It has been a profitable day, according to the exchanges held with participants of local development projects, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, state companies, cooperatives, creators, as well as those of the tourism system, said Luis Carlos Góngora, coordinator of programs that attends Relations Internationals and Foreign Investment in the government of Havana.

According to Góngora, the First Deputy Minister of Tourism, María del Carmen Orellana, who toured the exhibitions on the opening day, was able to appreciate diversity, potential and opportunities to achieve real linkages and agreements that truly allow this business community to grow in its productive and commercial capacity. and that it finds in tourism the recipient of that production, of those autochthonous products that tourism needs so much for its services and many of which today import from distant places and at a significant cost.

Of the 190 entities that participated, 181 reported that they had made some link with a tourism entity, showed 2,463 business intentions and entered into contracts, with the signing of some initial document, a total of 484, the government coordinator announced. .

In turn, Góngora highlighted the convenience of having a greater representation of the agricultural production sector participate, which, although it already has direct contracts with hotels, has a much higher potential, having more than thirty mini-industries for the processing of agricultural products. .

María del Pilar Macías Rutes, general director of Operations and Quality of the Ministry of Tourism, thanked the initiative and support of the Government of the capital for the organization of the round and pointed out that it is the first step to achieve then specify, make contracts and take In fact, what was discussed with the more than 90 tourism entities that participated.

As he expressed, there are many productions of the new forms of management that substitute imports and “we want to accompany them to sign contracts because in addition to substituting an import, the money generated by tourism then spills over to the national economy and does not leave the country. and that is one of the objectives of the tourism sector, to develop the industry”.

The General Director of Operations and Quality launched the invitation to participate in the Tourism Fair, which in 2023 will be held in Havana.

A few years ago, she said, to the actions in favor of her commercialization, she added a session of suppliers and finding national productions because they put us in better conditions to compete.

(Taken from Tribune of Havana)

With this decision, a total of 4,955 economic actors have been approved since the process began in September 2021. Of these, 4,846 are private MSMEs, 51 state MSMEs, and 58 non-agricultural cooperatives.

By origin, 53% are reconversions of pre-existing businesses and 47% correspond to new ventures.

In total, it is estimated that these economic actors will generate 84,405 new jobs in the economy.

Of all those approved, 129 are part of local development projects and 12 are incubated in the Science and Technology Park of Havana.

Download here: List of new MSMEs
(With information from the Ministry of Economy and Planning)

The event took place September 10 at the Hotel Nacional, with the goal of continuing to develop projects of mutual interest and address present and future challenges in the sector.

The inauguration was attended by Rubén Ramos Arrieta, vice president of Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce; Ernesto Rodríguez Hernández, deputy minister of Communications; Mayra Arevich Marín, executive president of the Cuban telecommunications state enterprise, Etecsa; and representatives from U.S. companies such as S3, C&W Networks, Liberty Latin America, Akerman, and Transfer To.

“We discussed how the process of computerization of Cuban society is advancing,” Arevich reported, “In addition, we reaffirmed the negative impact in this arena caused by the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade of Cuba, reinforced with the activation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, and also by the Cuba Internet Task Force, which seeks to obstruct efforts by Etecsa for a more computerized Cuba.

“Despite these obstacles, we continue working on the development of infrastructure to guarantee that all national entities can implement the provision of services and platforms to improve the populations’ wellbeing and economic progress,” emphasized Arevich.

For his part, Eduardo Gandarilla, vice president of sales and marketing for C&W Networks, stated that his company’s principal goal was to “continue existing collaboration between the company and Etecsa. The challenge we face is to use ICT for development. This is what Etecsa is doing with the development of telecommunications infrastructure in the country.”

IN FIGURES

- 10 agreements between Etecsa and U.S. companies implemented

- More than 60,143,000 dollars in damages to Etecsa caused by the U.S. blockade of Cuba

- 6 million Cubans have access to the internet

- 5 million cell phone lines exist in the country, including more than two million with Internet access

SOURCES: Cuban ministries of Foreign Affairs and Communications.

The corporation Viglacera, from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with extensive experience in the development and management of industrial parks, responded immediately to the invitation. After intensive talks and productive negotiations, February 28, 2018, the company was authorized to become the Zone’s first concessionaire via Decree 340.

ViMariel S.A. was officially inaugurated this past November 28, within the context of the 36th session of the Cuba-Vietnam inter-governmental group for economic and scientific-technical collaboration.

