“WE are celebrating this 27th edition at a special moment. The blockade persists, intensified in recent times with absurd measures, but in any event, the Fair is not only going to be held, but will consolidate its status as one of the most important such events in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, during a press conference.
Malmierca reported that, November 3-8, more than 50 countries will be represented at this edition of the Havana International Fair (Fihav-2019) and for the first time, companies from all the provinces of the country will have exhibits in the Cuban Pavilion – a reflection of the nation’s efforts to promote exports.
As is customary, an Investment Forum will be held and the new Foreign Investment Opportunities Portfolio presented. Additionally, three events organized by Germany, Mexico, and the European Union will take place, “demonstrating the interest of the international market in investing in Cuba, despite the activation of Title III of the Helms Burton Act,” Malmierca noted.
During the Fair, the “single window” plan for international commerce will be introduced, an initiative to computerize and simplify procedures related to the country’s import-export process. Likewise, the 2019-2020 Business Directory will be presented, and other events to be held in the coming months announced.“We are expecting visits by 14 official delegations headed by Ministers and other high-ranking authorities; and we will hold 15 national days to highlight specific delegations joining us.”The efforts of the United States government to isolate us and create problems for our economy will fail, and the Fair will once again demonstrate the confidence of international business in the Cuban market,” the Minister insisted.Orlando Hernández Guillén, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba, reported that some 152 national exhibitors will participate on the Cuban side, representing more than 360 companies on the island. This time, he added, the Mariel Special Development Zone will move to its own pavilion, since more than 30 companies based in this area are participating.“We will have all provinces and all sectors of the economy present. For the first time, two non-agricultural cooperatives will promote their products through the export channels provided by the country’s state enterprises dedicated to carrying out this process,” Hernández added.More than 40 business delegations and promotional organizations from around the world will flood the ExpoCuba fairgrounds during Fihav 2019. Some seven special interest forums are being organized, as well as meetings of the Enterprise Committee.For his part, Abraham Maciques, general director of the Palco Group and member of the organizing committee, explained that 23 of the fairground’s 25 pavilions will be used. To date 15 official pavilions are planned, and the accreditation of more than 2,000 international business reps, including several from the United States.Comparing the event with previous years, he stated, “With respect to 2018, we will have the same level of participation and expect this to be a good fair, during which cooperative commercial agreements are established.”This year’s Fair will be dedicated to the 500th anniversary of Havana, and all international visitors will have the oppportunity to get to know the city through a well-planned cultural and business program, said Luis Carlos Góngora Domínguez, vice president of the directorate.“Celebrations for Havana’s anniversary will take place Tuesday, November 5. That day, the city’s Busness Forum will be held, a space to find business opportunities and present the industrial potential of Havana.”There will also be presentations of audiovisuals, books, and a whole series of collateral activities, intended to invite Fihav 2019 attendees to celebrate the city’s 500 years in the month of November,” he concluded.
(Granma)