Scores of businesses are showcasing their products and services at the Southex International Expo 2026, using the event to connect with potential customers, explore new markets and build valuable partnerships.
The annual trade show opened in South Trinidad on Wednesday.
The theme of the 36th edition of the SouthEx International Expo is ‘CHAT-GPT: Growth Potential and Transformation’.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Neville Alexander, said the Ministry continues to support local businesses through its Buy Local campaign while encouraging companies to expand into export markets.
He also outlined ongoing efforts to unlock the economic potential of the tourism sector, describing it as a key area for growth and diversification within the national economy.
“We are launching digital tools such as the Digital Attractions Directory and the Digital Festivals Directory on VisitTrinbago.TT. Alongside that, we are deploying nationwide standardised QR-coded smart signage across tourism sites to enhance our global searchability and digital experience.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of SouthEx Event Management Company, George Singh, urged local and regional businesses to stay abreast of technological advances.
“If local and regional businesses are not paying close attention to what is happening with artificial intelligence in particular, they risk becoming obsolete. In fact, industry leaders project that AI could revolutionise or eliminate up to 75% of traditional business practices within the next four to five years.”
President of the Greater San Fernando Chamber of Commerce, Kiran Singh, also noted the potential benefits of using technology.
“AI has hit us like a truck. It’s extremely visible and relevant to all of us. And the ChatGPT theme for SouthEx this year is very applicable to us, especially in the SME sector, where we become more and more heavily reliant on AI technology to guide us in the future, to guide us, especially in the corporate sector, in the office environment. It is becoming not a helping hand but a very relevant tool.”
The SouthEx International Expo 2026 began on September 30th and will run until October 4th at C3 Mall in San Fernando.