“The objective of this affiliate is to project, invest, construct, administer, and utilize the infrastructure of an industrial park in Zone 10 of the Special Development Zone’s Sector A,” explained Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, Cuban minister of Foreign Trade and Investment.

It will attract not only Vietnamese companies interested in establishing operations in the area, but also potential investors from other nations, he added.

VIMARIEL S.A. – THE ZONE’S FIRST CONCESSIONAIRE

Creating a concessionaire in Mariel is not only an important step for the Zone as a project, but also for Cuba’s objectives regarding foreign investment in general.

Located on an area of 156 hectares, ViMariel S.A. is a subsidiary of the Vietnamese corporation Viglacera. The firm will undertake a program of investments to extend the work of the Office and Cuban entities charged with developing infrastructure in Mariel, and the attraction of direct foreign investment in production and services.

“The presence of ViMariel will add high standards in construction, technology, and management, essential to Cuba’s economic and social development. This industry will be focused on construction materials, heavy industry, packaging and wrapping, the production of articles for personal and domestic use, the bio-pharmaceutical industry, and logistics activity,” commented Ana Teresa Igarza, general director of the Special Development Zone, in previous statements to Granma International.

ViMariel is just beginning construction of its facilities, and has already signed a contract with EnPromoulds, a company that manufactures plastic molds and a future investor in the industrial park.

The new concession, awarded for a 50-year term, involves a scheduled series of projects funded with Vietnamese capital that will begin in 2019 and continue over the next five years, to build roads and communications networks, as well as water and electrical distribution systems.

Pham Hong Ha, Vietnamese minister of Construction, emphasized during the inauguration that the first portion of the project should be ready by the final months of 2019.

CUBA & VIETNAM

Vietnam is today among the countries with the greatest presence in the Mariel Special Development Zone.

“The creation of this first concessionaire will open a new stage in the development of the Special Zone and is a milestone for the opportunities it offers Vietnamese and other investors. In addition, it is an example of the intention of both governments to work to strengthen bilateral relations in the economic sphere,” Igarza stated.

Minister Malmierca said that the company will provide a successful example of construction projects undertaken with Vietnamese capital and a clear demonstration of the special nature of bilateral relations shared by the two countries.

He thanked the government and important Vietnamese companies for their interest in investing in Cuba, not only in Mariel, but in other parts of the country, as well. He added that these firms will have a significant impact on the country’s economic development and allow Cuban professionals to acquire experience from the Vietnamese in a priority sector like construction.

The establishment of ViMariel S.A. further strengthens relations between the two countries, united for years by ties of cooperation, solidarity, and brotherhood. The friendship between the two peoples, parties, and governments was initiated by

Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro and Comrade Ho Chi Minh, and is today reflected in economic, commercial, and scientific cooperation that the two countries intend to expand.

(Granma)

According to a note from the Cuban embassy, the businessmen the diplomat spoke to belong to companies that have contracts with the Caribbean country, especially in the transport sector.

Last year, this type of companies took more than one million passengers from North American territory to Cuba, the text recalled.

In addition to the meeting with businessmen, Cabañas spoke with Cuban-Americans who are interested in the future of bilateral relations and answered questions about the Cuban election process.

He also referred to the consular service that the embassy keeps offering despite not having enough staff.

The ambassador reiterated the importance of this dialogue when more and more sectors are concerned about the decline in the relationship between the two countries, the note said.

(Prensa Latina)

The meeting, organized by the island’s embassy in this country and the Italy-Cuba Business Committee, will be held at the national headquarters of Confesercenti, an association of small, medium-sized businesses of industry, commerce, services, crafts and tourism.

Confersercenti gathers about 350,000 companies with nearly one million workers and its structure brings together 70 professional federations, 20 regional headquarters, 120 provincial and more than 1,000 premises.

Prior to the presentation, the delegation of the Caribbean nation led by Oscar Pérez-Oliva, MSDZ’s Business Assessment Director, will hold bilateral meetings with representatives of important firms of the industrial sector.

Before Rome, the members of the Caribbean delegation visited Padua, where they met with entrepreneurs from that northern Italian city in a meeting in which ambassador, José Carlos Rodríguez, and commercial counselor, Emma Liens, also participated.

