CUBA has signed trade contracts worth approximately $150 million at the Havana Trade Fair, according to Abraham Maciques, president of the organizing committee for FIHAV 2009, in his closing remarks during the Thursday night awards ceremony at the International Convention Center.

Contracts listed by Maciques included four for international economic association with Russia covering hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation.

Maciques added that the fair had brought together 3,901 exhibitors, representing 1,270 companies in 54 countries — five more than the last edition. "That shows the interest and confidence of foreign businesspeople in the Cuban market, which will be able to keep its promises," he said.

"We deeply appreciate the confidence demonstrated by attendance at this fair, despite the economic situation that the world is going through, and the persistence of the U.S. blockade. Our country will continue advancing and for that, it is counting on your cooperation," he affirmed.

At the ceremony, Cuban and foreign companies received prizes for different categories. Cuba received 10 gold medals for the quality of its products. Others awarded included the Panama stand, the Russian and Brazilian pavilions, and the Cuban company ETECSA, which won the grand prize for integral communication. Spain was the most-represented country and Sri Lanka, the country which participated for the first time. During the ceremony, it was announced that FIHAV 2010 is to take place from November 1 to 6.

Presiding over the ceremony were Commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, vice president of the Council of Ministers and minister of informatics and communications, and Yadira García Vera, minister of basic industry, both members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party; Ricardo Cabrisas, vice president of the Council of Ministers, and Rodrigo Malmierca, minister of foreign trade and investment.