that. Expose exponential growth during the last three years, is the surest indication of the wisdom of our government’s economic policies. Founded in 1996, Expo has grown to be the largest trade show in the country. Indeed, attendance of up to ten thousand visitors during its two-day run, is second only to the National Agricultural Show. I think that says a lot about how our people view commerce and industry. Your displays of locally produced furniture, processed foods, home products and crafts, coupled with financial, telecommunication, information technology services, really show a wide range of expertise, home-grown, I must add, available in Belize.”

The public is invited to visit Expo 2001 on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is two dollars for adults and one for children.