The visit to that important Italian economic center in the Veneto region was sponsored by Promex, an entity of the Chamber of Commerce of that city, specialized in advising and supporting companies interested in opening up to the international market.

The MSDZ is an area with a special regime and policies to promote the sustainable economic development of the nation through foreign investment, technological innovation and industrial concentration.

Its objective is to increase exports, achieve import substitution and establish new sources of employment, in constant synergy with the domestic economy. In this area, businesses are promoted in the industrial, agricultural, metal-mechanic, tourist and other sectors authorized by Cuban laws, based on clean technologies and the production of value-added goods and services based on knowledge and innovation.

(Prensa Latina) 

“The Havana International Fair (FIHAV) continues to consolidate itself today as a highly representative, multisectorial trade event in Latin America and the Caribbean,” stated Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, upon inaugurating the event October 30.

Malmierca reported that since the last edition of the fair, a significant number of foreign capital businesses have been approved, in strategic sectors of the economy such as renewable energy, tourism, construction, mining and oil exploration, together with financial services and industry, especially the light, food processing, and sugar industries.

In terms of foreign investment, there has been modest progress as regards the materialization of new businesses, both inside and outside the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM), as well as reinvestments in several of the existing projects, the minister noted.

He added that, so far this year, businesses have been established for a total committed capital amount of more than 2 billion dollars. In addition, several projects are in the advanced stage of negotiations, with real possibilities to be approved before the end of the year.

Attending the FIHAV 3017 opening ceremony were Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, a vice president of the Council of Ministers and minister of Economy and Planning; Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, member of the Party Political Bureau and general secretary of the Cuban Workers’ Federation (CTC); ministers of various sectors of the economy and other government authorities.
BUSINESS NEGOTIATIONS

This 35th edition of the Fair brought together some 3,400 exhibitors and saw the presence of Cuba’s main trading partners: Venezuela, Russia, China and Spain; the latter being the most represented country.

This high level of participation demonstrates the consolidation of the event as a space to exchange knowledge and trends, to meet suppliers, potential importers and distributors.

Some 250 bilateral meetings were held between Cuban and foreign businesspeople from more than 30 countries as part of this year’s edition. In addition, the different pavilions of the ExpoCuba fairgrounds held “national days” for several participating countries, and saw presentations of products and services, business sessions, the launch of the ProCuba website and the presentation of the 2017-2019 Cuba Business Directory.

The unveiling of the Russian stand was attended by Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca; Georgy Kalamanov, Russian deputy minister of Industry and Trade; and Mikhail Kamynin, ambassador of the sister nation on the island.

Kamynin highlighted the political support from both countries to carry out projects in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, health, and transport, especially rail; and also for those to come in the agricultural sector, maritime transport, and civil aviation.

On the Cuban side, Malmierca stressed that the country is confident that the ties between the two nations will be strengthened going forward. He emphasized that the island faces a difficult moment due to the recent damage caused by Hurricane Irma, but that it has received international support from, among others, the Russian government. He also noted that the results of the recent session of the Cuba-Russia Intergovernmental Commission were satisfactory, and in turn allowed for the deepening of ties of friendship.

Under the slogan “CubaIndustria 2018 on the path to sustainable and viable industrial development,” the third edition of the International Convention and Exhibition of the Cuban Industry (CubaIndustria) was announced, to take place June 18-23, 2018. The event presentation was attended by José Gaspar Álvarez Sandoval, vice minister of Industries, other ministry officials and diplomatic representatives of countries with commercial and cooperation interests.

This will be a propitious opportunity for scientific exchange; the strengthening of technological associations between national and foreign industries; the creation of exportable goods lines; and the consolidation of national production.

(Granma)

Cuban businesspeople and researchers linked to the industrial sector, and those from other countries, were invited to participate in CubaIndustria 2018, to present their professional contributions and commercial samples. These efforts will contribute to greater integration and cooperation among all industry stakeholders.

FIHAV also saw discussions on the strategic development of Cuban industry, which will allow for the consolidation of this sector’s participation in the country’s most significant projects, according to the plan designed through the year 2030.

“This is the most important specialized event in Cuban industry, that permits exchanges on sector modernization projects, and undoubtedly contributes to the consolidation of technological alliances and business projections, with which productive chains will materialize that will allow us to offer competitive products and services, contributing to import substitution and generating new sources of exports,” stated Álvarez Sandoval regarding the upcoming event.

