With the aim of promoting Cuban exports and the presentation of the second version of the island’s portfolio of foreign investment opportunities, the 33rd edition of the Havana International Trade Fair – Fihav 2015, will take place from November 2-7 in the Expocuba exhibition centre.
Speaking at a press conference on October 12, Rodrigo Malmierca, minister of Foreign Trade and Investment stated that companies from more than 70 countries will participate in the event taking place over a 20,000 square meter exposition space, greater than that of last year’s edition.
”The broad participation of foreign businesses demonstrates the obsolete character of the U.S. government’s policy to isolate Cuba with the continued imposition of the economic, commercial and financial blockade,” highlighted the minister.
For his part, Abraham Maciques, president of the Palco Business Group noted that this year’s edition of the fair is the largest to be held in over a decade and will see the participation of 10 more countries than in 2014.
He also added that featuring among nations participating for the first time are the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait; and that others such as Panama and Canada have requested larger exposition spaces.
”Venezuela has also made important investments and has redesigned its pavilion, with well presented products and modern technology,” added Maciques. He reported that over 900 companies are scheduled to participate, 300 of which are Cuban, and that work is currently underway to erect pavilions and transfer merchandise.
Malmierca emphasized that on Tuesday, November 3, in addition to presenting the country’s investment portfolio, the island’s foreign trade partners will also be offered tools which will serve both Cuban and foreign entities.
Also president of the event organizing committee, Malmierca added that 30 high-level international delegations have expressed their interest in participating in the fair, including an important group led by ministers.
”I believe that we are once again creating the conditions so that this event might help to not only promote opportunities for trade and investment in Cuba, but also exchanges with other countries,” he stated.
Like in previous years, a little over 25 U.S. companies will be represented at the event, demonstrating the willingness of the North American business community to engage in trade with Cuba. “The measures approved by President Obama in January and September are moving in the right direction, but are still insufficient. The main impacts of the blockade continue to affect us, which is why we must continue to denounce it,” he noted.
According to Or lando Hernández Guillén, president of Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce, the island’s pavilion will cover a 5,000 square meter exposition area, with 121 stands representing over 360 national entities.
(Diario Granma)