It is important to highlight that Cubaindustria 2018, like previous editions, will cover the continuity of events related to recycling, packaging, and machine tools, as well as technological management and organizational innovation, quality management and environmental protection, congresses on the chemical industry, electronics and automation, the fashion industry, furniture, interior design, among others.

Meanwhile, Yamilé Herrera Fuentes, senior specialist in Business Management of the Grupo de la Electrónica (Electronics Group), explained that the company will be participating in Cubaindustria 2018, as the event will contribute to the development and incorporation of the achievements and innovations based on the eight development lines that the group is currently pursuing.

“We are very focused on the policy that the country is working on today in terms of its development strategy. Foreign companies join us as technological allies,” Herrera added.

Among the main markets with which the Electronics Group hopes to be associated are the Chinese, Russian, and European.

“We are at FIHAV with the objective of improving external financing, foreign investment, and to develop our entire industrial system based on the workforce that we have here today, which is very valuable and permits the development of our country,” the specialist concluded.

CUBA AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET

Cuba currently faces financial constraints, mainly caused by the declining prices of its exportable goods in the international market; difficulties experienced by some of its main trading partners; and the tightening of the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade.

Added to this are the impacts of phenomena such as the drought, and the recent Hurricane Irma, which have led to multi-million dollar losses.

In this context, Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz stressed that despite this situation, Cuba has continued to comply with its commitments resulting from the restructuring of its external debt, agreed with its main creditors, and reiterated the government’s determination to continue honoring these obligations.
The Second Investment Forum was also inaugurated with the presence of more than 180 participants from 33 countries. Photo: Ricardo López Hevia

However, he explained that due to the temporary restrictions in hard currency liquidity, Cuban enterprises have been unable to keep up-to-date with current payments to their suppliers. Malmierca thanked those present for the confidence placed in the Cuban market, and reiterated the intention to resolve this situation as soon as possible, for which multiple efforts are ongoing.

He highlighted the country’s commitment in recent years to the development of prioritized investments, and the significant work done to achieve superior results in priority sectors and infrastructure, in order to stimulate the growth of exports and services.

“These efforts are redoubled, to advance in the updating of the economic, political, and social model in accordance with the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines for the 2016-2021 period, the Conceptualization of the Cuban Model, and the bases of the Social and Economic Development Plan through 2030,” Malmierca noted.

As such, he added that he was very satisfied with the participation of Latin America and the Caribbean in this year’s Fair, reflecting the goal of increasing regional economic ties and strengthening integration.
SECOND INVESTMENT FORUM AND PORTFOLIO OF OPPORTUNITIES

Foreign investment is a source of economic development and an essential part of the strategy currently undertaken by Cuba. Today, unlike in previous years, it ceases to be a complement, and has become an essential part of the Cuban economy.

The 2017-2018 Portfolio of Foreign Investment Opportunities was presented on the second day of FIHAV. Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, began the presentation by explaining to participants the advantages of investing in a country like Cuba.

He noted the importance of having a well-defined general and sectoral policy, as well as a safe and transparent body of law, that fosters a stable climate for foreign personnel. He also highlighted the relevance of Cuba’s strategic position, a government policy that prioritizes innovation and research, and the maintenance of basic infrastructure that allows any investor to develop in the Cuban market.

This edition of the portfolio, which the minister assured is more comprehensive than the previous, will increase the diversity of the market in line with general and sectoral policies, design opportunities that generate productive chains, and provide greater knowledge about the businesses that the island intends to attract.

A total of 156 projects, representing investment of three billion dollars, have been added to the Portfolio, 29 of which are located in the Mariel Special Development Zone. The investment required for 22 projects has been adjusted, and others have been removed as they have already materialized, or are in the advanced stages of negotiations. According to feasibility studies, insurance projects are incorporated in the financial sector, the sectoral policy is updated, and the policy for the water sector is broadened, in response to the country’s drought situation.

“In total, this portfolio has 456 projects for a capital amount of 10.7 billion dollars. The projects are distributed throughout the country and reflect the bases of the National Development Plan through 2030,” noted Malmierca.

He added that although limitations persist that negatively affect these objectives, such as those resulting from the blockade, the country’s dual currency, and liquidity restrictions, there continue to be others that also depend on Cuba, and slow progress. Among the most visible, he mentioned the delays in the preparation of studies, in compliance with procedures, and a lack of training in Cuban entities.

However, he noted that despite the difficulties, progress has been made. Since the passing of the Foreign Investment Law in 2014, 22 reinvestments, 25 new businesses in the Mariel Special Development Zone, and 85 more outside it, have been approved, with companies from more than 20 countries.

“Right now, there are 80 projects in the negotiation phase with real possibilities of materializing, of them, 15 are in a very advanced stage of negotiation and could be approved before the end of the year, for an investment amount of over one billion dollars,” Malmierca reported.

The Second Investment Forum was also inaugurated on the second day of FIHAV, with the presence of more than 180 participants from 33 countries. The space helped to bring together foreign investors and their Cuban counterparts, in order to facilitate and expedite negotiation processes.
RENEWED OPPORTUNITIES AT FIHAV

The 35th edition of the Havana International Fair coincided with the vote in the UN General Assembly on the Resolution presented by Cuba entitled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.” As every year, the report on the resolution released prior to the vote was endorsed by the majority of countries.

In the context of the Fair, and regarding announcements made by the President of the United States on June 16, Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz stated: “The decisions of the President of the United States of America ignore the interests of broad sectors of that nation, especially of the U.S. business community that, in spite of the obstacles imposed by their government, is still interested in developing business with Cuba.”

An example of this was the contract signed between U.S. company COABANA TRADING and Cuban entity Cubaexport for the sale of vegetable charcoal to the U.S.
The agreement was signed November 1, by COABANA TRADING President Craig Litherlan, and Isabel O’ Reilly, director general of the Cuban enterprise, who noted that this is the second such contract between the two parties, and demonstrates the success of the product.
She noted that this second 40 ton shipment, which follows on from the first made at the beginning of this year, is set to be exported in early December.
Meanwhile, Litherlan expressed his hope that trade relations continue to grow and expand to include other products, such as coffee and honey, which Cubaexport is fully capable of supplying; according to representatives from the organization.

In this sense, Malmierca Díaz also insisted that the Havana International Fair is an example of how despite the efforts of the U.S. government to tighten the blockade and seek to isolate Cuba, the country continues to arouse growing interest as a destination for foreign investment.

Cuba is currently trying to attract capital, and although aware that this is a gradual process, it is clear that there are signs of modest progress. The government continues to promote compliance with its foreign investment policy by including measures that will facilitate the development of businesses based in the country, and the training of workers in the business sector is ongoing, the minister added.

“Cuba will continue to insist on the importance of increasing the agility and proactivity of Cuban enterprises, to successfully conclude negotiations. Today, new business opportunities are being studied in accordance with the country’s priorities.

“The intention is to diversify the links with potential foreign partners and not depend on a single market. We are open to interested investors and companies, to support them in their efforts,” Malmierca insisted.

Over more than three decades, the Havana International Fair has established itself as a productive space for exchanges, business opportunities, commercial ties and the exploration of new markets. This edition was no exception and also confirmed the growth and value of an event of this magnitude for the Cuban economy, especially in the face of the changes taking place in the country.

The Fair helped to promote the outlined objectives in terms of external economic policy, to diversify foreign ties and expand the path forward for Cuban business.

The presentation, this November 4, of over 40 exportable products and 30 services by the University of Computer Sciences (UCI), reflects the country’s aim of increasingly inserting itself into the international market and promoting innovation.

Academic and publishing services, as well as the development of multimedia products, data management systems, industrial computing, and business solutions, feature among offers by the UCI, which hopes to become a high-tech digital city with a staff of some 20,000 people, according to Miriam Nicado García, a member of the Party Political Bureau and rector of the institution.

National Chile and UK day are also taking place during the final event of Fihav 2016, where interest in continuing to expand trade ties, in accordance with the economic transformations taking place in the country, is being reaffirmed.

Cuba’s exportable goods and services portfolio is set to be presented today, before the closing ceremony in Havana’s Convention Center.

(Granma)

Such is the case with Spain, Russia, France, Italy, and Japan, who have expanded their participation in the most important trade fair in the Caribbean.

Spain returns as the best represented country at Fihav 2016, with more than 150 companies, 39 of which are participating for the first time, occupying five pavilions of the traditional venue ExpoCuba’s total of 25.

The Spanish ambassador in Cuba, Juan Francisco Montalbán, spoke of his country’s interest in becoming a fundamental trade partner for the island, which is Spain’s fourth largest market in Latin America, surpassed only by Mexico, Brazil and Chile.

The diplomat praised the development of Cuban tourism, which is no doubt the force driving other sectors of the economy, he noted, and also referred to recent visits to the island by Presidents of the Spanish autonomous regions of Valencia and Murcia, which have given a regional impulse to relations between the two nations.

Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Ileana Núñez, explained that, at the close of 2015, Spain was once again the country’s third most important trade partner. The value of commercial exchange has surpassed one billion euros for the past four consecutive years, she reported.

The Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade’s advisory delegate, Francisco Javier Garzón, emphasized that, since 2011, a 50% increase in exports from Spain to Cuba has been seen, and the quality of products exhibited at Fihav has improved as well, he said, noting that a broad variety of economic sectors are participating in the fair this year, highlighting food processing, hotels, and logistic services.

Three new participants from Africa

Ethiopia, Gabon and Tanzania are making their debuts at Fihav 2016, and the official introduction of Ethiopia, a country undertaking an economic transformation as well, was scheduled on the first day of the event.

During the round of negotiations that were part of the country’s welcome, Antonio Luis Carricarte, first deputy minister at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment (Mincex), thanked Ethiopia for its presence, noting that it is a country that has collaborated with Cuba in the healthcare sector.

Carricarte emphasized that economic and trade relations between the two nations are insignificant in comparison to the historic ties of struggle that unite the African nation with Cuba.

Ethiopian ambassador in Cuba, Dawano Kedir Haji, called for studies of the potential for collaboration between the two nations and referred, for example, to the metallurgical industry which his country has developed.

Following the introductions, business people from Cuba and Ethiopia met to exchange information about the functioning of their respective societies and economies.

Cuba and Russia strengthen ties

Cuba and Russia reaffirmed their intention to continue strengthening economic and commercial ties during the October 31 inauguration of the pavilion hosting exhibits presented by businesses from the Eurasian country.

Attending this years’ fair are a dozen Russian companies and corporations interested in investing here, based on the possibilities now available as a consequence of the new Foreign Investment Law.

Georgi Kalamanov, deputy minister of Industry and Trade for the Russian Federation, spoke during the opening, saying he was very pleased to be attending one of the Caribbean and Latin America’s largest business events.

With Ricardo Cabrisas, a Council of Ministers vice president and minister of Economy and Planning; Orlando Hernández Guillén, president of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce; and Mijail Kamynin, Moscow’s ambassador in Havana, in attendance, Kalamanov emphasized that his country’s involvement in key sectors of the Cuban economy have contributed to modernization, noting Russia’s investment in the country’s railroads and the sugar industry.

He said that a number of Russian companies are looking to sign agreements during the fair.

Rodrigo Malmierca reported that Cuban and Russian business leaders will examine new investment opportunities during the fair, as well as sectors in which economic ties could be broadened.

He likewise indicated that, as a result of inter-governmental commission meetings held, Moscow has granted Cuba credit to finance the erection of four electrical generators, and for the expansion and modernization of the country’s José Martí Steel Works.

During the day, an agreement for the supply of equipment was signed by the Russian radio research institute, Vniira S.A and the Cuban state enterprise Aviaimport, for the purpose of improving airport services on the island. A Strategic cooperation agreement in the sugar industry was also signed by

the Azuimport and Ruselprom companies.

Yutiong betting on clean energy

The friendship shared by China and Cuba has been extended to their enterprises who see each other as reliable partners. The Yutong company is looking to be in the vanguard of clean energy in Cuba, and brought to the fair a model electric bus that produces zero greenhouse gases.

With more than 10 years experience in Cuba, the giant motor vehicle company has become part of the people’s everyday life. Since its arrival, close to 7,000 of its buses have transported millions of persons every day, thus contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

In an effort to increase its presence and prestige in the national market, Yutong arrived at the fair with seven model buses, the most noteworthy being an electric-powered one, the first of its kind seen in Cuba. This novel vehicle has a capacity of 90 passengers, seated or standing, and can travel 250 to 300 km without recharging its batteries, at a speed of 69 km/h.

Yutong Vice President Hu Feng-ju stated that his company has studied the country’s specific conditions and is currently designing a bus for the Cuban market, adding that the company is in a position to supply all the vehicles of this type the country may need.

He said that Yutong is aware of efforts being made in Cuba to care for the environment, and was therefore inspired to launch the new electric bus here, where it takes on a special meaning.

For his part Enrique Martínez Hernández, director general of the Evelio Prieto bus production enterprise, located in Guanajay, told Granma that this model will be put to the test in Havana, to determine its benefits and possibilities.

He noted that Cuba is looking to use the bus differently than it is used in China, where batteries are recharged on the traditional electric grid, explaining, “We’re thinking about utilizing recharging techniques based on solar energy or other types of renewable resources that would truly allow us to save fuel.”

He indicated that during the last ten years, his company has worked on the assembly of 1,000 Yutong buses, and is looking to train personnel and prepare to jointly produce and develop vehicles of this type in the future, with partners like the Chinese company and others with novel technology.

Regarding the manufacturing of Diana buses, a task the Evelio Prieto company has undertaken, Martínez explained that 600 should be produced this year, the highest figure since 1991, in an effort to respond to the country’s transportation problem.

Japanese experience shared

More than 400 years after the first contact between Japan and Cuba, the Asian country is attending Fihav 2016 with its largest delegation ever, to promote economic relations.

According to the head of Japan’s foreign trade organization (Jetro), Hiroyuki Ishige, this is the first time the country’s businesses have filled an entire pavilion at the fair.

Now that Cuba has entered a new stage in its development, he said, Japan is hoping to play an important role in the growing economy, and as a reflection of this intention, Jetro and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding.

Likewise, Mincex Deputy Minister Ileana Núñez Mordoche confirmed the interest of Japanese companies in such sectors as energy, tourism, construction, infrastructure, industry, and transport, adding, “Today, no obstacles exist to progress in our commercial and economic ties, thus our efforts should be directed toward taking advantage of the strengths and potential of each country, with the goal of taking these ties to a higher level.”

For his part, Japan’s ambassador to Cuba, Masaru Watanabe invited all present to the inauguration of the country’s pavilion to appreciate the experience and discipline of Japanese companies, and the high quality of their technology.

The diplomat emphasized that Cuba will find in Japan reliable partners to establish win-win relations, and noted the presence of prestigious companies like Hitachi High Tec, Sumitomo, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Marubeni and Mayekawa.

(Granma)

The long-term aim is to diversify commercial ties and explore existing potential, stated Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Economic Cooperation, Ramón Gordils, speaking at the opening session of the event held in Havana’s Ho­tel Nacional.

Also the President of Venezuela’s Foreign Trade Bank (Bancoex), Gordils stated that the event, which also saw the participation of Venezuelan Ambassador to Cuba Alí Ro­drí­guez Araque, coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, which is why it was decided to include a program to promote business in the agreement’s annual plan.

Meanwhile, the President of Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce, Orlando Hernández Gui­l­lén, noted the country’s interest in strengthening commercial relations to the same level of political ties.

He also commented on Venezuela’s growing presence at the Havana International Trade Fair, while also noting the desire of businesses from that nation to occupy a larger space within the Cuban market.

Speaking to Granma shortly before the Cuba-Venezuela Business Mission began, Hernández Guillén noted that the forum aims to strengthen and promote ties between Venezuela’s public and private business sector and Cuban entities.

Hernández Guillén described the strong governmental ties developed over many years as a result of the Cooperation Agreement; also noting that efforts are currently underway to strengthen relations in the spheres of health, construction, industry, and chemicals, among others.
The event also saw the participation of many Venezuelan businesses for the first time, despite having long-standing links with the island, such as a subsidiary affiliated with Petró­leos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) of 44 companies across sectors such as construction.

PDVSA Vice President of Industrial Development Valmore González noted that despite being the entity’s first visit to the island, representatives hope to develop relations and diversify sources of revenue by supplying equipment and resources, for example.
González also noted that he represents three joint enterprises in Venezuela, and two in Cuba, a cement manufacturing entity in Santiago and the other for mortars in Artemisa.

He also noted Cuba’s potential for exports to Venezuela, supported by the two countries’ long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation.
For his part, representative of the company Zoe Automotriz, Alfredo Hernández, stated that he hoped to establish ties with Cuban entities interested in the group’s line of cleaning products.

Hernández, whose company sells detergent, bleach-free, anti-bacterial cleaning products, and disinfectant welcomed the establishment of long-lasting, feasible, and mutually beneficial businesses.

(Granma)